wanted to do a small winter project. Build a small shelter for my firewood supply. I need to pour four sonotube footings. Not to big ~ 12" X 3' deep. or even 2'. Its just going to be strictly a shed for split wood, just a shelter no sides etc. Can I hand mix those 50lb bags in the winter, maybe inside my garage and then pour into those tubes? Is there a chemical to add to the mix so that is doesn't freeze prior to curing? There are days where its 32 and above here but rare because its winter.

Thoughts?

 

where in NY down my area its been pretty mild. Small prjects can be done without using additives like Calcium cloride to make it cure faster . I think Home depot carries it in small jugs brand name Thurmolube.

I would just heat the bags of Mix by leaving them in the house or other heated area and use warm water. Then cover the tube with Hay or water proof insulation to hold the heat in.My nieghbor used an electric blanket when he did the tubes for his deck last winter. And you should be good to go.

 

I'm in orange county. Yeah, its relatively small and short project. thanks for the information.

 

just remember you need at least 4 hrs before a freeze to let the concrete cure. If it freezes before it has a tensile strength of at least 500 psi is will not cure correctly and you will be wasting your time.for the $20 a bag for calicum I think it is cheap insurance. But if you are putting any type of steel into the sonotubes no calcium

 

Calcium(2%) as stated. I wouldn't worry much about footings. If it gets too cold, throw some insulated blankets over them. Whats wrong with steel and Calcium?

 

It will eat the steel over time... A long time.
Its a big no no on most of the Gov/State Jobs now.
They still do it on house foundations.

 

I am no expert but I beleive you can get different types of mix, some are mixed for cold weather. I have put blankets or tarps over the pour bfore and also blown hot air from space heaters underneath the covering. I wouldnt let it freeze for at least 24 hours if not longer for a good cure. Hot water in the mix is helpful as well.

Thats my .02

D-C out!

 

You are usually ok the first night if temps don't get below 32F. Its the successsive days/nights that you need to worry about. Rent some concrete blankets or cover them w/ straw and plastic for a few days. Hot water in the mix is a good idea. Your goal is to ensure full hydration of the mix before the water can freeze. Kurt