A concrete driveway is an excellent choice if you’re looking for solidness and durability. Over time, like all materials, concrete will eventually break down, but good installation can go a long way toward preserving the surface and extending its lifespan. Choosing the right time of year to repair or install concrete is important, as it needs to set correctly. Let’s take a closer look at the best time for installing concrete for your driveway.
The relationship between temperature and pouring concrete
When extreme temperatures come into play—such as during the summer and winter—it can wreak havoc on concrete. If the weather is hotter, the concrete will dry quicker, and the reverse is true on cold days. This means the water content in the material may freeze before it’s dried, causing the concrete to break into pieces.
Poor concrete application will show cracks in the walkway or driveway, which is usually an indication that the concrete was poured during very hot or cold temperatures. While it is possible to pour concrete even in these extremes, the installer needs to be experienced in the special techniques used to do so. Another possibility with a poor concrete job is that the installer failed to use the right equipment or best practices.
When to repair concrete
Experts agree that any time when there are milder temperatures and less rain is best for pouring concrete. This means that the ideal time is often during the fall. While you may get good weather for pouring concrete during other times of the year, the fall is considered optimal.
Concrete pouring in summer and winter
If you need concrete repair during the winter, the contractor should use special techniques and equipment to get the job done, which may include any of the following:
- Ground heaters
- Concrete pumps that speed up placement
- Tents
- Warming blankets
- Non-water-based curing compounds
- Sprayers for applying curing compound
Using these measures, a seasoned contractor will be able to have the concrete set before night comes and the temperatures drop. Keep in mind that this kind of job should only be handled by seasoned pros.
While it’s not the best time for concrete, it’s also possible to pour concrete in the summer. This is done using a staggered drying process. The contractor may use very cold water for the concrete mix and keep the slab moist via a sprinkler for as long as several days. It takes an experienced professional to understand if the concrete is curing at too fast a rate.
So, if you’re ruling out the hot and cold months, you may think spring would be the best time. The only problem is frequent rain in April and May. Still, if you can find a dry spell during this period, the more moderate temperatures will allow for concrete pouring and effective curing.
If you’re wondering when to repair concrete, then call the leaders in the business at Maddox Concrete, LLC. Our expert knowledge makes us one of the best concrete companies in the region. Let our trusted professionals handle all of your concrete needs. Give us a call today and get a free quote.