Concrete work is a foundational part of what we do and in the Georgia summer, that foundation requires even more care. High temperatures, intense sun, and rapid evaporation can all affect how concrete cures, which in turn impacts its long-term strength and finish.
At Milestone, we prepare for these seasonal challenges so our pours stay safe, strong, and on schedule. Whether you’re a project manager, trade partner, or property owner, here are a few important things to keep in mind when pouring concrete in the summer heat.
1. Plan Your Pour Early
The earlier the better. Morning pours allow us to beat the worst of the midday heat and give the concrete more time to set under stable conditions. We also keep a close eye on weather forecasts to avoid excessive wind or unexpected temperature spikes as well as pop-up thunderstorms due to elevated temperatures and humidity,.
2. Cool the Mix When Needed
In extreme heat, we’ll adjust our approach by cooling the materials themselves—using chilled water, ice, or shading aggregate stockpiles. A cooler mix temperature can slow down the set time and give us more control during placement and finishing.
3. Keep an Eye on Set Time
Hot weather accelerates concrete’s set time, which can lead to surface cracking, reduced strength, and finish issues if not managed correctly. Our crews are trained to monitor workability in real time, and we often use retarding admixtures to slow the set when needed.
4. Protect the Surface
Once placed, concrete is especially vulnerable to rapid moisture loss. We use evaporation retardants, proper finishing techniques, and immediate curing measures—like wet coverings or curing compounds—to protect the surface from cracking or scaling.
5. Cure Consistently
Proper curing is one of the most critical steps in hot weather concrete work. We implement a curing plan right from the start to ensure the concrete retains moisture and achieves its intended strength. Without it, the surface may look fine today—but problems could show up down the road.
6. Safety
Another item to note with summer concrete pours is how quick concrete sets up and how diligent subcontractors have to be in staying on top of finishing. Milestone keeps safety in the forefront by providing water to subcontractors to minimize any potential heat stress concerns. Again, the emphasis is on early morning pours to prevent any safety issues but depending on scope, that is not always possible.
Heat Is a Factor, Not an Obstacle
Pouring concrete in summer doesn’t have to be risky. With the right timing, tools, and techniques, we make sure the heat doesn’t compromise the job. Our experience across Athens, Atlanta, and beyond has taught us how to work with the environment, not against it.
At Milestone, we build for the long haul. That means understanding every detail… down to the temperature of the day, and making the right calls so your project stays solid from the ground up.
