When it comes to being a homeowner, everything has to be timed out. All home renovation projects have to be done while considering the price, time commitment, and weather. Replacing windows in a snowstorm wouldn’t make much sense, and neither would starting pool construction in the dead heat of the summer. While you may have not thought about it before, the same timing has to be thought about with concrete! Regardless of the project (new driveway, a fix on the sidewalk, or a new backyard patio), weather conditions can make a difference in the final outcome, so understanding what conditions are best is super important.
Each Season Has Its Pros & Cons When It Comes to Concrete Installation
The season you decide to schedule your concrete installation or complete your home renovation projects can make a major difference in the process of installation and the outcome. Temperatures that are too cold can lead to weaker concrete. Temperatures that are too hot can lead to cracks. Understanding the pros and cons of each season may help you decide when these projects should be completed.
Spring
Pros
- Springtime In Texas brings the ideal temperatures to pour concrete. The temperature doesn’t change too drastically from day to night, which is important while the concrete sets.
- Every concrete company will be working during this season because of the good conditions.
Cons
- You won’t be the only one taking advantage of the good weather, scheduling may take longer since this is the busy time for concrete companies. During this time, it might also take longer since the company could be working on more than one project.
- Springtime brings humidity, which makes the concrete have a higher pH level, which overall decreases the concrete’s strength and durability.
- Spring is the rainiest season, and rain can damage newly poured concrete, even if it rains a few hours after the concrete has been poured.
Summer
Pros
- Frozen ground could bring a concrete installation project to a halt, and with higher temperatures in the summer, this is very unlikely to occur.
Cons
- Summers in Texas can reach up well above a hundred degrees Fahrenheit, and when it gets too hot, there are more restrictions with construction. This means that your project could get pushed back or take longer to complete.
- A major con for concrete installation in the summer is the high temperatures. High temperatures during the day, with the decrease in temperature at night, can crack the concrete.
- If a home improvement project, like a new patio, is started in the Summer, by the time it is completed, it is too late or too hot to enjoy!
- Just like the Spring, Summer brings humidity, which makes the concrete have a higher pH level, which overall decreases the concrete’s strength and durability.
Winter
Pros
- Concrete mix made in the winter has a smaller percentage of water, to prevent the concrete from freezing, which overall means you will save water.
- Tyler, Tx doesn’t get nearly as cold as most other places so frozen grounds and snowstorms aren’t as much of an issue (try to avoid February as this seems to be the time Texas experiences the most snow and ice).
- If your concrete installation starts in the Winter, the new installation will be ready to enjoy for the warmer months.
Cons
- The curing and setting time for the concrete is much slower.
- In the Winter, concrete mixes see more bleed water, which will have to be mixed back into the concrete mixture, otherwise, the concrete will not set correctly.
- Because of the colder temperatures in the Winter, especially at night, the concrete could freeze and crack overnight.
- Before even starting the project, if the ground is frozen then additional supplies such as heaters will be needed to thaw the ground which is an extra expense and will slow the project down.
Fall
Pros
- The air is much less humid in the Fall, so there’s less to worry about for the concrete pH levels.
- Similarly to the Spring, the Fall brings ideal concrete pouring temperatures.
- Because of the ideal conditions, companies are more likely to be open and working during the Fall season.
Cons
- Because of the ideal conditions, companies are busier during this time so scheduling may take longer.
Best Season for Concrete Pouring
There is a lot to consider when choosing your exterior home renovation projects, but when it comes to those projects that require concrete to be poured we suggest starting your project in the Fall. The Fall is the best season for concrete installation because of the ideal temperatures and lack of humidity. Runner up would have to be Spring. Spring is another great season because of the perfect temperatures, but humidity could be an issue.
HOWEVER if you are looking to save a little money and are willing to take a risk, Winter might be a great option for you. Since Tyler Tx, doesn’t reach freezing temperatures that other states see, it is a potential option and companies have much more availability.
Does the Time of Day Matter?
Similarly to season to season, the temperature can change a fair amount in one day, therefore the time of day should be a factor when a concrete pouring project is completed. On hotter days, first thing in the morning, such as before 10 AM, is ideal, or later in the evening like 8 PM. Although pouring at night might seem off, it gives the concrete a better chance to solidify before the hotter temperatures return.
Best Company for Concrete Installation
Regardless of what season you decide on, for the best results you always want to use a professional to make sure the project is done right. Tyler, TX Concrete is the professional you need. Our years of experience working with concrete in Tyler make us the best for your concrete installation or concrete pouring needs. Give us a call or fill out our online form to get a free quote.