If you are planning a slab, base, driveway or path, timing your pour can be the difference between a tidy, trouble-free day and a stressful one. The good news is that you can pour concrete successfully in every season if you are well prepared and can control he variables.

Why late Spring to early Autumn is ideal

In the UK, late Spring through to early Autumn sees average daytime temperatures sit between 10ºC to 25ºC. Concrete hydrates steadily in this temperature range, which reduces the risk of shrinking, cracking and surface weakness. During this time of year there is a lower frost risk at night which protects the early stages of the concrete gaining its strength.

How to make pouring in winter work

Shorter days, low temperatures and more frequent raining does make concrete pouring quite a bit harder, but not impossible when you find a way to control the variables.

• Check the forecast. If there are sub-zero temperatures expected within the first 48 hours of your pour, consider pushing it back because fresh concrete must NOT freeze.
• Warm the ground. A frosted floor will eventually thaw and settle which can cause cracking. Insulating blankets are a great way to keep bases above 5ºC before and after pouring.
• Insulate the pour. Lay insulated blankets or hessian with plastic sheeting immediately after you finish pouring. This will protect the edges, as the edges lose heat fastest.
• Control rain. Keep sheeting ready and pause pouring if heavy rain pours over. Do not work a rain-marked surface, wait until it is safe.

Rain, wind & daylight, what to watch

• Rain: Light rain can be managed with covers and a reduction in mix water. Heavy rain can wash out cement paste and weaken the surface. If heavy rain approaches, delay the start of batching; this is easy with volumetric delivery because the mix is made on site.
• Wind: Wind accelerates evaporation. Use windbreaks, or a suitable curing agent immediately after finishing.
• Daylight: Short winter days compress your finishing window. Schedule a morning slot, have your team and tools ready, and agree the pour rate with your operator so you never fall behind the concrete.

The 90 minute rule

For traditional drum-mixed deliveries, guidance often states that concrete should be discharged within about 90 minutes of batching, or within a set time and temperature window to avoid loss of workability and early setting inside the drum. Once batched, the clock is ticking.

Volumetric on-site mixing gives you more time to pour. Raw materials are stored separately and only combined on site, so the mix starts its clock at the point of pour rather than at a plant. This reduces the stress of traffic delays and gives you more control over slump and pace. You are able to slow or pause batching for quick adjustment, then resume without risking expired concrete with volumetric on-site mixing.

Plan your pour with Erris Concrete Whether you are setting a shed base, forming a patio or laying a domestic slab, good planning and the right delivery method make winter pours entirely achievable. Use our online calculator to estimate your volume, then get in touch to schedule a precise delivery time. We will confirm your mix, adjust on site to suit conditions, and keep your project tidy and on track.