Learn the do’s and don’ts of making that perfect outdoor gathering place.
Any custom concrete contractor will tell you concrete doesn't really like the cold. B&W Custom Concrete in Buffalo, NY knows all about that. Low temperatures (below 40°) are often to blame for curing problems, cracking, and more. However, it IS still possible to pour concrete in the cold if you take some precautions.
Here are a few tips to help you prevent disasters on your next concrete project:
NEVER place concrete on frozen ground or onto ice or snow. The frozen ground will settle when it thaws, cracking the concrete. When the ground is cold, the concrete will set more slowly resulting in possible crusting, with the top of the concrete set but the bottom still soft.
If the ground is frozen, you can thaw it using construction heaters or insulated ground-thawing blankets.
Remove all snow and ice in areas where concrete is to be placed along with any standing water.
Warm anything up to at least 32°F that will come in contact with the concrete. If it's not too cold and you cover everything with tarps the day before you pour, it will stay dry and warm enough.
Placing decorative concrete in cold weather is no different than any other concrete, but here are a few extra tips:
Use a thermometer to test the concrete temperature. Concrete needs to be kept above 50°F to continue gaining strength.
Don’t use calcium chloride accelerators since that will give the concrete a mottled, milky appearance.
To keep the surface of colored concrete wet and warm, try curing blankets then cover with insulating blankets. These blankets maintain constant dampness on the surface and therefore are less likely to cause mottling.
To the average homeowner, this could seem rather intimidating, no matter what your project entails - concrete patio, pool deck, or stamped concrete. Concrete contractors where the weather gets frigid are experts at this. For a professional clean finish, look to B&W Concrete, your local concrete contractor in Buffalo, NY.