Temperature Changes
When Spring arrives, the sun comes out, the days become longer and the temperatures rise.
Spring is neither summer nor winter. There will be bright, sunny, cloudless days and cloudless nights.
This gives us warm temperatures during the day and often cloudless days are likely to bring minus temperatures at night.
So, we need to be aware.
A sunny, well sheltered area, with no wind could easily equate to a warm air temperature and direct sunlight onto the ground will produce a warm concrete surface. The concrete could then set quickly as it does in the summer. We therefore cannot be complacent particularly if it is a larger area we are installing or if it’s an awkward area and will therefore be slower to print.
On the flip side, despite it being warm during the day, it’s important to be mindful it could freeze at night and potentially the concrete surface could be frost damaged.
Bottom line, change from a winter mindset to a summer mindset and be ready for a surprise setting time.
Even if it’s been a gloriously warm day and consequently you’ve been kept on your toes, remember your work may still need protecting from the frost.
There are a number of interesting Dr Concrete articles on website regarding varying temperatures affecting the concrete.
The links are:
For Protecting Against Frost Damage
For Colder Temperatures – Making Concrete Set More Slowly