Product presentation: Working in the Heat with Concrete
07.08.2024
Figure: SpecChem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkK6UqFBGNM
When working in hot weather it is important to consider four key temperatures: water, powder, air, and surface. Higher temperatures for any of these can reduce cementitious products’ working time, especially for fast-setting products. The following outlines best practices to help ensure successful placement with using SpecChem cementitious products in hot weather.
- Start the project in the early morning to avoid direct sunlight and higher temperatures
- Pre-dampening (SSD) the substrate with cool water will extend your flow, worktime, and improve adhesion.
- Protect and store products, tools, and equipment in cooler temperatures; avoiding direct sunlight. Keeping the powder cool and using cold water will dramatically help extend set and work time.
- Cold water can be used to slow hydration and allow adequate work time to mix and place the products.
- Apply IntraFilm to the surface, if appropriate, to reduce early moisture loss due to wind, sun, and low humidity
- After final finishing, apply a SpecChem curing compound to improve concrete hydration, offer protection, and improve general durability
- Cooling should be accomplished by indirect exposure – DO NOT blow cold air directly onto newly placed concrete or repair mortar surfaces.
Don’t Sweat the Heat When You Have IntraFilm
IntraFilm is a finishing aid designed specifically for hot, humid, dry, or windy conditions.
When sprayed over fresh concrete, IntraFilm utilizes advanced colloidal silica technology to protect concrete from early moisture loss caused by wind, sun, and low humidity, leading to consistently better concrete surfaces.
CONTACT:
SpecChem
1511 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64108/United States
