When should you not pour cement?

When temperatures dip below 40 °F, the chemical reactions that strengthen concrete slow down and can lead to weaker concrete. If concrete curing temperatures are below freezing, the water inside the concrete can freeze and expand, resulting in cracks.

uniquepavingmaterials.com - What Temperature Should You Pour Concrete?

Do pallets get termites?

However, there are a number of factors that are affecting used pallets, which is why they need to be heat treated. One of the prime examples of why...

Last updated Feb 5, 2019

Which brand of composite door is best?

What Are the Best Composite Doors? Rockdoor. Rockdoor has been providing top-quality composite doors for over 25 years. ... Endurance Doors....

Last updated Jan 10, 2019

Promotion

How cold is too cold to pour concrete? And what should you do if it’s sweltering hot, but you need to make a concrete repair? While you can pour concrete in cold and hot weather, it’s necessary to take certain precautions to ensure the concrete sets properly. Your pavement repairs will not always conveniently fall at the times of the best temperatures for pouring concrete. For this reason, our team at UNIQUE Paving Materials compiled tips and information to help you achieve the best outcome on your project.

Considerations for Concrete Projects

First, it’s not only important to consider ambient temperature but also how you will keep the concrete at the correct temperature while it cures. When pouring concrete during cold weather, many people use heated enclosures or insulated blankets to prevent the concrete from freezing. Alternatively, windbreaks, sunshades, evaporative retarders, and sufficient manpower are necessary for proper curing when pouring concrete in hot weather. Learn more about hot and cold weather concrete procedures, concrete curing temperature ranges and tips for curing below.

Temperatures for Pouring Concrete

Elements like volume changes, cracking, humidity, wind speed, and temperature all should be accounted for when pouring concrete. Experts agree that the best temperature for pouring concrete is between 40 °F and 60 °F.

The Issue with Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather

Problems That Occur When You Pour Concrete in Hot Weather

According to the American Concrete Institute, hot weather is more than just air temperature. Hot weather is defined as ambient temperatures above 90 °F, including low humidity and high wind speeds. In conditions hotter than 77 °F, the water used to hydrate and cure the cement can evaporate, increasing the concrete’s temperature and presenting problems such as weakness, shrinkage and cracking. However, proper precautions help you successfully pour concrete during hot or cold weather. Here are some tips to ensure your concrete project is done the right way, even if you’re working outside that ideal 40 °F to 60 °F window.

Tips for Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather

Do sheds add value to a house?

A shed can even help to increase your asking price when you decide it's time to sell. In fact, some professionals estimate that a new shed could...

Last updated Jan 16, 2021

What is a good size for a home workshop?

If the shop is to be used primarily for woodworking, the minimum recommended area for the workshop is 75 square feet. An ideal shop would measure...

Last updated Jun 13, 2018

Promotion

When you pour concrete in cold weather, maintaining the correct temperatures for the curing process is extremely important. Concrete must set before it is exposed to freezing temperatures. You can overcome cold weather challenges by following the tips below:

Store concrete materials in a warm, dry place

Thaw frozen ground, snow, or ice with heaters

Use cold-weather products designed to cure fast

Use hot water to mix your concrete

Create a hotter reaction by using extra cement (g., 100 lb per cubic yard)

Use squeegees or a vacuum to quickly remove bleed water

Do not remove frameworks until the concrete has cured

Tips for Pouring Concrete in Hot Weather

If you’re pouring concrete in hot weather that exceeds 77 °F, it’s important to plan ahead. Offset detrimental effects from heat, humidity and wind with the following tips:

Avoid pouring during the hottest parts of the day

Use sunshades or windbreaks for protection

Store bags of concrete in the shade, garage, or other cool areas before using

Dampen the subgrade before pouring your concrete slab

Once water is added to the mix, reduce mixing time

Make sure you have help, from managing the pouring to overseeing the curing process

Recap on the Different Temperatures for Pouring Concrete

Pouring concrete in hot or cold weather is possible when you take the right steps and work quickly. Keep in mind, set times will vary depending on temperature, no matter the time of year. For professionals and homeowners alike, pouring concrete can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With careful planning, you can achieve satisfying results in less-than-ideal temperatures.

Discover How Products by UNIQUE Paving Materials Can Help

Now that you have the proper knowledge on pouring concrete in hot and cold weather, it is time to pick up the products needed for your project. Learn more about UNIQUE’s concrete repair products for patching, resurfacing, anchoring, vertical repairs and more. Contact us today or request a sample to start your next concrete project!

uniquepavingmaterials.com - What Temperature Should You Pour Concrete?

How much does it cost to winterize a shed?

Blown-in insulation will run you about $1 to $1.50 per square foot according to HomeAdvisor, and if done by a professional, only takes about 4-5...

Last updated Oct 30, 2019

Does concrete with fiber need rebar?

The synthetic fiber mesh reinforces the concrete and reduces cracking. However, you need steel rebar for high tensile strength applications. So you...

Last updated Sep 8, 2020

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the best wood for a shed floor?

pressure-treated plywood Shed floors are best done with plywood. The wood of normal exterior plywood is not particularly resistant to rot, as it is...

Last updated Apr 28, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

Does a shed base need a damp proof membrane?

Excess water outside the shed must have an escape route away from the building. The foundation should contain a damp-proof membrane which should be...

Last updated Apr 3, 2021