Maggie's Farm

We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.

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Friday, December 19. 2008

Concrete

We were long overdue for a bit of driveway repair, and finally got it done yesterday. The guys did an excellent and careful job.

But can concrete cure in the cold temps we're having in New England these days? (We have a big snow today.) No, not very well. I forgot to ask them whether they used the "antifreeze" mortar, but they seemed like they knew what they were doing.

I have always found cement and concrete to be an interesting topic. We posted about it here. For some FAQs about cement and concrete, try this.

 

Posted by Bird Dog in Our Essays, The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 13:15 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

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As a builder (contractor) I have whilst visiting America always found the use of concrete for shop floors etc very imaginative and of high quality....I realy should get out more!
#1 thud (Link) on 2008-12-19 15:15 (Reply)
Those look like pavers. Were they set in a sand bed? If so cold temps should be okay. Pavers are much easier to fix than a concrete slab if there are problems. Pavers can sink or heave when the ground freezes and thaws so ground prep is important.
http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/pavers/

I have seen a few concrete slabs that froze. Surface dusting and surface spalling can be a problem that occurs later. The freezing weakens the surface. Slabs are usually okay to about 30 degrees. The concrete generates a little heat as it sets up. Most of the curing happens in the first few days but curing will continue for much longer, like about 30 days, iirc. Also, do not pour concrete slabs on frozen ground.

Thud, concrete network has lots of info on decorative floors.
#2 Patina on 2008-12-19 15:42 (Reply)
I've heard that good concrete is like a good marriage - at its' strongest after fifty years.
#3 The Distributist on 2008-12-19 16:31 (Reply)
Well, it those guys DID mess up the mix, at least you'll have concrete evidence
#4 buddy larsen on 2008-12-19 22:04 (Reply)
The best foundation pour I had was in 0 degrees,
15 mph wind, [w/ 30 degree wind chill] @ the
top of a hill.
Yes they can use the right mix & follow all the
specifications to a T. We also covered it in loads
of salt hay.
#5 anon on 2008-12-20 06:29 (Reply)

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