What Season Should I Get Concrete Work Done?

The weather plays a significant role in concrete pouring. Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner looking for concrete work solutions, you should know the ideal weather conditions for doing concrete work. So, in what season should you get concrete work done? The short answer is to avoid extreme weather conditions. But there is more to this and knowing the best time to do your concrete work will save you from disappointment.

How Does Concrete Work?

To understand the influence of weather conditions on concrete, you first need to appreciate how it works. Concrete is made of a paste and an aggregate, which is a combination of broken gravel and sand. A mixture of cement and water makes the paste. Combining the paste and aggregate creates a fluid concrete substance. You can pour this substance on the surface or site to form different shapes or molds.

The curing process, when the concrete chemically reacts with water molecules after pouring, creates a strong and cohesive substance. Now, you might start understanding how weather conditions come into play and why you need to know the best time of year for concrete work.

What Concrete Work Looks Like Each Season

Which weather conditions offer the ideal temperature for concrete works? To answer this question, you need to understand how concrete behaves in different temperatures:

Winter

During winter and under freezing conditions, water turns into ice and expands. Consequently, working with concrete can be more difficult. Freezing water can impact the consistency and workability of the mixture, and lead to cracks developing in the set concrete. Structural issues during the setting process will ultimately lessen the strength of the concrete.

Summer

During summer and under hot weather conditions, concrete sets faster on the top than on the bottom, which impacts its structural integrity. The curing process also requires the concrete to remain wet for several days. Additionally, the concrete mixture will require more water during hot, humid weather conditions, but this additional water could make the concrete weak.

Spring and Fall

The spring and fall — think late April through early June and late September through November — are the best seasons for working with concrete. Pouring concrete in these more moderate weather conditions will yield better results.

The Best Season for Working With Concrete

The sweet spot for concrete work is when temperatures are between 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celcius) and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celcius). Since these moderate temperatures tend to fall within the spring and fall seasons, you’ll find these are the best natural conditions for concrete work. Hot summers and cold winters can be a problem, which is why it’s best to stick to the 20-degree temperature range above.

In addition to the time of year, there are three other key considerations:

1. Time of day: Timing is also key as you target the ideal temperature for the best results. Concrete should be pumped or poured at a time where you can avoid the hottest or coldest part of the day. In the height of summer, workers might perform concrete work overnight, while winter concrete work will take place around mid-day to take advantage of higher temperatures.
2. Weather forecast: The weather forecast is an important factor to consider. The concrete needs 2 to 3 days of dry weather to set properly. A day of snow or rain can ruin the process and weaken the final product. Wind also plays a big role. This is because high-velocity wind can evaporate the water quickly. This quick evaporation leads to cracks and shrinkage in the cement finish.
3. Humidity: Low to moderate humidity is also ideal for concrete works. This is because high humidity can slow down evaporation, leading to slow curing. On the contrary, low humidity can make the concrete dry too quickly.

However, since construction and renovation projects can’t wait for the weather to change, it’s vital that you find an expert concrete contractor who knows how to work with concrete in a variety of conditions. Dynamic Concrete Pumping knows how to pump or pour concrete in extreme weather conditions.

Concrete Works During Extreme Weather

You may wait for ideal weather conditions for concrete work, but the weather can be unpredictable. Instead of waiting for the perfect time, you can still get the best results for your concrete during extreme weather if you follow specific directions.

Tips for Pouring Concrete During Summer

When doing concrete works in temperatures that exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celcius), you need to plan ahead to prevent damaging effects from heat and humidity. The following tips will help:

• Create a plan
• Pour during the coolest hours
• Ensure the materials and tools you’re going to use are kept cool
• Create a shade for the concrete to protect it from the sun
• Reduce the temperature of concrete mix
• Apply a curing method that minimizes the loss of moisture

Tips for Pouring Concrete During Winter

Cold winter may not be the best time of year to pour concrete, but you may have an emergency that needs concrete work solutions. Maintaining the right temperature when doing concert work in winter is important for the curing process. Overcome the challenges that come with cold weather with the tips below:

• Store your materials in a dry and warm place
• Thaw snow, ice or frozen ground with heaters
• Use hot water when mixing your concrete
• Use extra cement to create a hotter reaction
• Quickly remove bleed water using a vacuum or squeegee
• Don’t remove the frameworks until the concrete cures

Factors to Consider for Best Concrete Pouring

Partnering with reliable concrete contractors means you don’t have to wait for the best time of year to work with concrete. Regardless of the weather conditions, there are important factors that you should consider when pouring concrete:

• Protect your concrete mix from the wind
• Pay attention to the enclosures you use for concrete application
• Maintain optimum hydration for the concrete mix
• Prevent exposure to extreme temperatures

We Do Concrete Work in All Weather Conditions

Whether you want concrete work on a small area or a large surface, you need to do it at the right time and with the right team. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Dynamic Concrete Pumping are your go-to guys for all concrete pumping services. Our experts can deliver the results you want in any weather condition. Feel free to contact us for concrete services today.