Archive for March, 2010
In The Winter Time, Tuck Your Concrete In For The Night
Winter weather conditions pose special challenges when attempting to perform cement work outdoors. Frequently sub-freezing temperatures can make it seem like attempting to do cement work is not the best idea. However frequently there are conditions that demand that cement work proceeds according to a schedule, or a condition has to be attended to without delay.
Some of the conditions and challenges that must be met may include:
Freezing of the water used in the concrete mix. Laying fresh concrete on a frozen sub-base. Fresh concrete which will adjoin an area with a temperature less than 32 degrees. Protecting against wind chill factors even when the ambient temperature is above freezing.
Unless attended to properly all of the above conditions will prevent cement work from being performed and setting properly. Fresh concrete adjoining, on top of, or exposed to a sub-freezing environment will not allow the concrete to dry properly. Even taking into account the chemical reaction of concrete setting, which causes heat to be formed, will not allow for a professional cement job. In fact the typical result will be an almost granular powder that will not even resemble properly set concrete. At the least the fresh concrete that adjoins a sub-freezing surface will have ruined edges and have to be redone.
Some of the keys to obtaining a professional and proper cement job in the Winter include:
Always mix cement using hot water. Whenever possible store the needed sand, stone, and cement in a heated environment prior to being brought to the job site. Using an anti-hydro ad mix which helps prevent the water used from freezing and allows for less water having to be used. Be careful to always follow exact manufacturers directions. Use concrete curing blankets to cover the finished concrete to help retain the heat from the chemical reaction of the cement setting and make a weather barrier from the above ground weather conditions including wind chill factors. When possible use expansion joint material to shield the fresh concrete from surrounding sub-freezing surfaces. Place a sub base of crushed stone to act as a barrier between frozen ground conditions. When conditions allow and warrant it, using specialty heating blankets to heat the surrounding area and the sub-base is a great way to ensure a high quality cement job. As with all specialized items manufacturers instructions should be closely followed.
Following the above helpful tips will be integral in obtaining a professional grade finished cement job. When the job is finished there is one last tip. Never wash out a cement mixer or cement tools into a sewer drain or house trap. Cement hardens under any circumstances, even under water. Make sure your cement job doesn’t result in the need for house sewer work.
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