In cold weather, if you want to cure Concrete patio, you should have the required material and knowledge. Water, humidity, temperature and even snow are factors that can complicate cold weather concreting. You should never pour concrete on frozen ground and must be very cautious when temperatures fall below the freezing point. Concrete hydration can also be affected as soon as the temperature falls below the freezing point. Read on to know our tips to cure concrete in the cold season.
You may need different materials based on the quantity of concrete that needs to be cured as well as the surfaces that need to be protected. Certain materials may produce or even increase heat. These materials include chemicals, windbreaks, insulating blankets, electric heated blankets, straw-plastic and insulating sheets.
When placing concrete in cold weather, there are two major factors you will want to concern yourself with before starting your project:
#1 – When it is cold, concrete sets more slowly – slow at 50°F, and when it’s below 40°F the hydration reaction will basically stop and the concrete curing process halts. Ideal temperature for curing concrete is about 80 degrees F.
#2 – Concrete may freeze before gaining enough strength which will break up the matrix of the concrete and weaken your overall finished product. You don’t want this.
