[Stonehenge]

We're trying to decide whether to start a project that requires us to pour a footing. It's getting colder here, and I'm worried about the concrete setting up correctly (not to mention the mortar, when we build the wall). How late is too late to pour footings like this?

Should I expect to have to wait additional time for the concrete to cure?

[Pelican]

I've poured footings in the dead of winter with no troubles, with the proper steps taken.

The concrete should have an antifreeze additive present, then the footings should be insulated after pouring. You can use concrete blankets or fill your ditch with fluffed up hay, then cover with plastic.

The heat generated by the concrete curing will prevent freezing and crumbling.

The mortar is another story, though. I worked a job where they built a Bisqueen tent around the work and had a kerosene heater burning to prevent freezing. You'd have to figure the cost of this into the job.

[CountyMaterials]

Jeff -

Not sure what to add to the cement cause we don't deal with ready-mix; may want to call Brick and Supply for that.

However, for the mortar, you can use Anti-Hydro or Hard-n-Fast or something of the like.

[Stonehenge]

Thanks Jason. I'm probably going to have Carew bring in the concrete - we did some work for one of their drivers, and I'm just more used to dealing with them for this kind of thing.

Thanks for the info on Anti-Hydro - now that you mention it I can recall seeing a sheet about it at the contractor window at your place around this time of year...

[Tim]

Hi S.H.

add 2% chloride to the mix, and don't pour it unless the temp is above 26 degrees. Then follow the previous advise from Pelican. Leave covered for about 1 week to be safe. I also like to up the mix to 3,500 or 4,00lb mix too, but not critical. Good Luck Jeff! Tim

[Stonehenge]

Eeesh. A week, eh? Is there a way I could start mortaring stone atop that concrete sooner?

[Tim]

S.H. Watch your temps real careful!!!!

Concrete's curing is a chemical reaction that only produces heat for about the 1st 24 hours. This heat allows one to pour during sub - freezing to 26 degrees. After the concrete is finished, it is critical that it be covered and stay covered immediately for proper curing to continue. The heat dissipates the concrete's moisture content. If it is poured at too cold of a temp, or uncovered too soon at too low of a temp, the water/moisture contained in the concrete turns to ice crystals. This interior expansion destroys concrete's proper bonding processes(crystallization) making it seriously inferior.

In order to drive on concrete, we recommend 3 days in all seasons but winter, then we state a week before uncovering. If your weather will stay above freezing for a couple of days after you pour, you could probably get away with building your wall after no less than 2 days since it is just a footing. But recover the job ASAP. Here's hoping for a heat wave!! Tim