Pour concrete in case of frost
Usually there is not much going on on the construction site in winter. One of the reasons for this is that working with concrete becomes considerably more difficult when it is below zero. If you have to pour concrete or have it poured when it is frosty, there are a few things to consider. You can find out what is important here.
You should keep this in mind when pouring concrete during periods of frost
In theory, it doesn't matter what time of year you work. On the other hand, the temperature is important. You can read here why pouring concrete can be problematic in frosty conditions.
- Water freezes at sub-zero temperatures. Most people are familiar with this. In the worst case, the consequences of pouring concrete are great: when the water freezes, it expands. This leads to the fact that the concrete gets out of shape, does not retain its strength and the whole building thereby becomes useless.
- There are ways and means of pouring concrete at temperatures below 0 ° C, but you have to make sure that the temperatures in the concrete itself do not drop below 5 ° C. You can achieve this, for example, with a heated construction tent at very low temperatures. If the temperatures are only slightly below 0 ° C, an insulating construction film is sufficient.
- Concrete reacts with the water when it hardens. This creates heat that keeps the concrete above 0 ° C under a suitable cover. However, if the nights are generally well below 0 ° C, this inherent heat no longer helps and you have to provide an external supply of heat.
- At low temperatures, the hardening of the concrete takes many times longer. In any case, it makes sense to use fast-hardening concrete. This not only hardens faster: The faster reaction also results in higher temperatures, which are particularly helpful in the first days of hardening.
- Conclusion: If it can be avoided, you should only pour concrete at temperatures above 0 ° C. If it is inevitable that you will have to work in cold temperatures, here are some tips that you should follow.
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Whether or not choosing a construction company to cast concrete makes sense
If you are unsure yourself, you may want to hire a contractor to pour your concrete. This can make sense, but it also has disadvantages.
- One advantage is certainly that professionals have the necessary technology to work even at very low temperatures. It is therefore particularly useful at very low temperatures. In that case, you also have the option of commissioning a company with the delivery of the liquid concrete. Here it is entirely possible to have an antifreeze added. In the private sector, the right mix is almost impossible.
- If the contractor operates at low temperatures, he also struggles with the fact that curing and many other jobs take longer. That drives up the price for you and must definitely be taken into account. The same applies to the higher energy consumption.
- A tip to keep the price down a little: Most building contractors have empty order books in winter. Take advantage of this by inquiring with several providers. When inquiring about offers, make it clear that you will inquire with several providers and pay attention to the price.
