Pouring concrete during the winter months can be incredibly challenging, but it’s not impossible. If you’re planning to pour concrete during the cold season, it’s important to take a few precautions and prepare both the ground where you will be pouring your concrete and the concrete itself. Failure to take the right steps will almost certainly lead to an unsuccessful pour, though, and you will likely need to start over again from scratch if you don’t plan properly. Let’s take a closer look at some tips to make sure your winter concrete project is a success.
The first thing you should do before pouring concrete in the winter is test the temperature of the ground where the pouring is scheduled to take place. You should not, under any circumstances, pour concrete on top of a freezing-cold surface. Ground shifts during seasonal changes, which means the frozen ground you pour on now will later settle and ruin the concrete you have poured. The Concrete Network recommends using portable heaters, hay and blankets to help warm the ground up to above 32 degrees before pouring concrete.
You are also going to need to check the temperature of your concrete once you start mixing it. You keep it warm enough prior to being poured. Concrete needs to maintain a temperature above 50 degrees after being poured to continue gaining strength, notes The Balance. This temperature needs to be maintained for at least three days, and as long as a week to truly set completely. Using insulating blankets or enclosures can help keep temperatures up, but be careful of your placement so that you don’t alter the appearance of your pour.
Whenever possible, try to plan your pour with the forecast in mind. Pouring concrete when you know temperatures will stay consistently above the 50-degree threshold will not only ensure a better pour and finished product, but will eliminate the need for you to take extra steps to ensure proper hardening.
If you are planning to pour concrete this winter, make sure to the advice of the pros to make you’re your finished product turns out as you expected. Beyond following the right procedure, you’ll also need the right tools for the job. Lawrence Tool Rental has a wide range of rental equipment available for those looking to complete a successful concrete pour, including concrete buggies, drying fans, loaders, trenchers and more. Learn how we can help with your projects by calling us today at 317-826-2654.
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