Many people avoid pouring concrete during the winter when the temperatures are consistently low. After all, when the thermometer dips below 40 degrees, you may find yourself with weak concrete. However, there are plenty of ideas for covering concrete foundation to consider. To avoid construction delays, you can take extra precautions and find yourself one step ahead of everyone else.
All you need is a heavy-duty clear span tent. Maintaining an ideal temperature around the concrete can be done with the help of this tent. As a result, pouring concrete in winter is not an impossible task.
Let’s review some ideas for covering concrete foundation in winter and take a closer look at how – and why – pouring concrete during the winter becomes much more manageable when done right the first time.
Why a Clear Span Tent?
We mentioned that you need a clear span tent for your construction site because many benefits come with it – including its ability to cover your concrete foundation when the temperatures drop.
Clear span tents are an ideal choice for this task because they are:
- Customizable. Regardless of your size, you can get a tent that will cover your space perfectly. This will allow you to continue to work without any interference since it was made to fit your job site.
- Durable. The aluminum frame of the clear span tent and the vinyl overhead are engineered to withstand inclement weather. That means whether you are dealing with winds, ice, snow, or something else – your tent will continue to stand, and your crew will safely be able to get the job done.
- Choose your accessories. If you need particular doors in certain places, your tent can be customized to hold them. Man and garage doors are the two most commonly used for covering concrete.
- Easy to install – and deconstruct. Finally, clear-span tents are easy to install when you need coverage and take it down when it is no longer needed.
The Importance of the Planning Phase
Every construction project starts with a planning phase. And, when it has a timeline that falls within the freezing temperature of the winter months, you will want to take a closer look at what it entails. For instance, if you are starting a large construction project that involves pouring a concrete foundation during these frigid temperatures, you will need to take an extra step.
A heavy-duty clear-span tent can be used to protect the area underneath the tent so that the project can be done easily and without worrying about outdoor conditions.
During this planning phase, you will want to consider the additional cost that will be incurred due to the tent’s inclusion and the increased surface area adjacent to the pour area to disassemble components. If you intend to finish your project according to the plan, you will need to account for these things.
Choosing the Size of Your Clear Span Tent
In choosing the size of your clear span tent, it is essential to note that the size of it will need to be larger than the area of your poured concrete foundation. This will allow room for movement around the poured area and space to disassemble the components when it is time.
So, how much space is necessary?
It is suggested that you opt for a minimum of 5 feet around all sides of concrete foundations.
This additional space serves an even bigger purpose, too. Since you are working to keep the temperature at bay within the tent, the additional space around the pour area can assist by using the internal heat to create the correct temperature.
Ideas for Covering Concrete Foundation
When you choose a clear span tent for your foundation coverage, you can have the entire space covered before you even begin pouring. Because concrete can interact with frozen ground, this can be a very wise move. Plus, it will make it much simpler to proceed with the excavation. Just be sure to include a garage door in your tent so that machinery can easily make it in and out.
Additional ideas for covering concrete foundation include adding entry points for your construction crew and the garage door. With the cold temperatures in mind, keeping the large door open consistently or throughout the day will drop the temperature inside the tent. With man doors, they will be able to enter and exit without causing considerable fluctuations in temperature.
It is not uncommon to take advantage of having the structure cover your concrete foundation while it is there. Many construction crews choose to get their initial plumbing and electrical set before deconstructing it. However, keep in mind that a crane will be required to remove the aluminum frame in this instance.
The Big Finish
Thankfully, this heavy-duty tent will allow you to stay within your timeline and meet your deadlines. To ensure it is done right, allow it a little extra time. Let us explain.
To remove the clear span structure, you will need heavy machinery. And this machinery will need to maneuver around on the top of the new concrete foundation. This could cause extra stress and could lead to damage if the pad isn’t properly cured.
It is always advised to leave the concrete foundation covered for an additional week to fully cure and handle the machinery without issue. Just be sure to add this to your project timeline.
Cover Your Concrete Foundation With American Pavilion
Many people have heard for years that you cannot pour concrete in freezing temperatures. But with the help of a heavy-duty clear-span tent, it can be done quickly. You can even keep it around longer and add plumbing and electrical work while being shielded from the elements.
Just be sure to account for the additional space you will need surrounding the foundation and the additional time needed to cure it. Once the tent is removed, you will be left with a beautiful concrete foundation.