How do you keep concrete cool in hot weather?
Rachel Hernandez
Published Mar 16, 2026
How do you keep concrete cool in hot weather?
To maintaining cool concrete in hot weather, the temperature within the concrete can be reduced by using cool water or ice as part of the mixing water. Additionally, spraying aggregates with water can help keep the concrete cool.
What are the effects of hot weather on concrete?
Effect of Hot Weather on Concrete
| Stage | Effect |
|---|---|
| Production | Increased water demand for given workability, Increased difficulty in controlling entrained air content |
| Transit | Loss of water by evaporation, Increased rate of loss of workability |
How long does it take concrete to cure in hot weather?
In addition to the potential for shrinkage cracks, hot weather will tend to cause concrete to lose slump (workability) and set much more quickly. Concrete will typically set in about 4 hours in 80o F temperatures, a 10o F increase in ambient temperature will reduce the set time to about 2.5 hours.
How hot is concrete on a 90 degree day?
Concrete Gets Very Hot When builders test grass that’s in direct sunlight all day, it rarely gets over 80°F. Wood can reach 90°F, composite decking 100°F, but concrete can get as hot as 175°F.
Can you pour concrete on hot days?
Experts agree—the best temperature to pour concrete is between 40° – 60°F. When temperatures dip below 40°F, the chemical reactions that strengthen concrete slow down and can lead to weaker concrete.
What is shotcrete method?
Shotcrete is a method of applying concrete projected at high velocity primarily on to a vertical or overhead surface. Shotcrete is applied using a wet- or dry-mix process. The wet-mix shotcrete process mixes all ingredients, including water, before introduction into the delivery hose.
Should you cover concrete in hot weather?
The concrete should be cured at the correct time with a suitable curing agent, which can be applied via a spayer. It is also advisable to cover the concrete over with plastic sheeting in order to shade the concrete from the harshest temperatures and lock in moisture.
How hot is concrete on a 100 degree day?
Wood can reach 90°F, composite decking 100°F, but concrete can get as hot as 175°F.
Is concrete good for hot countries?
While hot weather problems are most frequently encountered in the summer, climatic conditions of high winds, low relative humidity, and solar radiation can occur any time, especially in warmer climates.
