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Concrete is a combination of water, rock, sand, and gravel aggregate mixed with Portland cement. The mixture is a wet slurry until it is poured and begins to harden. If you’re hiring a concrete contractor this winter, there are several factors you should consider to ensure your hardscape cures properly. The guide below highlights what you should know before starting the project.

A Guide to Pouring Winter Concrete

What Happens When Pouring Concrete in Low Temperatures?

Concrete ContractorsWhen it’s cured, concrete is a hard, durable surface used in many building and construction applications, including driveways, home foundations, and walkways. Ideally, concrete shouldn’t be poured in temperatures below 50 degrees. When the mixture is poured in freezing conditions, the material is likely to freeze and expand, causing cracks.

The material may lose its strength and have a shorter lifespan than properly cured concrete. However, as long as the temperatures are not freezing, the concrete can be poured. If temperatures are under 40 degrees, it will take more time for it to harden and the concrete contractor will need to take precautions to ensure the material remains warm.

What Do Concrete Contractors Do to Cure the Material?

During cold weather, concrete contractors take special measures to ensure the material cures at the desired rate. There are quick-setting concrete mixes that can be used during winter, but they can’t be laid in snow or ice. The contractors often use space heaters and insulated blankets to thaw the ground or keep the area warm. They will also ensure that the mixture stays warm until it is poured. In certain cases, the contractors can add chemicals, such as calcium chloride, to the mixture in order to accelerate the set time.

 

When you’re ready to start your concrete project, contact the professionals at BEST Transit Mix in Soldotna, AK. With over 30 years in business, these concrete contractors are the leading supplier of concrete throughout the Kenai Peninsula Borough. They stock a wide variety of products including ready-mix concrete, colored concrete, and tools for commercial and residential applications. To learn more about their products and services, call (907) 262-6273 or visit them online.

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