Many people assume you can’t pour concrete in the fall or winter, but that isn’t necessarily true. While extreme temperatures, hot or cold, do present some unique challenges; there are plenty of tried-and-true tricks of the trade to keep concrete construction going year-round.
Here in the South Carolina, where we enjoy mild temperatures and moderate humidity, the conditions are favorable for concrete throughout the fall and winter.
1. Competitive Concrete Pricing
Majority of homeowners just don’t think about the outside of their home until they feel like spending more time outside. So, when spring comes along and the weather starts to get warmer, everyone swarms their local concrete contractors for quotes on concrete patios, concrete pool decks, driveway replacements, driveway extensions, and so on. Unfortunately, these homeowners are usually met with a longer waitlist and higher overall prices for their summer concrete projects.
By scheduling your concrete project in the colder months of the year, you’ll be more likely to get more competitive pricing, and a shorter construction timeline. Which means you’ll be ready for all those fun outdoor activities in the summer – no interruptions!
2.Ideal Temperatures for Pouring Concrete
Here in the South, daytime temperatures are much more likely to fall within the ideal range, 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit, for pouring concrete. With the exception of chemical accelerators, cold weather concrete pouring materials are rarely necessary in this region. Concrete contractors can usually get by with simple changes to their process and techniques that do little to affect cost.
By constructing your concrete project during seasons with optimal ambient temperatures, you’re more likely to get a stronger and more durable concrete slab or structure.
“Setting time” is the time it takes for the concrete to solidify to the point of being able to remove formwork, and walk across the surface without leaving tracks. Therefore, if someone says the concrete has “begun to set”, then you can think of it as a semi-hardened state. At this point, a person could walk across the surface without sinking into the concrete mixture, but would leave behind tracks.
“Curing time” is the time it takes for the concrete to solidify to it’s total strength. Curing takes approximately 28-30 days, long after the concrete finish is applied. However, it is somewhat reasonable to assert that longer curing times equate to, at least slightly, longer setting times as well.
In the hot summer months, where temperatures frequently exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit, concrete pours are a race against the clock. Proper planning and preparation is required to ensure that the concrete mix is poured and the desired finish is applied to the structure before it begins to set. Timing is especially important for stamped concrete construction in the summer, because the stamp may not be able to create impressions as deeply if the concrete has begun to set.
In the colder fall and winter months, concrete takes longer to set and may be at risk for freezing. Most local concrete contractors have plenty of practice planning and preparing for successful cold weather pours. Some tactics used to combat colder temperatures include: adding hot water or extra cement to the concrete mix, monitoring for and removing bleed water from the concrete’s surface, and extending the wait-time before removing formwork. Longer cure times can be a benefit for the customer, and the contractor, as they allow for more detailed finishing work. This is especially valuable for decorative concrete patios, stamped walkways, and other custom concrete finish applications.
So, if you’re debating on when to get that gorgeous stamped concrete patio, replace your concrete driveway, or finally put down that concrete pad for your storage shed – the debate is OVER!
Beat the heat, avoid the summer rush, and check one more thing off your wishlist!
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