Skip to main content

Concrete 101: Weather and Concrete – What to Watch For

 

🌡️ Concrete 101: Weather and Concrete – What to Watch For

Concrete might seem like a rugged material—and it is—but the weather on pour day can play a major role in how well it sets, cures, and performs over time.

Whether you're facing blazing summer heat or a surprise cold snap, understanding how environmental conditions can influence a concrete pour is key to a successful project.

🌧️ Why Weather Matters

Concrete doesn’t dry—it cures, through a chemical process called hydration. This process depends on maintaining proper moisture and temperature levels. Extreme weather can disrupt this balance and affect how concrete sets, bonds, and strengthens.

  • Too hot? Concrete can dry out too quickly, leading to cracks or weak surfaces.

  • Too cold? Hydration may slow to a crawl, or stop entirely if water in the mix freezes.

  • Too windy? Rapid surface evaporation can cause shrinkage cracks or dusting.

☀️ Hot Weather Concrete Tips

High temperatures (above 85°F) combined with low humidity and wind can create a “perfect storm” for surface cracking and rapid set times.

What can help:

  • Use cool water in the mix

  • Schedule early morning or late afternoon pours

  • Dampen the subgrade before pouring

  • Use sunshades or windbreaks

  • Apply curing compounds quickly to prevent moisture loss

Hot weather can accelerate set time, which may reduce workability and increase the chance of cracking if not managed.

❄️ Cold Weather Concrete Tips

Pouring concrete in temperatures below 40°F? Hydration slows down, and if it drops below freezing before the concrete gains enough strength, ice crystals can form, damaging the internal structure.

What can help:

  • Use warm water or heated aggregates

  • Add accelerators to speed up hydration

  • Use insulated curing blankets or enclosures

  • Avoid pouring on frozen subgrades

Curing concrete at temperatures between 50°F and 85°F can be considered optimal for strength development.

🌬️ Wind and Humidity: The Silent Factors

Even if the temperature is right, wind and dry air can cause the surface to dry out too fast. This is especially risky during finishing.

To prevent premature drying:

  • Use evaporation retardants during finishing

  • Set up wind barriers

  • Delay finishing if necessary to avoid surface defects

🧠 Final Thoughts

Concrete is a durable material, but it's sensitive during the first hours and days after a pour. By planning around the weather and adjusting your approach, you can help avoid long-term problems and achieve a more professional result.

Even seasoned pros know that nature doesn’t always cooperate—but preparation goes a long way.



⚖️ Legal Disclaimer:

This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, or construction advice. Every project is unique, and conditions may vary. RLW Concrete LLC is not liable for any actions taken based on this information. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific needs.


Location: 6P49+WV Pottersdale, PA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

📰 Introducing: RLW — The Mixer Minute

  📰 Introducing: RLW — The Mixer Minute Your new go-to source for all things concrete. At RLW Concrete LLC, we know concrete inside and out—but we also know that not everyone does. That’s why we’re launching The Mixer Minute , a fresh new blog designed to educate, inspire, and connect with our customers and community. Whether you’re a homeowner planning your first patio, a DIYer with questions about finishing tools, or just someone who wants to learn more about the materials under your feet—we’ve got something for you. 👷‍♂️ Who We Are About RLW Concrete LLC RLW Concrete LLC is a family-owned business serving Central PA and the surrounding areas since 2010. Founded by Ryan and Robin Welder, our company is built on the values of family, integrity, and high-quality work. We’re proud to deliver exceptional service to every client, and we treat every job—big or small—with the same attention to detail and care. 🛠 What You’ll Find on The Mixer Minute : We’re kicking off the b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Concrete 101: Understanding the Concrete Mix – What’s in the Bag?

  🧱 Concrete 101: Understanding the Concrete Mix – What’s in the Bag? New to concrete? No problem. Whether you're pouring a slab for a shed or managing a new driveway install, it helps to know what’s actually in a concrete mix—and why it matters. At its core, concrete is a simple recipe: cement , aggregates , and water —but slight changes to that recipe can have a big impact on how your project performs. Let’s break down what goes into a standard mix and what each ingredient can do for your concrete. 🧪 The Basic Ingredients 1. Cement Cement is often confused with concrete, but it’s just one part of the mix. It's the binding agent —when combined with water, it reacts chemically (a process called hydration ) to create a paste that hardens and glues everything together. Most mixes use Portland cement , which is widely available and compatible with a variety of applications. 2. Aggregates ( Sand and Gravel ) Aggregates give concrete its volume and strength. These can ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Concrete 101: A Brief History of Concrete

  Concrete 101: A Brief History of Concrete RLW: The Mixer Minute Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world today—but it’s not a modern invention. Its history stretches back thousands of years, proving just how reliable and versatile it is. Here’s a quick look at concrete through the ages. ✅ 1. The Ancient Origins The earliest forms of concrete date back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians used a mixture of mud and straw for bricks and later developed a lime and gypsum mortar. But it was the Romans who perfected the use of concrete, mixing volcanic ash with lime and water to create structures that still stand today. ✅ 2. Roman Concrete Marvels The Romans built roads, aqueducts, and massive structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon dome using concrete. Their formula allowed the material to resist cracking and even grow stronger over time when exposed to seawater. ✅ 3. Concrete Disappears—and Returns After the fall of the Roman Empire, ...
Post a Comment
Read more