From muggy summers to freezing Ontario winters, concrete can be poured in all weather conditions. However, weather plays an important role in your concrete’s performance. Understanding how weather conditions impact concrete delivery is crucial, so you can be prepared and plan accordingly.
Here are some tips to ensure your pour goes smoothly, no matter the forecast.
- Rainy Weather. Rain can dilute the concrete and increase curing time. It can also damage the finish of a freshly poured surface. It’s important to make sure all cavities, puddles, or trenches are pumped out and free of water before pouring. After the pour, tarps, timber, and poly sheeting should be used to protect the surface of the fresh concrete until it sets. If heavy rain is expected, we may suggest rescheduling your concrete delivery until the rain has stopped.
- Hot Weather. The ideal temperature to lay concrete is generally about 10° to 30°C. Thankfully, it rarely gets hotter than that here in the Collingwood area. For those rare times it does, be aware that high temperatures accelerate curing time. This could lead to cracking and decreased strength. To avoid this, the poured concrete should be sprayed with water to keep it moist. This will help compensate for the faster water evaporation. It can also help to shade the area with tarps to keep the sun off the pouring area. The best time to schedule your concrete delivery for early morning, late afternoon, or evening. This will avoid the heat of the day and potential damage to the concrete.
- Cold Weather. Pouring concrete in cold temperatures presents unique challenges. Careful planning is crucial to guarantee the success of your pour. Concrete should never be poured on frozen ground. If temperatures drop below 5°C, use portable heaters and insulated tarps to enclose the area and maintain ideal conditions. Schedule your concrete delivery for the warmest part of the day. To cure properly and maintain its strength, concrete needs to stay warm. When the job is complete, insulated tarps can help keep the heat locked in.
Need advice preparing for your pour? Our team of experts is always ready to help. No matter what the forecast says, we’ll help you make sure your concrete delivery goes smoothly. Get in touch with us to find out how today.