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Best concrete overlay12/30/2023 “We use canopies in the spring so we can continue to work when we have weeks of rain. in Kennebunkport, Maine, says that year-round, one of his best tools is the canopy. Michael Littlefield, principal of Custom Concrete Design Inc. But he recommends using a non-chloride based accelerator because calcium chloride-based accelerators will weaken the structural integrity of the concrete. “Despite the wind-chill factor, accelerators allow the concrete to set up like it’s an 80 degree summer day,” Littlefield explains. Adding 1 percent accelerator will counteract this, he says. Meltzer points out that, as a rule of thumb, a 10 degree drop in temperature will double the set time of concrete. But, if the temperature is expected to hover between 20 and 30 degrees, an accelerator might provide the needed solution. Those air bubbles prevent spalling (surface delamination) by allowing moisture to expand and contract when frozen.”įallon says higher cement content can help, too, by creating heat within the concrete mix as it starts to hydrate. Overworking the surface (excessive troweling) will remove all the air bubbles from the surface. “We always use an exterior mix with adequate air entrainment, and we’re sure not to overwork the surface. in Kennebunkport, Maine, says his crew is very attentive to this issue. For concrete pours, the temperature can be pushed a little bit lower.īerg says ready-mix suppliers should adjust for cold weather conditions, but often it is overlooked or put on the contractor’s shoulders, so it is important that the contractor be knowledgeable, too.Īs Meltzer says, “The need for proper air entraining, adequate cement content, low W/CM ratio, proper curing and proper maturing can not be emphasized enough for decorative concrete, to preserve the investment.”Īir entrainment is very important for freeze-thaw durability. Brad Berg, vice president of Architectural Enhancements in Montgomery, Minn., says his rule of thumb is a minimum of 40 degrees for overlays. “Cold weather concreting is a well-choreographed event requiring warm water, heated substrate, admixtures, adjusted cold weather mix design, heated materials and even the use of heating blankets,” observes Sean Fallon, admixture product manager for the Euclid Chemical Co.Īmbient temperature is an important factor. But, just as contractors in southern climes know the tricks of concreting in hot weather, contractors in the north need to understand the special challenges of cold weather concreting. and in Canada are proving time and time again that decorative concrete can weather these extremes very nicely. Many areas of the United States and Canada experience similar temperature fluctuations.ĭespite customer concerns, decorative concrete contractors in the northern U.S. Minnesota’s record low in January and February is minus 60 degrees F, while in July, temperatures can climb to a searing 105. (2.6 L) per bag.This pool deck has withstood Maine winters for seven years, and it still looks as good as new. For trowel applied mixes reduce the water content to about 5.5 pts. Use form boards and leveling screed to establish the final height. In hot weather work in shaded areas or in the cool parts of the day, and use cold water to slow down the setting time.įor thicker applications use additional thin layers of QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer or use a trowel applied layer after the initial squeegee application. In cool weather use warm water approximately 120F, (50C) to speed setting time. Adverse Temperature ConditionsĪt temperatures below 50☏ (10☌). Do not cover unless immediate rain protection is necessary. Protect from rain for at least 6 hours, longer in cool or damp weather. With cool temperatures allow longer curing time prior to use. Wait 6 hours before allowing foot traffic and 24 hours for automobile traffic. QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer provides an economical alternative to removing and replacing existing old, spalled concrete. QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer provides a beautiful, durable, wear resistant surface designed to withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic. QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer is a special blend of Portland cement, sand, polymer modifiers and other additives designed to provide a shrinkage compensated repair material for making thin repairs to sound concrete which is in need of surface renewal.
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