Pouring concrete for my shop's new floor last month, the mix started setting too fast in 90 degree heat and I had to scramble with a hose and extra crew to keep it workable.

Lost about 15 minutes of work time and had to call my buddy at the supply yard for advice mid pour but we got it smoothed out before any cracks formed has anyone else had a hot day concrete disaster and salvaged it?

3 comments

3 Comments

lewis.finley23d ago

Oh man, that is rough. I've had a similar scramble with a walkway pour in July and it is no joke watching that stuff start to stiffen up on you. Glad you managed to keep it from cracking, that's the real win right there. The hose trick is a lifesaver but I bet your heart was pounding for a minute there.

spencer_owens5823d ago

Funny you mention July, @lewis.finley. Last summer I was doing a small patio pour and the temp hit 95 by noon. I had this one corner that just would not cooperate no matter how much I worked it. Ended up having to pull the whole batch back and rework it with a shovel like some kind of caveman. Concrete sets faster than you realize when the sun's beating down, and it's not a good feeling when your arm starts cramping and you're still trying to smooth it.

emerym3623d ago

Start spreading the mix with one hand while shaking out a cramp with the other, that's a special kind of concrete rodeo right there. I've had a couple of those caveman moments myself where I'm just muscle and sweat trying to beat the clock before everything turns to rock. At least you got to enjoy that afternoon shade while the patio is setting up, knowing you barely saved it from becoming a permanent sculpture of frustration.