When you are pouring concrete on a hot day, it’s important to follow a few steps to ensure that your concrete will cure properly and be at its maximum strength. Problems may arise if the concrete sets too quickly. Poorly cured concrete will be weak and easy to break.
Precautions to Take
When it’s a hot day and you are ready to pour cement, you should make sure that the pour site is ready to go before the concrete is delivered. You don’t want any delays in the pouring once the concrete is mixed.
You should also plan to have it poured first thing in the morning before the day gets too hot. Before the concrete is delivered, you can dampen the sub-base and the timber forms. If you are able to erect some sunshades to keep direct sun off the concrete after it is poured, that can also help.
Working in the Heat
Aside from the concrete drying faster in the heat, you also want to be careful of the workers. Everyone should stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as needed. You want to ensure that no one gets heat stroke while working on the concrete as that can cause unnecessary delays.
Curing the Concrete
Staying moist is essential to curing the concrete, so if the water evaporates too fast, you’ll end up with problems There are a few things that you can do to ensure it cures evenly and reaches its maximum strength.
To prevent the concrete from curing too fast, spray it regularly with a mist of water. It’s fine if the water puddles a little, as it will rapidly evaporate in the heat. You may also lay a cement curing blanket over top to prevent moisture from escaping too fast.
Hiring a Professional
Plan to use ready mix concrete so you can move quickly. At Forth Valley Concrete, we can prepare the mix early so you’re able to pour when you need to before the heat gets too intense. From there, it’s up to you to maintain the concrete moist so it cures correctly.
Ready to pour? Contact us today to schedule your concrete delivery.