Welcome to my new blog! My name is Connor and this my concrete blog. Concrete may seem like a pretty boring subject. But it is only boring if you do not understand the incredible possibilities. When the interior designer I was working with suggested that I install some concrete inside my home I thought he was crazy. I thought concrete was only used for the floor of your garage, your carport or for a patio area. However, when I saw the possibilities that polished concrete offered me in terms of looks and functionality, I was sold! I hope you like my blog.
Got Concreting Projects Planned This Winter? How To Protect Against Cold-Weather Problems
Winter is almost here. If you're going to be tackling some concreting projects this winter, now's the time to plan for the weather change. Depending on where you live in Australia, you might not need to worry about freezing temperatures. However, there are winter weather issues that can affect the outcome of your concreting projects, especially if you're not properly prepared. To ensure the best outcome for your winter concreting projects, here are four steps for you to follow.
Increase Freeze Resistance
If you're going to be doing some concreting projects this winter, and you're worried about freezing temperatures, the first thing you need to do is increase the freeze resistance. You might not realise this, but the more permeable your concrete is, the more likely it is to freeze. To avoid that risk, you need to make your concrete more resistant to freezing temperatures. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to accomplish that. First, reduce the amount of water used in your concrete mixture. This can help to reduce the risk of freezing. Second, use an additive such as fly ash with your concrete mixture. The fly ash will increase concrete's resistance to freezing temperatures.
Improve Concrete Strength
If you're preparing for some winter concreting projects, and there's a possibility for freezing temperatures, you need to take steps to increase concrete strength. You might not realise this, but freezing temperatures during the pour can decrease the strength of your concrete. One way to increase concrete strength is to have hot water used during the mixture process. Another way to increase concrete strength is to increase the temperature of the form before the concrete is poured.
Protect the Pour Location
If you're worried about sudden weather changes during your winter concreting project, now's the time to prepare for the possibility. Rain and frost can undermine the structural integrity of your fresh concrete and can slow down the drying time. That's where concrete pour protection is so important. If the weather changes after your concrete has been poured, be prepared to cover the area with tarps. You can also bring in portable heaters to maintain a safe temperature while the concrete cures. This is especially beneficial when the temperatures dip towards freezing.
Give Your Concrete Time to Cure
If you're used to removing the forms as soon as the concrete has set, you'll want to change that practice during the winter. You might not know this, but leaving the forms in place will give your concrete more time to cure properly. The forms will also help to keep moisture away until the concrete has cured all the way through.
For more information on concreting, contact a professional near you.