I'd like to understand how weather conditions affect pouring a concrete foundation.
Are there concerns about pouring a foundation during cold, snowy, rainy, or otherwise inclement weather? Is it safe to do so, and can it affect the longevity of the concrete? Are there other considerations? Extra cost?
What precautions should I request in a contract to ensure the foundation is poured effectively? Are there tests that can be performed prior to pouring and/or temperature limits that should be maintained?
Best Answer
If it's too wet and water starts to accumulate in the foundation, you can end up with weakened concrete.
One of the key metrics for a concrete mix is the free water to cement ratio. If the water content is too low, you struggle to get it to compact properly , resulting in air voids, and weak concrete. If the water content is too high, the water can leave pores in the concrete, which also reduces the strength of the concrete.
If the temperature is low, the hydration reaction slows down. Further, if the temperature is too low, the water can freeze, which means that it is not available to hydrate the cement, again affecting the strength of the concrete.