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Pouring Concrete Driveway/Seasons

by Andy
(Atlanta, GA, Dekalb)

Q. I live in Atlanta, GA- It's November, should I not do a driveway job now because of the potential frost in the morning and higher temps. during the day? Or do manufactures allow for these conditions when mixing this time of year by the way they mix? I plan to use color in the truck mix, will this affect pouring this time of year? I plan on a 6" pour with a fiber included in mix. Would you suggest a sealer considering the above data? Please mention cost considerations as part of any options you have.

A. You'll be just fine pouring concrete now. It's actually better than pouring in the summer because the slower it cures, the stronger it will get. Besides, ready mix companies can do a few different things to combat the cooler temps. They can heat the water and add accelerators to the mix. If it gets cold enough, there are additives that make the concrete freeze resistant, but you won't have to worry about that in November. It does cost a few extra dollars per yard for additives. As far as color goes, there are so many variables that affect the final color of concrete. It's impossible to predict exactly how it will look, so there's no sense in worrying about it. Also, I would suggest a sealer no matter what the conditions are. A cure and seal compound should be sprayed on the concrete immediately upon finishing. It keeps the surface from curing too fast as well as providing a protective coating. A sealer will darken the color temporarily, but it will lighten up and become a uniform color after a few weaks. Don't be concerned with initial blotches and discolorations.