Pouring Concrete in Rockhampton Heat

Heat speeds everything up

Concrete gains strength through a chemical reaction between cement and water. Heat speeds that reaction up, and heat plus wind pulls water out of the surface quickly. In a Rockhampton summer that causes three common problems: the concrete stiffens before it is properly placed and finished, the surface dries faster than the slab beneath and cracks in a fine pattern, and the top layer ends up weak and dusty.

None of it shows on pour day. It shows months later as crazing, a surface that powders under a broom, or edges that chip.

What a good concreter does about it

• Starts early. Summer pours often begin at first light, so the placing and finishing happen before the worst of the heat.
• Talks to the plant. Concrete suppliers can adjust mixes for hot weather. Adding water on site to make it workable weakens the concrete, so it should not be the fix.
• Gets the crew and gear ready. In heat there is less time to work, so the job needs enough hands for its size.
• Protects the surface. Wind breaks, evaporation retarders sprayed on the surface, or covering the slab all slow moisture loss.
• Cures it properly. Keeping the slab damp, covering it, or using a curing compound for the days after the pour.

What to ask

Ask what time the pour starts, how the slab will be cured, and who is responsible for keeping it damp afterwards. If the answer is “it’ll be right”, ask again.

Next step

This matters most on big slabs, like house slabs and shed floors. Ring 0489 908 651 and the job goes to a licensed Rocky concreter.