When is the Best Time of the Year for Concrete Work?

Are you waiting for the summer to have your concrete repaired? You might want to check with a concrete installation and repair specialist first to find out what the best time of the year is for concrete work. Not all weather conditions are ideal for concrete repair. Hot, humid weather can prevent the concrete from properly setting and cold temperatures can cause cracks to form. The key to pouring concrete is to avoid extreme weather conditions. So if you’re trying to plan the best time to get your concrete fixed, follow the guide below to avoid any unwelcoming surprises.

What is the Best Temperature for Concrete Repair?

The sweet spot for concrete repair is when the temperature is above 10 degrees C and below 75 24 degrees C. These temperatures usually line up with the summer and early fall season when it’s milder. We recommend avoiding July and August when the temperatures are extremely high. 

Why Does Temperature Impact Concrete?

In freezing weather, the water can turn to ice and expand. This can lead to cracks in your brand new concrete surface. Cold weather also makes the concrete set much slower, limiting the strength. In hot weather, the opposite occurs and the concrete sets faster on the top than the bottom. This prevents the concrete from setting right and forming enough strength throughout as the curing process requires the concrete to stay wet for a number of days. Plus, pouring in hot, humid weather requires more water to be added to the concrete mix. This additional water can make the material much weaker. Of course, foundation repair experts know how to pour concrete in cold and hot temperatures, but even a seasoned professional will face some setbacks in extreme conditions.

What is the Best Weather for Concrete Work?

In addition to temperature, the weather is another major factor. You will need 2 to 3 days of dry weather for the concrete to properly set. Even one day of rain or snow can impede the process and impact the overall strength of the material. And since May is one of the rainiest months of the year, you might want to wait a little longer until the weather starts to dry up in June.

Does Wind Play a Factor?

Absolutely. If the wind velocity is too high on the day the cement is being poured, it can cause the water to evaporate too quickly. The result is shrinkage and cracks in the cement finish. 

What Months are the Best?

Theoretically, that leaves June, September, and early October. With mild, dry weather, these three months are prime concrete pouring times. However, if you’re hiring a professional who knows what they’re doing, the best time to repair your concrete is now. If you have cracks and damage that need to be resolved, you shouldn’t wait. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will become and the more expensive the repairs will be. The rates can also change, so if you wait till peak season, you’ll be paying higher rates for something that could have been addressed earlier. 

What Issues Should Be Repaired Immediately?

If you notice any of the following issues, contact our team today and we’ll come take a look to ensure that any serious problems are fixed right away.

• Water damage in the basement
• Fractures and cracks in the concrete
• Flaking and crumbling concrete
• Gaps forming
• Sagging floors
• Warped ceilings

When to Plan Aesthetic Repairs?

If you’re looking to adding beauty or value to your property, you might want to consider planning your project as following: walkways, patios, exterior facades are best completed between June and November when rain is less likely and ground conditions are most stable. Masonry and repointing work can be completed in the warmer months between April and November. 

Whether you need serious repairs or simply want to enhance the aesthetic of your property, The Foundation Experts are seasoned experts who can take care of your concrete projects at any time of the year.  Our team knows all the proper techniques and temporary fixes to apply concrete in all weather conditions. We are also prepared to work in all environments so that you can get the repairs you need done efficiently and professionally with the best quality results. Contact us today to learn more!