Is Winter Concrete Pouring Possible in Rochester, NY? Here's What You Need to Know!
The short answer is Yes, you can pour concrete in a Rochester Winter. At Rochester Patio Pros, we take precautions when pouring concrete in subfreezing temperatures.
Main Challenges:
1. Slower Curing Time
Impact: Concrete relies on a chemical reaction called hydration, where water in the mix reacts with cement. This process slows down at temperatures below 40°F (4°C), resulting in delayed curing of the concrete.
Effect: The strength and durability of the concrete may not reach its intended levels, which could lead to cracks or shrinkage over time.
2. Risk of Freezing
Impact: If the water in the concrete freezes before the concrete has cured, this disruption can halt the hydration process, making it impossible for the concrete to achieve its intended strength.
Effect: Freezing can lead to permanent damage to the concrete, resulting in weakened structures or surfaces.
3. Surface Cracking
Impact: As the concrete cures slowly in the cold,wind and snow can lead to cracking on the surface. When the surface dries too quickly, shrinkage cracks can form.
Effect: Cracks can weaken the structure and compromise the concrete’s longevity.
Concrete blankets covering a concrete floor poured in Greece, NY in December.
What we do at Rochester Patio Pros to mitigate these potential issues:
We implement several strategies in order to continue pouring concrete into the winter months:
Heated H2O: Our concrete is mixed using hot water to prevent the concrete from freezing during the curing processa.
Accelerators: We use a 3% Non-Chloride Accelerator that speeds up the hydration process and curing time.
Insulation: After pouring, we use concrete blakets and tarps to help keep the concrete warm. During the curing process, the concrete lets off heat. Containing that heat with blankets helps to create a warm environment for the concrete to cure, no matter what is going on above the surface.
