Photo: Yan Krukau

Can you pour concrete in November?

Additionally, if temperatures reach below 40 °F (but not freezing) during set time, concrete will take much longer to reach required strength. However, if the correct measures are taken, concrete can still be successfully placed during even the coldest months of the year.

powerblanket.com - Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather: How Cold is Too Cold?

What wood is stronger than oak?

As you can see in the accompanying graph, rock maple is the hardest of these four hardwoods - about 15% harder than red oak, which ranks second....

Last updated Jun 23, 2019

What is a drawback of stone foundations?

Due to their composition and lack of uniformity, stone foundations are more likely to have problems when mortar crumbles due to water, bowing, or...

Last updated Aug 19, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Experts agree that the best temperature to pour concrete is between 50-60 °F. The necessary chemical reactions that set and strengthen concrete slow significantly below 50 °F and are almost non-existent below 40 °F. Even when daytime temperatures are within the satisfactory range, winter concrete setting creates risks that could result in weak, inadequate concrete. If nighttime temperatures are below freezing, the water in the concrete will freeze and expand, causing cracks. Additionally, if temperatures reach below 40 °F (but not freezing) during set time, concrete will take much longer to reach required strength. However, if the correct measures are taken, concrete can still be successfully placed during even the coldest months of the year.

Things to Consider with Cold Weather Concreting

Before embarking on a cold weather concrete project, it’s important to determine any special strength requirements or considerations. This will help as you schedule your pouring and determine which strategies you will use to keep your surroundings and materials warm. The predominant challenge you will face during a winter concrete project is ensuring that the concrete sets before it is exposed to freezing temperatures. You might take the following suggestions into consideration as you plan your upcoming project:

Use heaters to thaw frozen ground, snow or ice.

Use hot water to mix cement.

Keep dry materials in a dry, warm location.

Use products designed to set quickly. During cold weather, these products will not set as quickly as the instructions may indicate, but will set faster than conventional materials. Use additives that accelerate set time. Use caution; if additives contain calcium chloride, any rebar or metal wire mesh in concrete will rust and cause concrete to crack. Use extra cement (typically 100 lb/ cubic yard) to make the reaction hotter and cause concrete to hydrate more rapidly. Remember that you still need to wait for bleed water to evaporate. Incorporating the water into the surface during finishing will weaken the surface. Bleeding starts later and takes longer during cold weather; you can use squeegees or a vacuum to remove water quickly. Wait until concrete has reached desired strength to remove any framework. If the framework is removed too early, the concrete will be damaged and the surface could collapse.

Maintaining Ideal Temperature

After implementing the above suggestions, It’s important to consider how you will keep concrete at the correct temperature during the curing process. Concrete must maintain a temperature above 50 °F for approximately 48 hours for the correct chemical reactions to take place. Two popular options used during cold weather concrete curing are heated enclosures and insulated blankets. If using an enclosure, ensure that the structure is both wind and waterproof. Additionally, ensure that there is proper ventilation for the space heater. Heaters cause an increase in carbon dioxide that could cause carbonation in the surface of the concrete.

Is marine ply structural?

Marine plywood is specifically designed with structural strength for greater impact resistance as well as to absorb the effects of water movement...

Last updated Mar 12, 2022

What is the R-value of bubble wrap insulation?

Most brands of foil-faced bubble wrap are only 3/8 inch thick or less, and have an R-value of only 1.0 or 1.1. Since the product often costs more...

Last updated Nov 24, 2021

Promotion

What is a flyover shelf?

A shelf or unit suspended over a kitchen island – otherwise known as a flyover shelf – can not only be used to provide lighting and integrate the range hood above the countertop, but can also store a variety of objects, keeping them out of the way while still within handy reach.

houzz.com.sg - 8 Reasons Your Kitchen Needs a Flyover Shelf - Houzz

Houzz Australia Contributor based in Sydney. Design historian, writer and researcher. I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York Houzz Australia Contributor based in Sydney. Design historian, writer and researcher. I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York

Kitchen islands are often designed with cupboards, drawers and shelves underneath the counter for storage. But what about over the island? A shelf or unit suspended over a kitchen island – otherwise known as a flyover shelf – can not only be used to provide lighting and integrate the range hood above the countertop, but can also store a variety of objects, keeping them out of the way while still within handy reach. These flyover shelves optimise storage and create space to put your favourite things on display – which one would work well at your house?

Why is uPVC so popular?

It is unplasticised, meaning that no chemicals have been added to soften the material, therefore creating its rigid structure. uPVC is a cost-...

Last updated Sep 3, 2019

Is roofing felt necessary on a shed?

Roofing felt is necessary on a shed, as it not only protects the interior from water damage but also extends the life of your shingles. Felt is...

Last updated Feb 13, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can you build a roof without trusses?

It is possible to build a roof without trusses. In the past, roofs were often constructed without using trusses. Flat roofs or roofs with a single...

Last updated Sep 5, 2022

Promotion

Can I use SketchUp for commercial use?

SketchUp Make Software is licensed only for non-commercial use for your internal business purposes. Non-commercial use means that you may not sell,...

Last updated Apr 2, 2022