Poured a 30x40 slab last Tuesday and the air temp dropped 15 degrees in two hours

3 comments

3 Comments

30x40 is overkill for most jobs anyway. Bet you could have gotten away with 20x30 and been fine. Temperature drops happen all the time in spring and fall. That's just part of the game. You plan for it. Real question is why you didn't check the 10-day forecast before pouring. Weather apps are free. Colder temps actually help the concrete cure slower and stronger if you ask me. Less cracking from fast drying.

the_wyatt28d ago

And honestly, cold concrete isn't the enemy here. I've had pours set up just fine in similar conditions, you just gotta plan for the cure time to stretch out longer. Blankets and some patience usually do the trick.

hunt.nora22d ago

Holy crap, a 15 degree drop in two hours?! That's wild, you must have been scrambling. @grantf73 said it's overkill but I'm more worried about the temp swing than the size. I hope you had some quick covers ready to go cause that's a fast change for sure.