Concrete laying in winter - How cold is too cold

[adrian1810]

Hi

I would like to lay some concrete to fix some pergola posts in the ground (approx 45cm deep, 40cm wide) in the next few days. The night time temperature is probably going to be -1 to -3 C (daytime around 4 C).

Will covering each hole with plastic sheeting and maybe some dust sheets be sufficient (I don't have hessian sacks or straw as the site mentions), or would frost proofer additives (not sure where to get these from) be enough without the covers or should I just not bother and wait till it gets warmer?

Cheers
Ade

[simeonronacrete]

If you simply have to do it in this weather and cannot wait for temperatures to climb, we have a product which can help.

It's a complete prebagged mortar, Monoset RX , mix it with the supplied liquid and place it using normal techniques. Within a couple of hours it'll be hard (and warm) and gain strength, even down to -10oC.

Monoset is in stock at our Harlow factory and can be ordered direct or through one of our stockists.

Regards

[rms]

Although anything below 2 C is too cold for many applications, for setting posts into the ground it will be fine to just cover up to keep the frost off. You can buy products to be absolutely sure that everything will be fine but for setting in posts this is complete overkill!

[adrian1810]

Great stuff. I have 1000 things to do this summer, so this will be one I can cross off early. Thanks.