Since water is a key ingredient in concrete mixes, you might think that rain would pose no issues when pouring concrete in Houston. However, that is a misconception. Rain that falls immediately before, during, or immediately after a concrete pour has the potential to cause issues with the quality of the pavement.

What Is the Problem With Pouring Concrete in Houston Immediately After It Rains?

Depending on the soil at your site, a heavy rain that falls 24 to 48 hours before the pour can leave the subgrade oversaturated. This causes ponding, and the fresh concrete can absorb the excess water, changing the ratio of cement to water. However, with sufficient notice of a pending storm, concrete contractors can often use plastic sheeting to cover the ground so that it does not become saturated.

What Is the Problem With Pouring Concrete in Houston If It Rains on the Day of or Immediately After the Pour?

The specific problem will depend on how near to completion your Houston concrete company is when the rain begins. Typically, concrete companies will postpone a job if they have not yet begun the pour. If the contractor has completed the Houston concrete installation before the rain starts, the potential for damage depends on how long the concrete has had to set. Rain may cause little or no damage if your Houston concrete company has finished the surface and the concrete has had two to eight hours to set. Setting time will depend on the temperature, the thickness of the concrete, and the type of mix used for your Houston concrete installation. If the concrete has not set, concrete contractors may cover the slab with plastic sheeting to keep it dry. However, although the plastic sheeting will not hurt the pavement’s structural integrity, it could leave behind a mottled or blotchy appearance. Without this protection, though, some of the cement could be washed out of the surface layers of the concrete. This can lead to crazing, dusting, and surface scaling.

Can Rain-Damaged Concrete in Houston Be Fixed?

Typically, concrete companies in Houston will not risk pouring concrete parking lots or other large pavements if rain is in the forecast. However, other small-scale projects may be chanced, including a single replacement slab on a sidewalk or a curb repair.

1. If it is a small project that has been damaged by rain, you might want to just let it go; the damage will likely be primarily cosmetic. This is especially true if the Houston concrete installation was for a pavement that bears no traffic or only bears pedestrian traffic.
2. If appearance is critical for a small-scale project, the best option is to have your concrete contractor tear out the damaged area and replace it.
3. For concrete parking lots and other large pavements, your Houston concrete company may be able to fix the damage by diamond grinding the affected area. Diamond grinding can leave a durable and attractive surface, but it may not be identical to the surface your pavement would have displayed otherwise.
4. If runoff from the rain has carved deep trenches in the pavement, left the concrete severely distorted, or destroyed the pavement’s structural integrity, about all that concrete companies can do is remove and replace it.

When you need a Houston concrete installation done right, contact the experts at Marathon Solutions Group. We install concrete ramps, concrete parking lots, ADA-compliant concrete, concrete curbs, and concrete sidewalks. We also repair concrete, and we install bollards, thermoplastic markings, and parking lot signs. In addition, we offer parking lot striping, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt resurfacing, asphalt paving, asphalt milling, asphalt crack repairs, marking removal, parking lot maintenance plans, and parking lot restriping. We have a sterling reputation for craftsmanship, professionalism, service, and honesty. You can use our online form to request a free job quote, or you can send us your information by emailing Sales@Marathon-Solutions.com. If you prefer to call us, you can reach us at 800-879-1147.