Are You Ready for Winter and Its Effects on Concrete Construction?

Winter is fast approaching, and for those in the concrete construction industry, that means it's time to prepare for the challenges colder weather brings. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can have significant impacts on concrete placement, curing, and overall project timelines. Ensuring that your team and materials are ready for these conditions is critical to maintaining quality and efficiency throughout the winter months.

Here’s how winter affects concrete construction and what you can do to prepare:

1. Temperature’s Impact on Concrete Strength
Concrete gains strength through a chemical process called hydration, where water reacts with cement. However, this process is temperature-sensitive. When the temperature drops below 40°F, the hydration process slows, which in turn affects the curing time and strength development of the concrete.

How to Prepare:
- Use heated enclosures: Setting up temporary heated structures around the work area can help maintain optimal temperatures for curing.
- Use warm water or heated aggregates: These can be mixed with concrete to help maintain the right temperatures during pouring and setting.
- Consider accelerators: Additives like calcium chloride can speed up the curing process, but be sure to consult with a concrete supplier to ensure that these don’t negatively affect the mix.

2. Frost and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Frost and freeze-thaw cycles are two of the most damaging effects of winter on concrete. Water expands as it freezes, and if your concrete hasn’t fully cured before the temperature dips below freezing, trapped moisture can cause cracking and scaling.

How to Prepare:
- Use air-entrained concrete: Air-entrainment creates tiny air bubbles within the concrete mix that allow water to expand without causing cracks.
- Seal the surface: Applying a high-quality sealant helps prevent water from seeping into the concrete, reducing the likelihood of damage from freeze-thaw cycles. ProContractor Supply carries top quality concrete sealants to fit any job requirements. 

3. Snow and Ice Delays
Snow and ice accumulation can create dangerous working conditions and significantly delay project timelines. From blocked access to equipment issues, weather-related delays are a common challenge during winter construction.

How to Prepare:
- Keep work areas clear: Invest in reliable snow removal and de-icing equipment to keep your worksite safe and accessible.
- Plan for downtime: Build in extra time for weather delays in your project schedule to avoid being caught off guard.

4. Concrete Mix Adjustments
Winter may require adjustments to your concrete mix to ensure it sets properly. For example, using low water-to-cement ratios or special winter mixes that are designed for colder temperatures can help prevent long-term durability issues.

How to Prepare:
- Consult with your supplier: Work with your concrete supplier to create a mix that is optimized for winter weather conditions. Adding extra cement or using chemical accelerators can make a big difference in how your concrete performs in cold weather.

5. Proper Curing Practices
In winter, ensuring proper curing is even more important. If concrete freezes before it has cured, its strength can be permanently reduced, and the structural integrity of your project could be compromised.

How to Prepare:
- Insulate fresh concrete: Use curing blankets or insulated forms to retain heat and protect concrete from freezing temperatures. ProContractor Supply carries a large assortment of curing blankets.
- Monitor the weather: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and schedule pours during warmer periods if possible, or ensure that adequate insulation is in place when temperatures are expected to drop.


Winter can be tough on concrete construction, but with the right preparation and strategies, you can protect your projects from the harsh effects of the cold. Being proactive, from adjusting your concrete mix to preparing your job site for snow, will help you maintain quality and productivity throughout the season.

At ProContractor Supply, we provide the tools, equipment, and materials you need to keep your concrete construction projects on track this winter. Reach out to us for all your cold-weather construction needs!