Hot Weather Concreting

View this email in your browser Chill out!  Hot weather doesn't have to leave you cold! Do you face the the same problems every summer when the sun shines and the heat rises?  Hot weather can cause concrete to be weaker, it can heighten the potential for uncontrolled cracking and it's durability will be compromised if you don't handle the situation correctly. Why is hot weather a problem in the first place? Concrete hydrates as it sets, this is an exothermic reaction and generates heat. When the concrete is already a higher temperature than the ideal temp of less than 80 degrees and is exposed to elements like hot sun, humidity and wind this process is accelerated.  The real issue here is the temperature of the concrete, not the temperature of the air. Crystals grow around the aggregate particles when cement hydrates and absorbs water.  When the concrete temperature is too high those crystals form too rapidly without a chance for them to grow strong. The strength will seem to be sufficient for the first 28 days but then it declines markedly.  For example, concrete that is 18 degrees higher than the ideal when poured will have a 10% decrease in compressive strength after the initial 28 days. Slump diminishes rapidly as cement sets in hot weather, and adding more water when mixing is necessary however, by doing so causes the concrete's strength to diminish.  In colored concrete it can even lead to variations in color when the amount of water added to one batch is significantly more than the next batch.  No job too big or small for Gator Tools  Float, Trowel and Walking Tool Brackets Gator Skin Tool Protector Snap Button Poles & Out Riggers Concrete Placers Concrete Screeds Highway Paving Tools Channel Float and Bull Float Kits Walking Trowel Kits Darbies Walking Floats Hand Floats Bull Floats Channel Floats Ultra Groove System Hand Groovers Walking Groovers GatorLoy Hand & Walking Edgers Nickel Satin Chromium Hand & Walking Edgers Curb & Gutter Edgers Hand Trowels Walking Trowels Concrete Brooms Videos Ordering online Shipping info Contact us What steps can I take to ensure properly finished concrete in extreme temperatures? If temperatures are over 90 degrees precautions need to be taken to ensure your concrete sets correctly. Getting concrete that is as cool as possible is a priority, preferably less than 80 degrees.  Being the main ingredient in concrete, aggregate should be kept in a cool place and out of the sun.  Lowering the concrete temperature can be as easy as using cold water or even ice in place of water. There are a few other simple steps to take when concreting in hot weather: cooling down concrete materials before mixing using cold water and even ice for mixing concrete set-retarding admixtures can be used if done correctly putting up shelter from the wind and sun misting and fogging placing and finishing as quickly as possible having extra hands to help finish more quickly placing after dark when the heat has gone down or in the morning before the sun rises Gator Skin Tool Protector, Conditioner, and Lubricant Protect your hard earned investment with the one and only Gator Skin® Tool Protector, Conditioner, and Lubricant.  This specially formulated product was designed to lubricate, condition, and protect your concrete and masonry tools from rust and corrosion. Support American Manufacturing and the American Worker. Gator Tools is committed to producing products in the U.S.A. with 100% U.S. content.  Every Gator Tool purchased supports American Manufacturing and the American Worker. Fall River Manufacturing Company/Gator Tools manufactures professional tools and accessories for concrete, plaster, and EIFS.   Copyright © 2016 Fall River Manufacturing/Gator Tools, All rights reserved. Gator Tool E-Newsletter Our mailing address is: 4160 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list