Concrete Outside Temp

[loudhornsrule]

I know winter is coming, but how cold is too cold to pour a slab? I live in North Texas. Thanks

 

[AWSubie]

No less than 50’F unless you use insulating blankets.

 

[EddieWalker]

50 degrees is the line. If it's colder, you have to add chemicals to the mix.

 

[Streetcar]

32degrees, you are only worried about excess water in the mix freezing before concrete reaches strength to resist force of freezing water

 

[Cord]

I know winter is coming, but how cold is too cold to pour a slab? I live in North Texas. Thanks

I've had slabs poured in below freezing weather, but you have to take extra steps to protect it. Several years ago we did a concrete building where several pours were exposed to -20 temps 48 hours after pouring. If you are in North Texas you'll be fine.

 

[Snobdds]

Contractors pour concrete in Wyoming all year long. The only time they stop is for snow, cold is viewed as just another day. Blankets are a must.

You will be fine anytime you pour, just adept to the temps and your fine.

 

[Streetcar]

Also do not pour concrete on frozen ground.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

No less than 50’F unless you use insulating blankets.

The key is maintaining the concrete temperature at 50 degrees F. Early stags of hydration generate heat so maintaining that is essential for proper hydration of the cement hence adding blankets as soon as finishing is done. Lift the blankets ahead of saw cutting minimizing exposure. ACI has a whole specification on cold weathering contracting.

Ron

 

[Ford850]

It's 19 degrees, with a wind chill of 8 right now, and there's a concrete truck in my drive. My neighbor's pouring a patio slab and is using my drive for the truck to deliver the load for easier access.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The guy next door had a floor poured in his pole barn a week ago. I told him to tell the contractor, no calcium! It was hovering around freezing. He did use some other chemical and I was surprised how quick it set up.

I have cast concrete in the cold and it took forever to set up. If concrete gives off heat to set, you would think cold would be good.