Concrete work can be done year-round; it just depends on the temperature and other weather conditions like precipitation. You want the perfect weather when pouring concrete because significant issues can arise when the concrete begins to settle if not done correctly. Although there is no specific month that’s best for pouring concrete, spring and fall are generally stated to be the best.  

Best Season to Pour Concrete?

This question is truly a trick question because weather can be very inconsistent and different in many places around the world at the same time. When picking the right time to pour concrete, various things go into planning. The ideal situation consists of temperatures in the range of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and no precipitation. If the temperature gets below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you risk the water freezing; if above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you risk water evaporating.   

Also, avoid pouring concrete in rainy weather. Even light rain can damage newly poured concrete. However, after about 4 to 8 hours, the concrete is settled enough that rainwater can help the curing process by providing additional hydration, similar to watering the concrete with a garden hose.

What Time of Day Should I Pour Concrete?

In the warmer months, it’s suggested to pour concrete before 10 AM or after 8 PM to avoid the hottest part of the day. If you are concerned about the temperature while working on a summer project, consider pouring concrete at night to give the mixture the best chance to harden and cure before the sun comes up.

Can I Pour Concrete in the Rain?

Concrete can be poured in the rain; while it’s recommended to pour in dry conditions, it’s not a necessity. The concrete can take a little bit of rain because it doesn’t technically dry; it cures. This is a chemical reaction that occurs, causing the mixture to harden.  

Although it can be done, you need to ensure that there isn’t too much rain. This is because rain falling on top of freshly laid concrete can damage the surface and compromise a level and floated finish. Even worse, if too much extra water works its way into the concrete mix, this can result in weak concrete overall.

How rain will affect concrete depends on the stage in the curing process that was reached before the rain set in. Around 2-4 hours after pouring it’s essential to protect the surface. After 4-8 hours after pouring and the concrete is hard, there isn’t too much that rain can do.  

Setting & Curing Times for Concrete

According to the Penn State University College of Engineering, concrete will be set anywhere from 2 to 19 hours, depending on the temperature. It will set in slightly less than two hours at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but at 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take 19 hours. It will not set in temperatures as cold as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Know that setting and curing aren’t the same exact thing. Setting is when the concrete has not reached its full strength although it is solid. The American Concrete Institute stated that it takes around seven days for concrete to reach 70 percent strength, and a total of 28 days to be fully cured. 

Different ways to use Concrete in a Home

Concrete is such a durable building material, and you should consider using it today. It’s the material that your home’s foundation is made out of, but with the modern look becoming more popular, exposed concrete is very in style. It can all be done in and around your home, from concrete stairs to floors and even walls.  

A bonus that isn’t always discussed is its safety for you and your family. With the weather as unpredictable as it is in Kansas City, having concrete structures in your home can be the difference between your home withstanding a tornado or not.  

Call the Professionals Today!

If you want to add a new concrete addition to your home or replace an old one, give us a call at KC Concrete today! We are in the Kansas City area, so we know how to plan around the ever-changing weather of the midwest. We are here with your best interest in mind. Concrete is the foundation to so many things, and you want yours in tip-top shape. Becoming skilled with concrete takes lots of practice, and chances are you probably don’t have much experience with that. To guarantee you have the best resurface or repair process, we at KC Concrete are here for you.