A Brief Guide To Cold Weather Concrete Pouring
Concrete is one of the most versatile materials available on the market today. A ready mix concrete can be used to create everything from structural pilings to driveways. It's impossible to control when your concrete will sustain damage or when you will need a new concrete structure.
Ideally, concrete structures will be poured during the warm summer months. Warm temperatures and dry weather create ideal conditions for concrete to set properly. If you need to pour concrete in cold weather, you will need to take extra precautions to ensure the integrity of the finished product.
Thaw the Ground
You don't have to worry about the state of the soil when you are pouring concrete in summer. In cold weather, the condition of the soil can make a difference when it comes to the longevity of the concrete structure.
You should never pour concrete over frozen ground. The concrete could settle when the ground thaws, creating serious structural flaws. Use heaters to eliminate any snow or ice on the ground's surface and thaw the soil prior to beginning your concrete project.
Control Temperatures During Curing
Winter weather can be unpredictable. You may experience mild temperatures one day, only to have the thermostat dip below freezing the next. Pouring concrete in cold weather requires you to plan ahead for temperature regulation during the curing process.
You can utilize insulation blankets or heated enclosures to keep your poured concrete from freezing before it has had a chance to cure fully. A premature freeze will make the concrete brittle and more susceptible to damage when put to use in the future.
Watch Your Mix Ratio
Ready mix concrete is created by combining a pre-made aggregate mix with water. The aggregate to water ratio that is used can vary based on the specifications of the project at hand.
When you are pouring concrete in cold weather, you need to keep the water content to a minimum. A low water to aggregate ratio will help reduce bleeding and decrease the amount of time required for the concrete to fully set.
Don't let cold weather stop you from completing important concrete projects. With a little extra planning and preparation, cold-weather concrete can be just as durable and strong as concrete poured during the warmer months.
Thaw the area where you plan to pour your concrete, control temperatures during curing, and minimize water use to ensure your cold-weather concrete project goes smoothly.