Red Seal Bricklayer Practice Exam

Keeping masonry wet for a few days is a recommended method for curing because it helps to ensure that the cement specifically in the mortar or concrete achieves its intended strength and durability. Proper hydration is essential for the chemical reactions that take place within the cement to form strong bonds between the aggregates, thus leading to a solid and resilient structure.

This wet curing method prevents the moisture from evaporating too quickly, which can otherwise lead to cracking and weak spots in the finished masonry. The duration of a few days allows sufficient time for the hydration process, promoting optimal strength development.

The other options present methods that are not as effective or beneficial for curing masonry. Covering it with plastic for a month can be excessive and may lead to condensation problems. Leaving it exposed to air causes rapid drying, which can result in cracks due to uneven moisture loss. Using a heat lamp may expedite drying but poses the risk of overheating and causing thermal damage to the materials. Thus, keeping the masonry wet for a few days emerges as the most effective method for proper curing.