Navigation

pouring in the cold

Q. How do you pour concrete with temps in high 30s and low 40s.

A. Concrete is poured and finished in cold temperatures the same way it's done in warm weather. The question is what you do before and after the concrete is poured and finished and what additives are used in the mix. The ground cannot be frozen. You either have to prevent it from freezing with straw or insulation blankets, or you dig out the frozen dirt. The concrete can have accelerators added so it sets in a timely fashion. There are also freeze resistant additives if temps will drop below freezing. If temps stay above freezing, then you can leave the concrete alone when it's finished. If they drop below freezing and there are no freeze resistant additives, then you must cover the concrete with straw or insulation blankets to keep it from freezing.