Pouring concrete in the cold winter brings a unique set of challenges, including weak buildings and delayed curing times. Cold weather can cause concrete to form poorly, leading to cracks and reduced strength, and durability.
Even under harsh, cold winter conditions, with the proper procedures and measures, it is possible to make a vigorous, long-lasting concrete pour. So, if you have been asking, can you use ready-mix concrete in cold weather? Yes, you can go ahead and do it.
While you can go ahead and order a concrete delivery when it’s cold, there are several tips to consider to ensure a successful pour. These things include:
Keep a close eye on the temperature
When pouring concrete in winter, ensure that you control the temperature to achieving a strong and durable finish.
When temperatures fall below 5°C (41°F), concrete is considered to be too cold and you should avoid using it. If left exposed for more than 24 hours, the water in the mix may fail to react effectively, preventing the concrete from attaining full strength. To avoid this, you should be ultra-cautious of the temperature you are pouring your concrete.
If this is the first time you are pouring concrete in cold weather, work with professionals who will hold your hand and guide you through the process.
Order your concrete from a company that uses warm water
Cold temperatures inhibit the chemical reaction that allows concrete to set, resulting in weak or inadequately cured slabs. To counteract this, you should mix your concrete with warm water. This helps maintain a higher starting temperature, allowing the concrete to cure before the cold air interferes.
Since you aren’t mixing the concrete, you should order it from a company that you know uses warm water in its mixing.
While this is the case, the company should avoid using hot water, as excessive heat can cause the mixture to set too quickly, which leads to cracks or uneven curing. To achieve the best results, keep the water temperature between 21°C and 38°C (70°F-100°F).
Also, try keeping your other materials, such as sand, gravel, and cement, in a warmer location before mixing.
Order from a company with a concrete mix for cold weather
When pouring concrete in winter, work with a concrete delivery company known for adjusting the mix to ensure it sets properly despite the cold weather. One change that the company can make is to increase the cement-to-water ratio, which generates more internal heat and accelerates cure.
The company can also use accelerating admixtures, such as calcium chloride, or non-chloride accelerators. These chemicals will help the concrete build strength more quickly.
While this is the case, if dealing with reinforced concrete, the company should limit the use of calcium chloride, as it may cause steel rebar to corrode over time. Instead of the steel rebar, the company should use non-chloride accelerators which are a safer alternative.
Additionally, low-slump concrete (with less water) can help lessen the risk of freezing while preserving strength. If the weather is frigid, use warm water in the mix and pre-warm your aggregates to avoid sudden temperature changes during installation.
Keep the concrete covered for longer.
Concrete takes longer to harden in cold weather, so adequate insulation is necessary to prevent freezing and ensure a solid finish. After pouring, you should cover the concrete with thermal blankets, insulated tarps, or plastic sheeting to keep it warm and protect it from temperature drops.
Covering the concrete is especially important during the first 24 to 48 hours, when the concrete is most vulnerable.
You should also consider placing straw or foam boards beneath the blankets to improve insulation and retain more heat. If you anticipate large temperature drops, use heated enclosures or portable heaters that will help you maintain optimal curing conditions.
Keeping the concrete mix delivery covered for longer than usual—usually at least a week in cold weather—ensures appropriate hydration and prevents cracking or weak areas.
Don’t pour your concrete too late.
Timing is critical when pouring concrete in the winter. You should schedule your pour early in the day to take advantage of the higher temperatures and allow the concrete to strengthen before nightfall. If you pour too late in the afternoon, the concrete may not generate enough heat before cold conditions set in.
Because overnight temperatures typically drop dramatically, fresh concrete is more likely to freeze if laid too late in the day. Starting early in the morning offers it the best chance of properly setting and maintaining a consistent temperature during the critical early curing phase.
If a late-day pour is unavoidable, use insulated blankets and heating methods to prevent temperature-related problems.
Keep the wind out when pouring concrete.
Cold winds tend to quickly reduce the temperature of freshly poured concrete, increasing the likelihood of surface freezing or experiencing uneven curing, and moisture loss. To safeguard your property, set up windbreaks around the project with temporary walls, plastic sheeting, or plywood barriers.
These protect the concrete from wind chill and provide a more stable atmosphere for optimum curing.
Heated enclosures will even provide you with better protection in extreme cold. Portable heaters or ground thawing blankets will help to keep the air and concrete warm enough to avoid freezing.
As much as you want to keep the concrete warm, you should keep an eye on the heat levels, as excessive heat might cause the surface to cure too quickly while the inner remains weak, resulting in cracks.
Controlling exposure to wind and cold air creates excellent conditions for a vigorous, long-lasting concrete pour, even in winter.
Parting shot
Pouring concrete in the cold winter brings unique problems, but by taking the necessary preparations, you can ensure a successful pour. To ensure proper curing, key measures you should undertake include regularly monitoring the temperature and incorporating warm water into the mix.
Adjusting the concrete mix with accelerating admixtures or a higher cement concentration allows it to set faster in cold weather. So, you should work with ready mix concrete suppliers Silver Spring that make the necessary adjustments.
Proper insulation, such as thermal blankets or heated enclosures, are necessary to keep your concrete from freezing and maintain stable curing temperatures.
You also should schedule your pour early in the day and make use of windbreaks. These will help in shielding the concrete from harsh weather and ensure a strong, long-lasting finish.
By following these cold-weather rules, you can approach a winter concrete pour with confidence and get a high-quality finish.
