Over the last few weeks, we’ve had a good few days of sunshine and some high(ish) temperatures and unsurprisingly we’ve had our annual rise in calls regarding the concrete setting quickly and asking the question, how is it possible to get more time?

Following on from the recent tip about creating a shade to give yourself more time when laying concrete, I’ve had a few calls asking why I didn’t mention polythene?!

Well guys, this hot weather is continuing (no rain, great eh!), so I thought I’d continue down the hot weather tips. We’ve done the shades and the polythene, so let’s go onto a BRIEF bit on concrete, or more precisely, the cement in concrete.

Although it is impossible to guarantee against cracking, the chance of random uncontrolled cracks is greatly reduced by the introduction of contraction joints.

Acid Washing is one very critical part of the wash off process. Many people do it. Some do not. It is simple, easy to do, and costs very little to undertake, yet the benefits are very tangible.

Washing the Release Agent from the surface of completed PIC is an important part of the process and exposes the true colour and pleasing aesthetics of the paving and brings the PIC “to life”.

I know many of you guys know (and over the years have learnt!!!) the answer to this question. Nonetheless Dr Concrete often gets asked how much CSH should be used on an installation and the reasons why. So, I apologise in advance that this Dr Concrete may seem a little bit long winded.

We all know that to remove the release agent, the finished job needs to be washed off. Lack of care using the high pressure water jet or uncontrolled application of Acid Wash, will potentially result in damage to the surface of the printed concrete.

Now that the temperatures are dropping the pressure is off. It’s a different game. There’s little chance of the concrete “getting away” from you. In fact, as many of you will know, it’s quite the opposite. You’ve laid the concrete and then it’s a waiting game. And it can be a VERY boring waiting game.