Do You Need Concrete Crack Repair Before the Winter?
This is a question that many people ask, and we are here to answer the age-old question of, “how cold is too cold to perform concrete crack repair?” While you can repair concrete in cold and hot weather, it will be necessary to take certain precautions to make sure that the concrete curers properly.
First, it is not only important to consider what the ambient temperature is, but also how you can keep the concrete at the right temperature while it cures. During the cold weather, most people use heated enclosures or insulated blankets, this prevents concrete from freezing. Or, windbreaks, evaporative retarders, and manpower are necessary for the proper curing.
Learn more about cold-weather concrete procedures, concrete curing temperature ranges, and tips for curing below.
Temperature Ranges for Pouring Concrete
Ever experts agree, that the best temperature to work with concrete is from 40° – 60°F. When temperatures go below 40°F, the chemical reactions that strengthen concrete will slow down and can often result in weaker concrete. If concrete curing temperatures dip below freezing, the water inside the concrete will both freeze and expand, which really defeats the purpose, as they too will result in cracks.
According to the American Concrete Institute, hot weather is much more than just air temperature, it is defined as ambient temperatures that are above 90°F, this also includes low humidity and high wind speeds. In conditions that are hotter than 77°F, the water that is used to hydrate and cure cement does evaporate, which increases the concrete’s temperature and presents problems such as weakness, shrinkage, and of course cracking.
However, when you use the proper precautions, it can help you to successfully work with concrete during both hot or cold weather.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss concrete crack repair, please do not hesitate to call Des Moines Masonry today at this number (515) 355-3123 now, if you live in the Urbandale, IA region.
