There’s no denying we love concrete. It’s strong, durable, low maintenance, simple to use, and can fit any size or shape – it’s one of the most versatile construction materials available. But, while all is perfect, one unpredictable and uncontrollable variable can affect the quality, pourability, and curing time of concrete – the weather.
So, while we can’t do much about the weather, there are steps we can take to ensure we get the perfect result in every climate. Curious? Well, let’s find out how.
Understanding concrete and how it works
Before we jump into the different strategies you can put in place when laying concrete in different climates, you need to know the basics of concrete.
Firstly, concrete is not cement. In fact, cement is a fine mineral powder used as a binding agent in concrete, mortar, and other building materials; you can find more information on this in our previous blog – Concrete And Cement: The Big Differences Explained.
Secondly, concrete is made up of cement, gravel, sand, and coarse aggregate. Starting out as a dry mixture, once you add water, it activates the cement, which becomes a fluid, flexible material, in other words – concrete.
Concrete’s Relationship with Water.
As we mentioned above, water activates the cement leading to a chemical reaction known as hydration; this reaction causes the mixture to harden over time. Something to note – concrete doesn’t dry – it cures.
While using the correct ratio of water creates a perfect marriage of chemical bonds, leading to the desired strength, too much can weaken the structure and affect the time it takes for the concrete to set.
How climate affects concrete
Pouring concrete in the rain
Can concrete be poured and set in the rain? The answer is – yes to both. While rain can weaken durability and strength, not to mention cause delays, you can avoid this by doing the following.
- Although it can be unpredictable, the first thing you can do is check the weather forecast.
- Cover the concrete with plastic sheets to stop excess water from seeping in – while the concrete cures. Even if rain is not forecasted it’s good practice to keep these handy as you never know when the weather can take a turn – especially in Melbourne.
- Drain away as much water as possible by pushing any excess away from your slab.
Pouring concrete in a hot climate
In Australia, we deal with extreme climates. Whether that’s scorching hot summers or the generally hot and humid climate of far north Queensland – as concreters, we must be mindful of this. And thus, take into account a few considerations to stop the concrete from curing too fast and becoming weak and brittle.
- Avoid pouring in the midday heat. Instead, choose a milder part of the day, such as early morning.
- Use a concrete pump to pour the mixture directly into the area.
- Keep tools and equipment in shaded areas to avoid them from becoming too hot to handle.
- Provide shelter over the freshly laid concrete to avoid overexposure to the sun.
Pouring concrete in cold weather
While the winters here in Australia may not be as harsh as in other parts of the world – you still need to tailor your processes in the cooler months. Concrete needs to be above 5 degrees at the time of delivery. If it drops below this, the concrete may not hydrate properly, which can lead to weakening its strength and damage. When pouring concrete in cold weather, you can take the following precautions.
- Again, firstly, check the weather forecast.
- Avoid laying concrete on ice, snow, and frost.
- Use a concrete curing blanket to prevent freezing.
- Allow for extended curing time.
- Invest in an insulated framework.
- Use windbreakers if cold winds are forecasted.
These are just some key things to keep in mind and implement when working with concrete in different climates.
Book your next project today!
Sometimes, it’s best left to the professionals. So, if you’re looking for reliable concreting services for your next construction project – contact us today.