Avoiding problems with temperature swings, rain, and the weird stuff spring weather throws at you.
Spring is a strange beast in the construction world. One day it’s 75 and sunny, the next it’s 38 and pouring rain. And if you’re pouring concrete during this time of year, those swings in temperature and moisture can seriously mess with your work.
Let’s talk about how to deal with spring concrete pours—so your slabs don’t end up weak, cracked, or ruined altogether.
1. Understand the Risks of Spring Pours
- Concrete doesn’t like surprises—and spring weather is full of them. Here’s what you’re up against:
- Cold mornings and hot afternoons. Big temperature swings in a single day can lead to thermal cracking.
- Sudden rain. Too much surface water can weaken your mix or mess with curing.
- Slow strength gain. If it’s too cold at night, concrete may not cure fast enough, delaying your schedule.
Knowing these risks helps you plan better. Don’t just check the temperature—check the forecast for the whole pour window: before, during, and after.
2. Time Your Pours Like a Pro
Springtime means you’ve got to be strategic.
- Avoid early mornings if it’s too cold. Concrete likes to be poured when ambient temps are between 50°F and 70°F.
- Watch the wind. High winds and sun can dry out the surface too fast, leading to plastic shrinkage cracks.
- Cover your bases—literally. Have blankets or tarps ready to protect the slab if a cold snap or rain rolls in.
You don’t always get perfect conditions in spring. The trick is to work around the weather, not against it.
3. Choose the Right Mix for Spring Conditions
Talk to your ready-mix supplier about your timeline and the weather. They can help you adjust your mix to suit spring’s unpredictability. Consider:
- Accelerators to speed up curing when it’s cooler
- Air-entrained concrete for better freeze-thaw resistance
- Lower water-to-cement ratios to improve durability
You don’t always need fancy additives—but sometimes they can save your job from turning into a do-over.
4. Curing Matters More Than You ThinkThink of curing as babysitting your slab. You can’t just pour it and forget it—especially not in spring.
Best practices include:
- Covering the slab with curing blankets or plastic sheeting to trap moisture and protect against cold.
- Using curing compounds to seal in moisture if blankets aren’t practical.
- Keeping an eye on wind and sun, which can dry out the surface faster than you think.
And here’s a pro tip: if the overnight temps are dipping below 40°F, that slab needs to be covered.
5. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Have a backup plan:
- Pop-up tents or canopies for surprise showers.
- Extra help on hand to cover things quickly.
- Flexibility in your schedule in case you have to delay the pour a day or two.
Trying to rush a pour in bad conditions can cost you way more than pushing it back a day.
Spring concrete pours aren’t impossible—but they do take a little extra thought and planning. Watch the weather. Use the right mix. And don’t skimp on curing. If you’re careful, you can lay down solid, long-lasting concrete even with all the curveballs spring throws your way.
And remember—when it comes to bidding that job right in the first place, ProfitDig has your back. Bid fast, bid smart, and make sure the numbers work no matter what the season throws at you.