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11/01/16
RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE COLD WEATHER REQUIREMENTS
DEFINITION OF COLD WEATHER – Cold weather is defined as a period of time when for
more than three (3) consecutive days, the following conditions exist:
The average daily air temperature is less than 40˚ Fahrenheit.
The air temperature is less than 40˚ Fahrenheit for more than one half of any 24-hour
period.
The average daily temperature is the average of the highest and the lowest
temperatures occurring during the period from midnight to midnight. Cold weather
usually starts during fall and usually continues until spring.
FOOTINGS – shall be poured only on dry soil when the temperature is not less than 25˚
Fahrenheit. The pour shall be completed by noon to maximize curing time prior to nighttime falling
temperatures. Concrete shall be protected in forms for not less than forty-eight (48) hours, with
either insulation blankets, or not less than one (1) foot of straw, covered with plastic to prevent air
and water infiltration. Straw shall cover top and sides of footing completely.
FOUNDATION WALLS – shall be poured only when the temperature is not less than 25˚
Fahrenheit and is rising to 32˚ Fahrenheit or more. The pour shall be completed by noon to
maximize curing time prior to nighttime falling temperatures. Forms shall be kept in place for not
less than 72 hours. Walls shall be protected with insulation blankets for not less than 72 hours prior
to removal of any formwork.
FLATWORK – Once cold weather has been determined, outside flatwork will not be poured
unless heated. The pour shall be completed by noon to maximize curing time prior to nighttime falling temperatures. Release of cold weather will be determined by The Building Official once warmer temps are reached consistently.
Adequate equipment shall be provided for heating concrete materials and protecting
concrete during freezing or near freezing weather.
All concrete materials and all reinforcing, forms, fillers and ground with which
concrete is to come in contact with shall be free from frost.
Frozen materials or materials containing ice shall not be used.