Pouring Concrete In Michigan Winter Months

Michigan is no stranger to cold, snowy winters. You’re either a contractor planning to work with concrete through the winter, or you have a project on your property that can’t wait until spring. Well, if you’re curious whether or not ready-mix concrete can be poured in the winter in Michigan, we’re here to tell you that it can. 

Of course, if this is your first time pouring concrete, we highly recommend hiring professionals to do it for you. Concrete can be challenging even when the weather is ideal, so trying to pour it for the first time in winter only increases the likelihood of making mistakes. Additionally, it’s important to understand that concrete pouring mistakes are costly in both time and money. 

If you're still reading, it's safe to say this isn't your first time pouring concrete, but it may be your first winter project. So, here are some tips on pouring concrete during a Michigan winter. 

1. Understand the Differences

Like most jobs we are forced to do outdoors, concrete pouring is subject to the elements and the temperatures create atmospheres that require different approaches. Pouring concrete in the rain is not recommended, and neither is pouring concrete when it snows. 

Also, the ACI (American Concrete Institute) considers any day that the temperature averages below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and stays below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for more than half of a twenty-four-hour period as cold weather concreting. 

If you must pour concrete during these conditions it’s essential that the concrete is protected from freezing immediately. When concrete freezes, it loses a significant amount of strength, which we want to avoid. 

2. Get Ready

When you’re pouring concrete in the winter, you have to be prepared. One way to do this is by contacting a ready-mix company, like Bos Concrete, and letting them know your plan. Working with ready-mix professionals is important for a successful job. When you work with experts who have poured concrete during a Michigan winter, you’re ensuring a favorable outcome. 

Here are the steps you need to take to get ready. 

Order the Correct Mix

When you’re ordering your ready-mix concrete let your supplier know it’s for a winter pour. You should make them aware of your cold-weather protection requirements and don’t forget to specify the design and strength your job needs. Make sure your supplier can heat the water and store the aggregates in a warm space before mixing. 

These steps are essential for the mix to be at the optimal temperature during the pour, which leads to proper curing and development of strength. 

Preheat Your Materials

The water and aggregates will need to be preheated before the pour. This is done to maintain the correct temperature while you're pouring. If the ready-mix isn’t the correct temperature it could freeze, which can lessen the strength. 

Heat the Site

When pouring concrete in winter, you must prepare the site as well. If the ground is frozen it can affect the strength of concrete and it can cause breakage. You can use heaters or heating blankets to thaw the ground and heat it. Also, be sure to remove any ice, snow, or water from the area to ensure a solid foundation for the pour.

Protect the Pourers

Whoever is working on this job needs to be protected from the elements too. 

3. Placement Tips

While pouring the concrete, you want to follow specific steps so your job is done well and the concrete doesn’t experience any loss of strength. 

Monitor the Mix Temp

When pouring the concrete, it's essential to maintain the right temperature; otherwise, you risk it freezing, which can hinder the curing process. Infrared or dial pocket thermometers are what you need to check the concrete temperature regularly during the pour. The ready mix must stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for a successful curing process.

Cover and Enclose

It would be a big help if you put a tent over your work area and enclosed it with temporary walls. Winter brings strong gusts of wind and other elemental properties that threaten the concrete while you're pouring. The last thing you want is a drop in temperature or excessive evaporation. 

You can heat the enclosure to maintain the right temperature and it should be weatherproof, windproof, and ventilated to let the carbon dioxide out. 

Acceleration and Adjustment

The ready-mix supplier you choose will know if accelerating admixtures will benefit your job. Additives can help increase the hydration rate and reduce the amount of time the concrete takes to set, which allows it to gain more strength quickly. Some additives may not be compatible with steel reinforcements, so check with your supplier. 

The supplier may suggest increasing the cement content in the mix. This process generates more heat and also quickens the hydration process. Just 100 pounds per cubic yard of concrete can help you maintain the desired temperature and advance strength. 

Extend the Curing Period

We want the concrete to develop the necessary strength, so maintaining the temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for at least twenty-four hours and up to four days should help with the extended curing period required in the winter. 

Cool it Gradually

The last thing you want to do is to let the concrete mix cool off quickly after it’s poured. This can cause cracking. It should be cooled gradually and can be done by removing heated enclosures and blankets slowly. Also, monitor the temperature of the concrete while it’s cooling. 

Seal and Protect

When the curing process is finished, it’s a good idea to apply sealant so the new concrete is protected from water and other potential hazards. This step is crucial when pouring concrete in the winter because the moisture can freeze, which will crack. When selecting a sealant, choose one that’s breathable so the moisture can still evaporate. 

Do You Need a Concrete Supplier in the Kalamazoo, MI Area? 

If your job is in the Kalamazoo, Sodus, Plainwell, Coloma, Benton Harbor, or St. Joseph areas, contact us at Bos Concrete. Our professionals are ready to discuss your winter pour and our ready-mix is perfect for any job. Bos Concrete has extensive experience in winter concrete pours in Southwest Michigan.