The intense summer heat poses a definite set of challenges for making concrete structures. High temperatures coupled with low humidity act as catalysts and accelerate the evaporation of moisture from freshly made concrete. If not managed, this rapid loss of water leads to structural flaws and, worse still, cracks. 

When concrete cracks, it doesn’t just affect the aesthetic appeal of the building, it becomes a threat to the construction quality and structural durability. This is why it is important that the best cement for concrete construction is used. 

Why Does Summer Heat Accelerate Concrete Cracking?

After the concrete is laid, cement particles bind with water to form a crystalline matrix. When the atmospheric temperature exceeds 35 degree celsius, the rate of hydration also increases. It may seem that the situation is advantageous because the concrete will set in faster, but it actually compromises the structural integrity. 

Let us understand durability science here. Accelerated hydration causes the concrete to develop high early strength, but it suffers a substantial loss in its long-term compressive strength. The top layer of the concrete shrinks while the underlying concrete remains volumetric. This causes tensile stress, which leads to cracks before the concrete has had the time to harden.

 

What Can Shield Concrete from High Temperatures?

For RCC construction, we suggest you plan before you pour concrete. The idea is to keep the fresh concrete mix temperature below 32 degrees Celsius. This process of maintaining adequate moisture in concrete within a proper temperature range is known as concrete curing. For the curing process to be completed successfully, you should keep the following points in mind:     

Get The Timing Right 

During summer, the hottest time of the day is between 11 AM and 4 PM. It is essential to keep climate suitability in mind. Avoid pouring concrete during this time. Instead, schedule your concrete pours during early mornings or late evenings when it is much cooler. 

Make The Base And The Framework Wet

If the ground and wooden framework are dry, then they will instantly suck the water out of the fresh concrete. Ideally, you should spray water on the base and the wooden framework to make them damp before pouring the concrete. But make sure that no puddles of water are formed. 

 

Use Cold Water

Using cold water to mix the concrete is a great way to bring down the overall temperature of the mix. You can even use ice, if you can source it. 

 

How Do You Handle The Concrete Mix In Summer?

A standard concrete mix may struggle under the scorching heat of the sun. Also, if the concrete sits for too long during transit, it becomes stiff. Masonry workers may add more water to the stiff concrete mix to make it smooth again. But that’s not the right idea because this will only hamper concrete durability and result in cracks later on. 

 

Instead, you can use ‘admixtures’ for concrete. Admixtures are chemicals and minerals added to a concrete mix during mixing to alter its hardened properties. Lastly, you have to ensure that you have enough labourers and machines ready so that when the concrete arrives, you have the manpower and the machine power to pour, level and smooth out the concrete immediately.

 

Is Concrete Curing The Ultimate Defence Against Summer Cracks?

Concrete curing is all about keeping the concrete wet and at the right temperature so that the cement can complete its chemical reaction and build full strength. In summer, you must start curing as soon as the concrete begins to set, keeping climate suitability in mind. 

If, because of the summer heat, the concrete becomes dry too quickly, then the strengthening process stops, and this leaves you with a dry, porous, and cracked structure.

• For Slabs & Floors – Build mud walls around the edges and fill with water.
• For Pillars & Beams – Wrap the structures with jute bags and spray them with water at regular intervals to keep them wet. 

 

Which Cement To Use To Prevent Cracks?

Like we said in the very beginning, choosing the best cement for concrete formation is the most important step in preventing summer cracks. Builders should have sound knowledge of the different cement types and grades that exist in the market. Blended cements are the preferred choice for builders as they generate less internal heat and hold on to moisture much longer. 

 

MP Birla Cement is one of the best cement brands in India, offering specialised products engineered to stop cracks even before they appear. In this section, we have listed some of our top-performing cement brands:

• MP Birla Cement Samrat – This is widely trusted as the best cement for RCC construction. It releases heat very slowly, which greatly reduces thermal stress and cracks during summer.
• MP Birla Cement Ultimate – This cement creates a very dense and compact structure that prevents microcracks and early shrinkage.
• MP Birla Cement Perfect Plus – This cement prevents moisture from escaping during the initial setting phase.
• MP Birla Cement Chetak – This is a time-tested and durable cement that offers good bonding strength and keeps cracks away. 

 

Conclusion

By following the pointers mentioned in this blog and by choosing one of the best cement brands for construction, you can easily build and protect your structure during summer. Just invest a little thoughtful care and use the right blend of cement to ensure that your dream structure stands beautiful, strong and crack-free for a long time.

 

 

 

FAQs

Q. How to stop concrete cracking in hot weather? 

During the pouring process, try to shade the concrete from direct sunlight. To stop concrete from cracking in hot weather, the best practice would be to avoid pouring during peak afternoon heat and instead schedule it for the cooler early morning or evening. It’s a good idea to keep the raw materials cool, dampen the ground and framework before pouring, and never add extra water.

Q.What is the 90-minute rule for concrete? 

The 90-minute rule requires concrete to be fully unloaded from the truck within an hour and a half of mixing at the plant. Beyond this timeframe, the mix loses its workability and begins setting too quickly. Following this guideline is essential for both structural safety and quality control.

Q.How to cure concrete in summer? 

Keeping the concrete surface wet can prevent rapid water evaporation. Also, polyethene covers or plastic covers, may be used as they help retain moisture. For floors and slabs, use the ‘ponding’ method by keeping a layer of water on the surface. For pillars and beams, wrap them tightly in jute bags and spray them to keep them wet.

Q. Does the sun help in concrete curing?

Under normal conditions, the concrete takes time to harden and gain strength. It does so at a steady, gradual pace. However, intense summer heat speeds up this reaction far too much. This causes the concrete to set much earlier and stops it from curing completely. This may result in construction defects.