Now that the colder weather is here, you may be wondering if concrete can be poured during the winter months. The answer is yes. At Summit Concrete, we can still pour concrete in colder weather. You can upgrade your space into an oasis with our concrete services at almost any time of the year.
Owned and operated by Chuck Akers, we are a concrete contractor that has been serving Middle Tennessee since 2015, and we perform meticulous planning when you work with us for your concrete work.
Here’s some more detail about what we do at Summit Concrete when pouring concrete in colder weather:
- Temperature Control and Monitoring
Temperature control is essential for effectively pouring concrete and getting a finished result that is durable. One of the keys to temperature control is to preheat our materials that will be used in the production of our concrete mixture. We keep our materials in a heated area and avoid leaving them outside in the cold.
Before pouring, it’s crucial that we ensure the ground is free from ice and snow. This is where a portable ground thawing equipment can come in handy to prepare the surface.
Once our concrete is poured, we can apply a liquid curing compound or cover it with insulated concrete blankets to maintain warmth. This will help to prevent moisture loss from happening for maximum durability.
- Curing Techniques & Concrete Mix Adjustments:
To counteract the effects of cold weather, accelerators speed up the setting time and help to maintain strength development of the concrete. Also, we can reduce the water content in the concrete mix to prevent freezing and to help maintain the durability of the concrete. Furthermore, we can use curing compounds or coverings to prevent moisture from being lost and to mitigate the concrete from drying out too quickly.
- Proper Protection During Placement: To ensure we get the optimal result, we can store the concrete and other materials in a heated enclosure, such as a shed, to protect it from the cold weather conditions, like the wind and snow. Also, we can use windbreaks to lessen the impact from the wind since it can speed up moisture loss.
- Scheduling and Planning: During colder weather, it’s crucial that we avoid pouring concrete in below freezing temperatures as this can weaken the overall integrity of the concrete. It’s best to perform our concrete pours during the warmer parts of the day, especially the early morning. This will help to prevent freezing and optimize the curing process of the concrete.
- Post-Pour Maintenance:
Once we have completed the pouring process, we can then perform post-pouring maintenance. This involves monitoring the concrete after placement to watch out for any signs of distress or early freezing-related damage. Also, it’s important to continue doing curing procedures to optimize strength development.
In conclusion, pouring concrete during the winter months is something we do all the time here at Summit Concrete. Our team follows meticulous planning, precise execution, and continuous monitoring to help ensure the structural integrity and durability of the concrete. Employing these best practices as discussed above helps mitigate any challenges posed by cold weather conditions and ensures the successful completion of concrete projects even during winter months.
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Looking to upgrade your outdoor living space? From concrete driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, epoxy flooring, & more, we can help you transform your living space.
Our experienced team of concrete contractors will help you create a custom concrete solution unique to your home. As a family-owned business, we ensure a quality and premier service. Schedule a consultation with our team today.
