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Pouring concrete in cold weather can be challenging, but with proper precautions, it is entirely possible to achieve strong, durable results. Whether you’re planning a small DIY project or working on a large construction site, understanding how cold weather affects concrete and what steps you can take to mitigate these effects, is crucial.

How does cold weather affect concrete?

Concrete hardens through a chemical process called hydration, which requires water to react with cement. Cold temperatures slow down this reaction, delaying the setting and curing process. If the water in the concrete mix freezes before the concrete sets, it can lead to cracking and a loss of strength. Proper curing is essential to ensure your concrete achieves the desired durability.

Tips for pouring concrete in cold weather

When temperatures dip below 5°C (41°F), special precautions are necessary to ensure your concrete sets properly. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Plan ahead

Check the temperature the day before and on the day of your pour. If temperatures are likely to be below 5°C then make a plan to avoid complications.

2. Preheat the ground

Pouring concrete on frozen ground or snow can cause rapid cooling, compromising the concrete’s integrity. Use thermal blankets to help prevent frost forming overnight. Preheat the area using heaters or cover it with insulating materials before pouring.

3. Insulate freshly poured concrete

Insulated blankets, frost blankets, plastic sheeting, or straw can help retain heat and protect the concrete from freezing temperatures. Make sure the insulation stays in place until the concrete has cured sufficiently.

4. Opt for a low water-to-cement ratio

A mix with less water is less likely to freeze and maintains strength more effectively. However, ensure the mix remains workable for the project.

5. Extend curing time

In cold weather, concrete takes longer to cure. Allow extra time before removing formwork or applying loads. Be patient—this step is critical for long-term durability.

6. Avoid pouring in extreme conditions

If temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing and adequate protection cannot be ensured, it’s best to postpone the pour. Concrete can’t cure effectively in such conditions.

Concrete can set and cure in cold weather, but it requires careful planning and execution. By taking steps like warming materials and insulating the concrete,, you can ensure a successful pour even in challenging conditions. When in doubt, consult a professional to ensure your project meets all necessary standards.

Cold weather doesn’t have to halt your construction plans. With the right approach, you can pour concrete year-round, ensuring safe and durable results every time.

Need help with your next concrete project?
Our team has the expertise and tools to ensure your cold-weather pours are a success, with all of our mixed delivery ready mixed. Contact us today to learn more.

In this article, we explain what a concrete pump is, with specific focus on Line and Boom pumps; what they are and how they work. 

Line pumps

What is a Line pump? Line pumps are typically mounted to a truck or trailer and have steel or flexible hoses attached to them that carry the concrete to the pump site itself. 

Line pumps are especially useful when a concrete mixer truck itself can’t get close enough access to the pump site. With the use of hoses, the concrete can be led to the required area around buildings from front to back, or even through buildings themselves! 

Our static Line pumps can push concrete a distance of over 100 metres, directly into your prepared area, ready for you to level. 

Line pumps are used for all sorts of jobs, both commercially and domestically and are a great solution regardless of how simple or difficult access is. It makes sense to use a pump for your job, especially when you consider that a 6m3 pour is the equivalent of 150 barrow loads, which would take four people a minimum of 2.5 hours to move! 

Generally, Line pumps pump lower volumes of concrete than boom pumps, which are more commonly – but not always – used on larger builds, which brings us nicely onto the definition of a Boom pump and what it does. 

Boom pumps

What is a Boom pump? Put simply, a Boom pump is attached to a truck / trailer and utilises an articulated robotic arm (known as a boom), to enable accurate delivery of concrete. 

Boom pumps are able to pump extremely high volumes of concrete. Our 24m long boom pump can overcome even the most troublesome access situations, be it access to the rear of a property or the need to pump concrete above ground level, for example in the construction of blocks flats. 

Boom pumps can even be used to pump concrete from one side of a body of water to another, as shown in this job we did at Shoreham Port: 

Whatever your requirements, the team at McHugh Concrete will be happy to discuss your needs and to organise a site survey to advise on the best option for you, so don’t delay! Give us a call on 01273 594394.

Thanks for reading.