Most people choose to pour concrete in the warmer months of the year. This is because concrete needs an ideal temperature in order to set properly. With that being said, it’s not realistic to expect everyone’s schedule to allow for that. If you’re busy during the warmer months, then you may have a limited time frame to do projects like this. This leaves the question, can you pour concrete during the fall or winter? Let’s find out!
How Does Temperature Affect Concrete?
As mentioned before, concrete requires a certain temperature level in order to cure correctly. 40° – 60°F is going to give your concrete mix the best possible chemical reaction, which helps create a strong and durable material. If the weather is too hot or too cold, then the concrete can expand or freeze, causing cracks to form. These cracks can lead to expensive repairs down the line.
Fortunately, 40° – 60°F, while ideal, is not required to pour concrete successfully. With the right precautions, you can get a quality project done at any temperature. You’ll just need to add a few extra steps to the process along the way.
Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather
We recommend holding off on large concrete projects until Spring or when temperatures are forecasted to in the ideal range for concrete. However, you can patch concrete or lay down small areas when necessary during colder months.
Before pouring concrete in colder weather, make sure you have the right mix. It’s also important that the area is dry and warm. Using heaters helps achieve this result quickly. Once it’s time to pour the mix, hot water helps to heat the concrete. Using extra cement helps to create a hotter reaction.
Keep in mind that different mixes behave differently depending on the temperature. Certain mixes are specifically designed for the cold and might be the best option depending on what you’re looking for. These cold mixes cure fast and can create a material that is just as reliable as a generic concrete mix.
What is the Best Season to Pour Concrete?
Overall, while optimal temperatures create quality concrete, there are ways to work around this. If you want to avoid the extra steps that come with pouring concrete in the fall or winter, then you may have to wait till summer. Despite this, it’s important to remember that the right process can create great concrete year-round.
How can we serve you?
The professional paving contractors at Sipes Asphalt & Concrete know the ideal conditions for pouring concrete or asphalt. Whether it’s a new driveway, parking lot, or crack sealing, we’ve got you covered. Call Sipes for the best paving solutions in the Indianapolis area.
