Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 16, 1999 05:10am | #1

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   1. That enough workers won't show up.

   2. That the surface finish will be weakened by dilution of the mud that's been floated to the top.

   3. It will be much harder to get a perfect, hard, steel-towel finish (like on a garage floor) with that weakened mud and the raindrops each making little defects.

   4. Workers slipping on wet surfaces. Is your Homeowner's policy paid up?

   5. That the readi-mix truck sinks into the mud. Before dumping the load.

   On the up side:

   A. the hole should be well wetted-down by the rain.

   B. Other than the surface mud, the rest of the slab should be higher strength for having dried out more slowly (although a good concrete sub will keep it moist for at least a week to maximize the cured strength - concrete doesn't get strong by drying out. Concrete gets strong by staying wet).

   C. Pouring concrete is hot, heavy work. Sounds like the workers will be able to keep cool.

   Can you delay? The ideal concrete weather is complete overcast, no rain, no sun, 50F. Gives you a good cure, good surface, and cool, happy workers.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 16, 1999 08:27am | #2

   *Not sure that 2) and 3) above pertain to poured walls.As far as 2) is concerned, the top of the walls could easily be covered with poly to keep their moisture content constant.As far as 3), how slick does the top of a foundation wall need to be? How about as slick as a cinder block?Eric:Sounds like you have a lot of concerns and are at he beginning of a long bumpy road. Here's a little advice. Don't sweat the little things (appearance of foundation forms) and don't get too worried about what might happen - and yes, it's going to rain on your building project!On the other hand having a waterproof basement is a real concern. Guarantees are standard in this part of the country.Staying on top of the project is a good thing, but remember, home building projects have been known to contribute to divorces!

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 16, 1999 10:28am | #3

   *Whoops, I was thinking walls AND slab. If it's walls only, I retract 2 + 3 above. As Matt points out, who cares about the top of the foundation wall? Don't delay, just wear a slicker. And rubber boots and gloves for ALL concrete work. The stuff is very alkyline and can cause serious burns. You might not notice a lump falling into your boot until the pour is down and you've got a full thickness burn. Unlike acid burns, we don't feel alkyline burns much.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 18, 1999 03:36am | #5

   *Nothing to worry about Eric.Although not planned, we occasionaly get caught pouring foundations in the rain.Concrete starts setting up two hours after it's batched. Sometimes sooner depending on the mix, additives, or mixing it with a couple yards left over from the previous pour. (I just love that). So by the time we finish pouring it's already started setting.As it sets water rises to the top. It can't be forced back down by putting more water on the surface.If it's a quick rain it will just mess up the finish a little bit. Nothing's hurt but our pride.If it becomes a pouring rain, the top finishes nicely on it's own. It has a sandpaper texture to it.I agree with Matt, pay attention to the dampproofing and drainage, I've seen it "buggered up" by so called "experienced builders".

2. 
   Eric_H | Apr 18, 1999 03:36am | #4

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   Our foundation walls get poured tomorrow, and rain is in the a.m. forecast. What are the concerns?