Texas’ weather can fluctuate from extreme highs to freezing lows throughout the year. In February of 2021, a severe winter storm swept through Texas and had a major impact on several industries. With impassable roads, massive power outages, and shortages of everything, Texas ground to a snowy halt. With what looks like another cold winter right around the corner, Hilltop Concrete is prepared to not only continue installing through the winter but for whatever mother nature may throw our way. The American Concrete Institute defines cold weather concreting based on two parameters; a daily average outdoor temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and outdoor air temperature not rising above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for more than half of a 24-hour period.
While cold weather is not the most ideal condition for concrete to set but we have 23+ years of experience to get us through cold winters. Our team works during sun-up hours to ensure the best drying conditions. Pouring late in the afternoon runs the risks of the concrete freezing overnight and not being as strong over time. For cold weather, it’s important to let the concrete set for as long as possible to prevent breakage. We also use water above 40°F (5°C) so it doesn't freeze while we are mixing and curing. These practices are applied to the concrete we use in both our manufacturing and installation processes. While there are other tips and tricks you can use for curing concrete in cold weather, be careful as not every tip will work for your situation. With concrete molds, you cannot use a heater to prevent freezing because the heat would not be evenly distributed in the mold. This would weaken the overall product.
While many construction projects can be affected by extreme winter conditions, your Hilltop Concrete fence will have already been precast at our manufacturing site and most likely awaiting installation onsite. Utilizing precast concrete fencing allows your project to be completed on time and remain within budget. Hilltop Concrete specializes in the manufacturing and installation of precast concrete fences all over Texas and the surrounding states where cold weather can generally negatively impact a job site. No other building material equals concrete for its strength and durability. It is one of the most versatile building materials used on almost any construction project you can imagine. With our stylish pattern choices mimicking stone, wood, and brick, our concrete fences make a great choice for those who want style and durability no matter the season.
With Hilltop Concrete’s precast concrete fences, cold weather concreting does not have to delay the installation of a concrete fence for a project because the temperatures have dropped below ideal temperatures. Our processes result in regulated components that continue to meet the high standards for quality, strength, and design that we demand from our concrete fence components. We have had years of training and hands-on experience in manufacturing our precast concrete components no matter the weather! To discuss your project with one of our team members, please feel free to email us at hello@hilltopconcreteco.com or call our office at 903-630-5465. You can also send us your project details here and one of our team members will reach out to you. We look forward to becoming your trusted precast concrete fence contractor!