Cement cure time in freezing temps.

AA130FIREMAN · By: **AA130FIREMAN** On: Sun Jan 01, 2012 9:12 pm

I have a small slab of cement I would like to pour. How many hours should it set before the temperatures go to freezing ? Might I be ok if I put some insulation over it ? Also, I believe their is an additive that can be mixed in during freezing weather, is it worth it ? I am doing a slab 30" x 32" x 6".

McGiever · By: **McGiever** On: Sun Jan 01, 2012 11:41 pm

Skip any additive. Just insulate it for a couple days, more is better. Small as it is makes this easy to do.

I would recommend insulating the ground ASAP (right now) at the location. The ground is warm always, especially now. Don't lose any more ground heat than you have to. Of course extend it in all 4 directions to be more effective. Fiberglass, hay/straw with plastic works too.

AA130FIREMAN · By: **AA130FIREMAN** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:00 am

How long would I need to wait to drill some 1/4 " holes for some anchor bolts ? I may use warm water for the mix if it will help the cure time ?

coaledsweat · By: **coaledsweat** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:23 am

Set the anchors in the wet cement.

McGiever · By: **McGiever** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:26 am

You can drill the next day if the holes aren't too close to and edge. But, only tighten the anchors slightly...so as to not crack or split it. You could re-tighten come spring time. Developed strength still take 21 days...maybe longer with the cooler temps.

Dennis · By: **Dennis** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:53 am

dig,form,put stone drainage in.Lay 8" block around the forms,find a piece of scrap plywood to fit over.pour and finish.put plastic over plywood cover that plastic with hay/straw/I use old carpet padding thick enough to insulate from freezing then cover that with another piece of black or dark colored plastic/tarp and lay something heavy enough around pad to keep the plastic from blowing away. drill a couple days laterand keep covered for a week with freezing temps. if not using the pad keep covered untill needed. Dennis

AA130FIREMAN · By: **AA130FIREMAN** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 1:12 pm

It's a done deal, but I had to run for 1 more bag , stinks to be short but the hardware store is across the road. Need to cover and insulate later today, it's around 40 today , till 6 tonight ??? THANKS FOR THE INPUT

I dug down 16", added 10" of 2B stone, framed with 2 x 6 and kept them level with 4 wooden stakes, and added some wire wesh for strength. Work's for me.

McGiever · By: **McGiever** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:20 pm

Bravo

Well done, AA130FIREMAN :!:

AA130FIREMAN · By: **AA130FIREMAN** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:17 pm

The temps are going low tonight and tomorrow. I hope it's covered, I used some plastic sheet over the cement, a cardboard box on top of the plactic, with some old blankets on top of the cardboard, covered with a blue tarp. The idea :idea:

I had tonight, I placed a utility light with a 100w incadescent bulb inside the cardboard box with some high temp insulation around the cover so as not to catch the box on fire. Hope it don't freeze.

Dennis · By: **Dennis** On: Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:22 pm

it shouldn't freeze with it covered up. The internal heat from the ground will keep it from frezing. If you don't need to use the slab right away keep it covered, it takes approx. 28 days to cure concrete completly.I would wait a couple days to drill your holes,with to colder weather the concrete will be green for a few days. If you drill too soon it might loosen the stones in the mix around the holes, if so just drill the next size bigger. The darker tarp will help radiate more heat during the day, if it gets sunlite. Dennis

Cement cure time in freezing temps.

Cement cure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement chure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement chure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement chure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement chure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement chure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement chure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement cure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement cure time in freezing temps.

Re: Cement cure time in freezing temps.