What Effect Does Weather Have on Ohio Ready Mix Concrete?

Whether you’re building a commercial structure or a residential foundation, Ohio ready mix concrete is the backbone of modern construction projects. However, when dealing with Ohio’s unpredictable weather, the performance and durability of concrete can be affected.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Ohio’s climate affects concrete, best practices for working in different weather conditions, and what can be done to ensure your concrete remains strong and durable.

Whether you’re in need of Ohio ready mix concrete in Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland, this guide will provide valuable insights to help protect your investment.

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Understanding Ohio’s Climate

Ohio experiences everything from scorching summers to freezing winters, and understanding how these weather conditions impact ready mix concrete is critical for the success of any project. Summers can reach temperatures upwards of 90°F, while winters often dip below freezing, sometimes as low as 10°F.

This temperature variation, combined with regular precipitation throughout the year, can affect the drying and curing process of concrete.

Temperature Fluctuations Affecting Ohio Ready Mix Concrete

HOT TEMPERATURES: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, significantly influence how concrete cures. In summer, Ohio ready mix concrete may dry too quickly, which can lead to cracking.

High heat can accelerate evaporation, causing the water in the concrete mix to evaporate too fast, resulting in a weaker end product.

COLD TEMPERATURES: During Ohio’s frigid winters, concrete takes much longer to cure. Cold temperatures can prevent the chemical reactions required for concrete to properly set.

If the water in the mix freezes, it expands and can crack the concrete from the inside out. This is a common problem when pouring ready mix concrete in Ohio during late fall or winter.

Humidity and Precipitation Effects on Ohio Ready Mix Concrete

HUMIDITY: Ohio’s high humidity, especially in the summer, can cause challenges with water retention in the concrete. Too much moisture in the air can delay the drying time of concrete, leaving it vulnerable to weather changes.

RAINFALL: Additionally, Ohio is prone to unexpected rainfall, which can throw off the water-to-cement ratio in your concrete mix. If the rainwater saturates freshly poured concrete, it may dilute the mixture, weakening the concrete and causing surface defects like scaling or dusting.

Winter Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affecting Ohio Ready Mix Concrete

One of the most damaging weather phenomena for concrete in Ohio is the freeze-thaw cycle. During the winter, the water inside the concrete expands as it freezes and contracts when it thaws.

This repeated expansion and contraction can create internal pressure that causes cracks and long-term deterioration. Without proper care and planning, concrete surfaces can suffer significant damage after just one winter.

Wind and Weather Extremes for Ohio Ready Mix Concrete

Ohio experiences a variety of extreme weather events, from thunderstorms in the summer to high winds in the fall and winter. High winds can make it challenging to pour and finish concrete because the wind increases the rate of evaporation.

This is especially true in areas in Ohio where thunderstorms and sudden weather changes are common. It’s crucial to monitor the weather and prepare for these conditions to prevent issues like rapid drying and cracking.

Best Practices for Working with Ohio Ready Mix Concrete in Any Weather

Ohio experiences everything from scorching summers to freezing winters, and understanding the best practices in handling these weather condition effects on Ohio ready mix concrete is critical for the success of any project.

Pouring in Cold Weather

When dealing with cold weather, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure that the concrete sets properly.

Use heated enclosures or blankets to maintain a consistent temperature around the concrete.
Chemical accelerators can be added to the mix to speed up the curing process, ensuring that the concrete doesn’t remain vulnerable to freezing temperatures for too long.
Use air-entrained concrete, which introduces small air bubbles into the mix. These bubbles allow for slight expansion when water inside the concrete freezes, reducing the risk of cracking during Ohio’s cold spells.

Hot Weather Concrete Work

In the heat of Ohio’s summer, concrete can dry too quickly, which can lead to surface cracks, reduced strength, and uneven curing.

Use water-reducing admixtures in your concrete mix to slow the evaporation process. Keeping the concrete cool before pouring and scheduling pours for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower can also help ensure the mix sets correctly.
For projects using Ohio ready mix concrete during the peak of summer, it’s also advisable to regularly spray water on the concrete surface after the pour. This will prevent the surface from drying out too quickly and help ensure an even cure.

Handling Rain and High Humidity

Rain and humidity are ever-present challenges when working with concrete in Ohio.

Cover freshly poured concrete with plastic sheeting or a tarp. This keeps the water-to-cement ratio stable, preventing the concrete from becoming too diluted.
For projects in more humid parts of the state, moisture barriers or retarders can be applied to Ohio ready mix concrete to slow down the curing process. This helps to ensure that the concrete dries evenly, reducing the risk of long-term defects.

Dealing with Freeze-Thaw Cycles

As previously mentioned, freeze-thaw cycles are among the most damaging weather conditions for concrete in Ohio.

Using air-entrained concrete is one of the best defenses against freeze-thaw cycles. By incorporating tiny air pockets in the concrete, you allow room for expansion during freezing conditions, preventing the buildup of internal pressure that leads to cracking.
Ensuring proper drainage is also essential. Water should not be allowed to pool on the surface, as this increases the likelihood of freeze-thaw damage.

Aslan Concrete: The King of Concrete in Ohio

At Aslan Concrete, we understand the unique challenges that Ohio’s weather presents for concrete construction. Whether you’re pouring in the hot season or dealing with freeze-thaw cycles, our team is ready to provide the best possible solutions to ensure your concrete stands the test of time.

Your go-to choice for high-quality concrete projects across the Ohio state

When you choose Aslan Concrete, you’re partnering with the experts in ready mix concrete in Ohio. Our top priority is delivering concrete that performs well, no matter what Ohio weather throws your way.

Ready to start your next project? Let Aslan Concrete provide you with the highest quality concrete ready mix in Columbus, Ohio, Geneva, Cleveland, and beyond!

Contact us today for a consultation and see how we can help make your project a success. Our team is ready to assist you in navigating the challenges of Ohio’s climate while delivering durable, long-lasting results.