How to Complete Concrete Work Successfully During the Winter
There is plenty for you to do to ensure your concrete construction work is completed in an efficient manner in the cold weather.
Completing any type of concrete work in any weather can be a bit complicated. Now that weather has gotten much colder, though, the process is even more difficult. That is why contractors and work crews have to stay on their toes whenever the concrete they’re working with has been exposed to ice, frost, snow, or freezing rain. There is plenty you can do to ensure your concrete construction work is completed in an efficient manner in the cold weather. Read on to learn how you can finish your tasks in the winter while avoiding some easy-to-make mistakes!
Laying the Concrete on the Frozen Ground
The first frost of the season has come and gone, and we’re in the middle of the worst of it. One of the top mistakes you can make when it comes to working with concrete is where you place it. In other words, do not put the it on any ground that has already been frozen. This is because once the frozen ground starts to thaw, it will then settle. Although this does not sound like much of an issue, it will lead to cracks forming in the concrete. There is also a threat to the integrity of the slab based on how the top of the concrete block will cure much faster than the bottom.
Allowing the Concrete to Freeze
Likewise, you can’t let the concrete mixture freeze. A part of the curing process involves keeping it relatively warm. After all, fresh concrete can freeze very quickly – since its freezing point is 25 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will have to maintain around a 50-degree minimum. Using a temperature and maturity meter to help measure the warmth of your concrete is a smart idea.
Not Warming Your Tools Properly
Along the same lines, make sure you warm up your tools and equipment that you and your crew plan on using for the job. All the building materials and tools should be kept at the same warm temperature as the concrete that you’re attempting to cure. If not, you might end up unintentionally weakening your slab.
Not Taking Daylight into Account
There are fewer daylight hours now, which means it gets darker much earlier than the summer or spring. That is why you have to account for how much sunlight you’ll have. Falling behind schedule is never good, and you do not want to upset your client.
Concrete Sealing Issues
Sealers are great for protecting all of your assets in frigid temperatures. Follow all the recommendations set forth by your producer or manufacturer of the sealant that you picked. Remember, do not apply your sealer if it’s too cold outside.
Revitalize Your Business with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved know how to handle equipment and potentially risky situations during a project. We offer services in the way of concrete core-drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, Air Barriers, Firestop, and BIM Project Management and Coordination. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
