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Can you pour ready mix concrete in the rain?
10th December 2018 Yes, pouring concrete in the rain is possible, though not advised. Rain presents challenges, but doesn’t always mean that you need to reschedule as long as you take proper action. Unfortunately, as we head into winter, wet weather and storms tend to become more frequent. It isn’t always realistic to plan your concrete pour for a perfectly clear day and you may have tight deadlines to adhere to which make pouring concrete in the rain unavoidable.
Thankfully, we have put together these handy tips to ensure that your concrete pour goes as smoothly as possible, despite the weather.
What are the dangers of pouring concrete in the rain?
One of the biggest concerns when pouring concrete in the rain is that rainwater can potentially become mixed in with the concrete, resulting in a weaker overall finish. Water is an essential ingredient in the concrete mixing process, and is carefully proportioned to guarantee the best result – adding more water than necessary will compromise the strength of the concrete mix, and means that your concrete is more at risk of cracking. Ensuring that your ready mix concrete is properly covered during the pouring process and afterwards is therefore essential if you want to prevent permenant damage due to rainwater.
How to pour ready mix concrete in the rain
It is important that you check the weather forecast before your pour, so that you aren’t caught short without the necessary equipment and are prepared to take precautions. If another concrete contractor is undertaking the installation of the ready mix concrete on your behalf, you can ask them how they plan to prepare for the eventuality of rain.
- If weather is forecast for the day of the pour, you should cover your pour site effectively with plastic sheets and tarpaulin to ensure that the ground doesn’t become sodden.
- Never pour concrete into water-filled cavities or onto very wet surfaces, as the concrete will absorb the moisture and become compromised.
- If you are pouring concrete following heavy rain, push any surface water off the edge of the slab.
- If you are caught short, make sure you have plastic sheets and timber available to construct a temporary shelter to erect over the fresh concrete slab.
Ultimately, pouring ready mix concrete in the rain is best avoided altogether, but as experienced professionals when it comes to concrete delivery, we understand that this isn’t always realistic. If you have any concerns regarding the logistics of pouring concrete in the rain, our team of experts are well able to advise you. Contact us today on 0117 958 2090 to discuss your requirements in the South West and Wales.