When paving can't stop in the heat - here's how

Concreting in the summer is not the same as it was twenty years ago; the changed climate requires precise work organisation, knowledge of materials and foresight, Mapei Kft.

The company's managing director, Béla Markovich, warns that in the past it was only an option to use additives or to time the work, but now it is practically a prerequisite for quality workmanship. "Those who don't adapt can face quality problems, subsequent repairs and even complaints," he adds.

The solution is not necessarily complicated

According to the standards, if the heat is persistent and the air temperature exceeds 35°C for a long period of time, it is not recommended to pour concrete. This is because not only is the human load capacity reduced, but also that of the concrete:

Cement starts to set faster, water evaporates too quickly and fresh concrete loses its proper consistency before it can be properly placed. The result is a cracked, weak structure that can lead to long-term structural and aesthetic problems.

According to the Mapei announcement, the solution is not necessarily complicated, but requires conscious organisation and technological preparation. Chilled water should be used at the mixing stage, and after pouring, shielding, tarpaulins or special vapour barrier coatings can be used to protect the fresh surface from drying out.

The bond-retarding additive is one of the main tools

There are also special additives that specifically address the problems caused by the summer heat. One of the most important of these is a cure retarding additive, which extends the processing time, thus reducing the chance of defects due to scraping. Other types of admixtures help to preserve the strength of concrete by slowing water loss, improving consistency and helping to prevent premature cracking.

Moreover, it does not matter what cement, additives and technology are used. If you want a durable, high-quality building for the long term, you need to start thinking in a more climate-conscious way today.

"If you are unsure about what solution you need, you should contact the experts at Mapei. Advice is free of charge and we can help you find the best solution both technically and economically"

- said Béla Markovich.

Summer heat is no longer an exceptional condition

The publication stresses that paving is just the tip of the iceberg, one of the first warnings that the construction industry needs to adapt to the new climate. The summer heat is no longer an emergency, but one of the most intense construction seasons of the year. Yet working conditions are often not prepared for what nature dictates.

The first and simplest change is to change the work schedule.

Work at dawn, rest at noon - that has become the rule of the heatwave. In the morning hours (between 4:30 and 11:00), work such as masonry, structural work or insulation of facades can still be carried out.

Some tasks are better postponed

The heat is more bearable with machines, so mechanical earthworks are less sensitive to the weather. Roofing and work at height should only be considered with strict safety measures, and demolition should be carried out indoors.

But some tasks are better simply postponed. Bitumen insulation can overheat, adhesive bonds too quickly when paving outdoors, and installation at height can be life-threatening if there is no shielding or proper protective equipment.

One of the most conservative industries, but the heat will not adapt to it

Climate change affects not only materials and work processes, but also the building culture.

"In the past, façade insulation was mainly considered important to reduce heating costs in winter, but nowadays it is at least as important to avoid overheating in summer. The same is true for shading, ventilation, lighter coverings or heat-reflecting paints: comfort, safety and energy efficiency have become important factors in summer"

- said Béla Markovich.

Construction is one of the most conservative sectors, but the heat will not adapt to it. So we either rethink how and when we build, or face the consequences: cracking structures, quality defects and increasingly difficult deadlines. So climate change is not the future, it is already present in the next concrete mix. And the better we understand this, the better prepared we are to respond.