Red Seal Concrete Finisher Practice Exam

What is the recommended action if the concrete begins to harden before finishing?

1. Leave it and finish later

2. Discard the mix

3. Apply a chemical to delay setting

4. Finish immediately to avoid roughness

The correct answer is: Finish immediately to avoid roughness

When concrete begins to harden before finishing, it is crucial to address it immediately to achieve the desired smooth surface and finish quality. The appropriate action in this context is to finish immediately to avoid roughness. As concrete sets, its workability diminishes, and it can develop surface imperfections or roughness if not adequately finished during the suitable timeframe. Finishing techniques, such as troweling or floating, applied while the concrete is still workable, help to ensure a uniformly smooth surface and mitigate any potential texture issues. If the finishing is not handled promptly, the hardened surface may not respond effectively to any additional finishing techniques, and the end product could be subpar. In addition, delaying finishing can lead to more effort later to correct imperfections that could have been managed initially. This approach helps maintain quality and aesthetic standards in concrete work, which is integral to the responsibilities of a concrete finisher.