Winter Casting

I'm considering building a home but I've been warned that casting concrete for the foundation and walls is risky in cold weather (scalding, cracks etc). I live in Saskatchewan, Canada and it's already -20 Celcius at night with a high of -10 during the day. Am I any better off delaying construction of my new home until March or April? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Ron]

While there are some specific procedures that can be used to mitigate cold weather placement issues with concrete, it is not likely that a residential contractor will know these well enough or that he will follow them. I would wait.

 

[emmgjld]

Your location would suggest many of the local contractors are capable of the task. I spent a few years in a similar climate and I am aware of the problems. I would suggest that the real issue is --- Are you ready to pay the price. Winter concreting is expensive. Of course, the big advantage is that when Spring breaks, you have first choice of the contractors who cannot work until foundations have been placed.

The use of ICF (foam forms) walls will go a long way to assisting in good walls. The placement of slabs should proceed only when you can properly cure the concrete, either by heating of waiting until Spring.