If you’re looking to pour concrete, you may have wondered if your local climate will affect your sidewalks, driveways, patios, and more. While you can pour concrete in cold and hot weather, it’s necessary to take precaution to ensure it cures properly.
If you pour when it’s too cold or too hot – the concrete will be brittle or cracked. If you let it cure when it’s too cold or too hot – your concrete will not be as durable.
Learn more about the process and whether you should hire professional help.
The strength and durability of concrete is dependent on how hydrated it is as it is mixed, poured, and cured. If it’s too cold, then the water particles will freeze and the concrete will crack… If it’s too hot, then the concrete will become dry and brittle… Therefore, the ideal temperature for pouring concrete is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
When concrete is poured in cold weather, the water particles freeze. When it freezes, the water particles expand causing cracking. Here are some things you can do if you’re pouring in cold weather:
When concrete is poured in hot weather, the water particles evaporate. Without enough water, the concrete will be dry and brittle. Here are some things you can do if you’re pouring in hot weather:
Equally important is curing in cold weather. Here are a few things you can do to cure in cold weather properly:
Once concrete has been poured, it’s important for it to remain at a temperature above 50 degrees for at least two days. Make sure you’re using heated enclosures to protect your concrete from the elements.
If you pour when weather is too hot, your concrete will be brittle. If it’s too cold, then it may freeze and cause cracking. In either case, you want to pour in about 50 degrees temperature. However, given your local climate, that may not be an option. There are tools you can use to ensure your concrete is durable for years to come including using windbreakers, insulation, and more to fight the elements.
Laying concrete regardless of weather requires skill, knowledge, and experience. Making a mistake mixing, pouring, or curing concrete can leave you with a weaker final product.
At Sam The Concrete Man, we have 30+ years of experience pouring concrete and helping improve the homes of thousands of homeowners in the U.S. Regardless of your local climate, we can handle your project.
For more questions about pouring in hot or cold weather, comment below. If you’re looking to pour some concrete, find your local Sam The Concrete Man or send us a message.
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