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Serving Concrete Across South West England

We are a leading supplier of ready mix concrete, concrete blocks, concrete pumps, bulk bag gravel and liquid screed across England and Wales.

Consider us your dedicated one-stop-shop for all things concrete – whether you require ready mix concrete of the highest quality, or you need an efficient concrete pump for delivering your concrete or screed, we can help.

Not only do we have our Innovative Mini Pump which is ideal to reach those restricted access areas, but we also have the UK’s tallest concrete pump too!

Ready mix concrete

Bristol
Cheddar
Newport
Avonmouth
Bath
Frome
Weston-super-mare
Chippenham
Glastonbury

Paignton

 

Liquid screed

Bristol
Cheddar
Newport
Avonmouth
Bath
Frome
Weston-super-mare
Chippenham
Glastonbury

Ready to find out more? Contact our team today or click your location on the map to find out how our services are tailored to your area!

No.1 for Ready Mix Concrete and Liquid Screed

 

As the UK’s leading one stop shop for concrete services, Wright Readymix has an unrivalled reputation within the concreting industry. We supply high quality ready mix concrete and liquid screed for both commercial and residential purposes, offering reliable solutions for every type of build. Whether you’re laying concrete for driveways, pouring a concrete shed base, or need strong, durable concrete for footings and foundations, our expert team can ensure the right mix for your specific requirements. Every batch is carefully produced for strength, consistency, and longevity, helping you achieve a professional finish on every project.
 
To understand more about what we do and how to choose the right option for your project, please read our complete guide to concrete pumping. 
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News
How to Prevent Freeze-Thaw Damage in Concrete Driveways
11th February 2026

A concrete driveway can look fine in autumn and still emerge from winter with cracking, flaking, or rough patches. For many homeowners, the change might feel sudden, but the damage has often been building quietly over several cold seasons.

Understanding how to prevent freeze-thaw in concrete matters because repeated wetting and freezing places strain on the surface, particularly where water is allowed to sit. UK winters increase the risk, as temperatures often move above and below freezing rather than remaining consistently cold.

In practice, prevention comes down to five straightforward checks:

  • Is the concrete mix right for driveways?
  • Does water drain away properly?
  • Has the surface been sealed after curing?
  • Is debris cleared before winter?
  • Are edges and joints in good condition?

Addressing these areas early helps limit moisture exposure and reduce the conditions that lead to freeze-thaw damage in typical UK weather.

Why Water Saturation Is the Real Cause of Freeze-Thaw Damage

Freeze-thaw damage is driven less by cold temperatures alone and more by how easily concrete becomes saturated. All concrete contains pores, but problems arise when those pores remain filled with water for extended periods. Once saturation reaches a critical level, even routine freezing can cause surface breakdown and internal cracking.

The Environment Agency’s research into water movement through building materials shows just how quickly moisture can penetrate unprotected surfaces [1]. Testing showed that a typical masonry cavity wall can admit around 400 litres of water per hour under a 1 metre head of water, creating over 0.2 metres of internal water depth in a 3m x 3m space within five hours. Materials with better resistance to water penetration performed significantly better under the same conditions, reinforcing the importance of limiting moisture pathways at exposed surfaces.

For concrete driveways, prolonged saturation increases the likelihood of freeze-thaw damage during winter temperature swings. Reducing the amount of water that enters the surface is one of the most effective ways to slow long-term deterioration.

Early Signs Your Driveway Is Breaking Down

Freeze-thaw damage often starts below the surface before becoming visible. As moisture trapped inside concrete freezes, internal pressure builds, which gradually weakens the material. Over time, this process creates pathways for more water to enter, accelerating deterioration during each winter cycle.

Common visible signs include:

  • Fine surface cracking, often appearing after winter.
  • Surface scaling, where the cement paste flakes away.
  • Spalling, where small sections of concrete break loose.

Scientific studies show that freeze-thaw damage typically begins at a microscopic level before progressing to visible surface failure [2]. Once cracking or scaling appears, the concrete becomes more permeable, allowing further moisture ingress. Identifying these early signs makes it easier to intervene before damage affects the driveway’s long-term strength and appearance.

Why the Right Concrete Mix Makes a Long-Term Difference

Concrete for driveways needs to be specified differently from internal slabs. External concrete must withstand regular moisture exposure, temperature fluctuations, and vehicle loading. Using a general-purpose mix increases the risk of freeze-thaw damage over time.

Air-entrained concrete is commonly used for driveways because it contains evenly distributed microscopic air pockets. These pockets provide space for freezing moisture to expand, reducing internal stress and helping to limit surface cracking during cold weather.

Getting the mix right at the ordering stage plays a major role in long-term performance. A suitable driveway mix can reduce maintenance requirements and extend service life. Guidance on selecting the right option is available in our overview of the types of concrete mix and their uses.

How Winter Conditions Expose Weaknesses in Concrete Driveways

Winter conditions tend to accelerate damage that has already begun. Standing water, blocked runoff, and compacted snow all prolong the time moisture remains in contact with the concrete surface, raising saturation levels before freezing occurs.

Met Office Snow Code guidance advises clearing snow early, as compacted snow traps moisture and slows drainage [3]. It also recommends using salt or sand for grip, avoiding water that may refreeze, and applying around one tablespoon of salt per square metre to limit ice formation without unnecessary surface exposure.

During winter, practical checks should focus on how moisture behaves rather than appearance alone:

  • Does meltwater drain away or refreeze in place?
  • Are joints holding water overnight?
  • Are edges repeatedly wet and freezing?

Addressing these points helps reduce repeated freeze-thaw stress during the months when deterioration progresses most quickly. For more on this subject, we recommend our blog on how to de-ice concrete without damaging your driveway.

Get Advice on Concrete That Stands Up to UK Winters

Freeze-thaw damage rarely results from a single cold winter. It is more often the result of repeated moisture exposure, unsuitable concrete specifications, and small maintenance issues that accumulate over time. Addressing these factors early gives concrete driveways a far better chance of performing well through UK winters.

Wright Readymix supplies ready mix concrete for driveway projects across the South West and provides practical advice on specifying mixes suited to external conditions. Local availability can be checked via our areas we cover page, and quantities can be planned accurately using our concrete volume calculator before work begins.

Call 0117 958 2090 or get in touch to discuss concrete for your driveway and receive advice on a specification designed to withstand winter weather.

External Sources

[1] GOV.UK, Environment Agency, “research into water movement through building materials”: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/602d673ee90e0709e8d085d8/Improving_the_Flood_Resilience_of_Buildings_Through_Improved_Materials__Methods_and_Details_Technical_Report.pdf

[2] Science Direct, Guler, Funda Akbulut, “Scientific studies show that freeze-thaw damage typically begins at a microscopic level”: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352012425006186

[3] Met Office, “Snow Code guidance”: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/your-home/clearing-paths-and-driveways

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How to De-Ice Concrete Without Damaging Your Driveway
26th January 2026

Icy concrete driveways are a common issue during UK winters, and knowing how to de-ice concrete correctly can make a real difference to how well the surface performs over time. One icy morning is often all it takes for people to reach for salt, hoping for a quick way to make the driveway safe.

The problem is that concrete, particularly when new, recently repaired, or unsealed, does not respond well to the wrong treatment. When water enters the surface and freezes repeatedly, it creates internal pressure that can lead to surface scaling, spalling, and long-term weakening. This damage rarely appears immediately, which is why it is often overlooked until repairs are necessary. The safest way to de-ice concrete is to control moisture, timing, and product choice.

This guide explains what happens beneath the surface, which de-icing methods are safest, and how to protect concrete driveways during cold conditions without shortening their lifespan.

What Happens to Concrete When Ice & Moisture Take Hold

Concrete laid, extended, or repaired in cold conditions is particularly vulnerable to freeze–thaw damage because of how water behaves within the material. Fresh concrete contains pores within the cement paste that can fill with moisture. When temperatures fall, this water freezes and expands, creating internal pressure.

The Concrete Society explains that damage occurs when the expansive force from freezing water exceeds the local strength of the concrete [1]. This risk is highest when concrete is saturated at the point of freezing, which is common during winter driveway work when curing is incomplete or surface protection is limited.

Over repeated freeze–thaw cycles, this pressure can lead to surface scaling, cracking, or disintegration to the depth reached by freezing conditions. In driveway applications, deterioration often develops gradually, as flaking surfaces or weakened edges, rather than in an immediate failure.

Joints between old and new concrete in driveway extensions or repairs are especially sensitive, as they can retain moisture more easily. Managing saturation, protecting curing concrete, and avoiding early de-icing treatments are key to reducing winter-related damage.

Why De-Icing Should Be Avoided While Concrete Is Still Curing

While concrete is curing or bedding in after repairs, the surface is still gaining strength and remains more porous than fully cured concrete. During this stage, introducing meltwater through chemical de-icers increases the risk of moisture entering the surface before freezing conditions return.

De-icers that melt ice create water that can soak into the concrete and refreeze overnight, placing stress on a surface that has not yet stabilised. For this reason, chemical de-icers should be avoided wherever possible during curing and early repair stages. Physical ice management is a safer alternative.

Practical options during this period include:

  • Using sand or grit to improve traction without introducing meltwater.
  • Clearing snow early before it compacts and bonds to the surface.
  • Protecting new concrete overnight during frosty conditions, when required.

Managing Ice Safely Once a Concrete Driveway Has Cured

Once concrete has fully cured and developed sufficient surface strength, limited de-icing may be considered where access and safety require it. At this stage, product choice and application control are more important than volume.

Calcium chloride can be used sparingly after curing because it works at lower temperatures and requires smaller quantities. It should be applied lightly, only to high-risk areas, rather than across the entire driveway. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, should still be avoided on recently completed or repaired driveways, as it produces salty meltwater that increases moisture exposure and refreezing risk.

Grit or sand remains a reliable option for slip resistance without introducing additional moisture. Where de-icers are used, restraint is essential.

The Concrete Society explains that concrete can deteriorate sooner than expected when high concentrations of de-icing salt dissolve into solution and are absorbed by the concrete wearing layer [2]. To reduce localised salt build-up, a spreader is recommended rather than applying salt by shovel.

Preventative Steps During & After Driveway Works

To reiterate, preventing ice build-up is usually safer than trying to melt it away, particularly while concrete is curing or bedding in after repairs or extensions. At this stage, the goal is to limit surface moisture so freezing conditions do not place unnecessary stress on the concrete before it has stabilised.

Practical steps that help during cold weather include:

  • Clear any snow early before it compacts and bonds to the surface.
  • Keep drainage routes open, so meltwater runs away from the slab.
  • Avoid standing water near joints, edges, and repaired sections.
  • Use grit for traction instead of introducing meltwater.
  • Cover new concrete overnight during frosty conditions, when required.

Once curing is complete, applying a suitable concrete sealer can help reduce long-term moisture absorption and make winter maintenance easier. Sealing should only be carried out after full curing, as early sealing can trap moisture and degrade surface performance over time.

Get the Right Concrete Mix & Winter Advice for Your Driveway

Good winter practice helps protect the strength and finish of a concrete driveway during laying, extension, or repair work. Clearing snow early, managing drainage, and avoiding heavy de-icing while concrete is still curing reduces freeze–thaw stress and lowers the risk of long-term surface damage. Where de-icing is necessary after curing, light and targeted application remains the safest approach.

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of ready-mix concrete, liquid screed, and concrete pumps for hire in the South West, Wright Readymix supports domestic, trade, and commercial projects with driveway mixes. Our team can advise on concrete for driveways and supply suitable ready-mix concrete, whether you are managing a small DIY project or coordinating a larger commercial pour. Practical tools such as our concrete volume calculator, along with our FAQs and customer testimonials, help ensure projects are planned correctly from the outset.

Call 0117 958 2090 or get in touch to discuss your driveway project, confirm the right concrete mix, and arrange delivery when you need it.

External Sources

[1] The Concrete Society, “damage occurs when the expansive force from freezing water exceeds the local strength of the concrete”: https://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips/damage-due-to-freeze-thaw/

[2] The Concrete Society, “concrete can deteriorate sooner than expected when high concentrations of de-icing salt dissolve”: https://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips/de-icing-salts/

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Is Pouring Concrete in Winter for Footings Safe in the UK?
19th January 2026

Pouring concrete in winter for footings can be carried out safely in the UK, but only when temperatures, ground conditions, and early curing protection are properly managed. The main risk is that the concrete freezes before it becomes strong enough, which can permanently weaken the foundations.

This is a common problem on many sites. The trench is ready, the concrete pumps are hired, and the weather looks good, but then temperatures drop overnight. Because footings are poured early and sit below ground, winter pours need extra care compared to warmer months. If conditions aren’t right, issues like cracks or movement can appear later, even if things look fine at first.

This guide explains how winter temperatures affect footing pours, why ground temperature matters as much as air temperature, and what to check before you start work.

Why Cold Weather Changes & How Concrete Footings Perform

Cold weather slows hydration and reduces the strength of concrete footings. The Concrete Society explains that if water within young concrete is allowed to freeze, the concrete can be damaged to the extent that it becomes unfit for use [1]. Even when temperatures stay above zero, concrete will not gain strength as quickly as it would in warmer months.

BS EN 13670 says concrete should stay above 5°C until it reaches at least 5 MPa of strength. This early strength is important because footings start carrying loads early in the build. In winter, concrete gains strength more slowly, so you may need to allow more time for curing and wait longer before removing formwork.

Ground conditions matter too. The Concrete Society says that anything touching fresh concrete, like the ground or formwork, should be a few degrees above freezing, ideally around 2°C. If you pour onto frozen ground or cold formwork, the concrete loses heat faster and is more likely to freeze or cure unevenly.

The Temperature Thresholds That Decide Whether a Pour Is Safe

When deciding if it's safe to pour concrete footings in winter, the main risk is often how you read the weather forecast. Many winter pours fail not because the weather was extreme, but because people didn't expect overnight frost.

The Met Office says ground frost can form even when air temperatures are between 0°C and 4°C, especially on clear, calm nights [2]. So, just because the forecast shows temperatures above zero, it doesn't mean the ground won't freeze. If you pour concrete late in the day, it could still freeze overnight, even if the daytime temperature was fine.

So, plan winter footing pours based on the lowest temperatures expected during curing, not just the daytime highs. Clear skies, light winds, and dry weather can all make the ground and fresh concrete lose heat quickly overnight.

In practice, you should only pour when:

  • Overnight conditions are unlikely to produce ground frost
  • Forecasts remain stable through the early curing period
  • Protection is planned in advance, not relied on as a fallback

If you're not sure about the forecast, it's usually safer to wait before pouring.

How to Protect Footings During the Most Vulnerable Curing Period

If you go ahead with a winter footing pour, make sure protection is ready before the concrete arrives. The goal is to keep heat in the concrete and stop it from losing heat while it cures, especially overnight.

Effective protection measures include:

  • Covering footings immediately after finishing with insulated curing blankets or temporary coverings
  • Pouring earlier in the day to reduce exposure to falling evening temperatures
  • Keeping excavations dry so that standing water does not freeze against fresh concrete
  • Maintaining protection overnight until temperatures stabilise

Spending less time on site also reduces risk. If you can, use concrete pumping to place the concrete faster and more evenly during winter pours, especially on tight or large sites.

The Winter Footing Mistakes That Cause Problems Later On

Most problems with winter footings happen because of avoidable mistakes on site, like not checking temperatures enough or taking off protection too soon.

A key risk is pouring concrete onto frozen ground. LABC guidance states that concrete should not be placed where the ground is frozen, as thawing soil can change in volume and stability, leading to movement beneath the footing before sufficient strength is reached [3].

Other common mistakes in winter include:

  • Failing to take regular temperature readings in shaded areas
  • Ignoring wind chill and site exposure, which increase heat loss
  • Removing insulation before early strength has developed
  • Underestimating curing time, which may need to be extended by up to six days in extreme cold

LABC also says ready mixed concrete should stay above 5°C and be protected from freezing until it is strong enough. If you can't keep these conditions, it's usually safer to wait before pouring.

Getting Winter Footings Right Starts with the Right Advice

Whether you pour concrete footings in winter depends on how reliable the forecast is, the ground conditions, and if you can protect the concrete while it cures. Knowing when it's safe to pour and when it's better to wait helps you avoid delays and future problems.

Wright Readymix offers practical help for winter footing pours, whether for homes or businesses. We can advise on the right mix, delivery timing, and placement methods for cold weather. This support helps you deal with changing winter forecasts. Planning your quantities ahead with our concrete calculator can also help you avoid delays and keep fresh concrete from being left exposed.

Call 0117 958 2090 or get in touch to talk about your winter footing pour, check your quantities, and find the best concrete and delivery plan for your site.

External Sources

[1] The Concrete Society, “concrete can be damaged”: https://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips/cold-weather-concreting/

[2] The Met Office, “between 0°C and 4°C”: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/frost-and-ice

[3] LABC, “concrete should not be placed where the ground is frozen”: https://www.labc.co.uk/news/working-cold-weather

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What is High-Performance Concrete & When is it Used?
05th January 2026

High-performance concrete is chosen for projects that need reliable strength, durability, and steady performance over time, especially in tough conditions. It is mainly used in commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects where regular concrete might not handle the demands.

In busy infrastructure, industrial, and large commercial projects, early cracks, surface problems, or unexpected repairs can disrupt work and raise costs long after construction ends. These issues often come from choices made during the planning stage, especially if exposure, traffic, or access needs are not fully considered.

When contractors and engineers plan for durability, load, and service life during mix design, they lower risks and make the structure’s long-term performance more predictable.

How High-Performance Concrete Is Defined in Practice

High-performance concrete is defined by the results it needs to achieve on site and in use. Its specification focuses on strength, durability, low permeability, resistance to the environment, and steady performance during placement and over its design life.

In real projects, the definition depends on how the concrete will be used. Factors like load, moisture, harsh environments, access, and expected lifespan all affect the mix design. This helps the concrete work well both during placement and in long-term use.

Focusing on performance also helps with planning, especially when supply can change. The Department for Business and Trade reported that ready-mixed concrete sales dropped by 4.3% in Quarter 2 2025 compared to Quarter 1, and were 4.7% lower than in Quarter 2 2024 [1]. These numbers show why it’s important to specify and order concrete early for commercial and infrastructure projects.

We work with The LGW Group to supply concrete for commercial and infrastructure projects where performance needs are clearly set out from the start.

When High-Performance Concrete Becomes the Right Specification Choice

High-performance concrete is usually chosen earlier in the design process than standard mixes, especially when performance goals are clear. Engineers and contractors use agreed exposure levels, load assumptions, and schedule limits to make sure the concrete meets both structural and construction needs.

Specifying the concrete early lets teams plan the mix, placement, and logistics before work begins. This helps avoid last-minute changes, keeps delivery consistent, and lowers the risk of problems that could cause extra work or delays.

Infrastructure Assets Built for Heavy Load & Long Design Life

High-performance concrete is often used in road and transport projects where heavy loads and long service life are needed. National Highways says about 400 miles, or 4%, of England’s motorways and main A-roads are made of concrete, much of it built in the 1960s and 1970s [2].

Even though traffic is much heavier now, these concrete roads have lasted longer and needed less maintenance than asphalt. Their strong, long-term performance is why performance-based concrete is still used on key transport routes.

Industrial Floors That Must Perform Under Constant Demand

In industrial and commercial settings, concrete floors need to handle heavy loads, vehicle traffic, and constant use. Warehouses, factories, and distribution centres often choose high-performance mixes to keep surfaces strong and avoid work interruptions.

Performance-based floor mixes are often chosen when:

  • Frequent forklift or HGV traffic is expected
  • High racking loads or fixed machinery place sustained pressure on slabs
  • Large pours require consistent behaviour to achieve uniform finishes

In these situations, reliable performance during placement and curing helps prevent early problems and keeps the project on schedule.

Projects Where Access Constraints Leave No Margin for Error

On crowded sites, phased projects, or places with limited access, being able to place concrete predictably is essential. Good control over workability and setting helps avoid delays, cold joints, and finish problems, especially when pours need to be done quickly.

Where access or placement requires additional control, our team supports performance-led pours through our concrete pumping service.

What High-Performance Concrete Delivers Over the Life of a Structure

High-performance concrete helps plan for the full life of a project by making future repairs less likely. While it may take more planning at first, the real value is in fewer repairs, less downtime, and more reliable performance over time.

For developers and owners, this approach matches material choices to the risks of running the asset, especially when access is hard or disruptions could be costly or affect the public.

Durability That Protects Asset Life & Reliability

High-performance concrete is chosen to resist water, freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, and tough conditions. Focusing on durability in the mix helps the structure last longer and lowers the chance of early problems.

This focus matches concerns in the industry. In 2025, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) said engineers worry about the safety and reliability of UK infrastructure, especially road bridges [3]. They point out that poor durability and reactive repairs shorten asset life and cause more disruptions.

More Predictable Results During Placement & Finishing

Good control over workability and setting leads to reliable results during placement and finishing. This matters most for large pours, structural parts, or tight schedules, where changes can cause problems or delays.

For contractors, this supports greater on-site control, more consistent finishes, and fewer remedial works that can disrupt follow-on trades.

Reduced Intervention & Fewer Unplanned Disruptions

High-performance concrete aligns with modern procurement and performance-based contracts that prioritise defined outcomes over minimum compliance. Design and build arrangements, performance specifications, and long-term operation agreements increasingly require materials to meet clear service expectations.

When mix design is tied directly to performance goals, project teams face less confusion during delivery and handover. This leads to clearer responsibility, easier approvals, and fewer arguments about material performance later on.

Plan High-Performance Concrete into Your Project

When planning to use high-performance concrete, set your requirements early so the mix matches the job. Think about exposure, loads, access limits, and how much room there is for fixes if needed.

Some practical planning steps include:

  • Confirm performance requirements at the specification stage
  • Estimate volumes accurately to support scheduling and delivery
  • Confirm placement method early on constrained or complex sites

Wright Ready Mix offers helpful tools for planning, like a concrete volume calculator to estimate how much you need before ordering. If you have questions about delivery, placement, or other services, check our FAQs or read customer feedback on our testimonials page. For updates and news, visit our news page.

Call 0117 958 2090 or contact us to talk about your project needs.

External Sources

[1] GOV.UK, “The Department for Business and Trade”: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/building-materials-and-components-statistics-july-2025/construction-building-materials-commentary-july-2025

[2] National Highways: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/concrete-roads/

[3] Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE): https://www.ice.org.uk/news-views-insights/inside-infrastructure/does-asset-maintenance-need-a-fairy-godmother

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