Adapting Concrete Work to Tampa’s Climate
The City of Tampa is a growing business center and has evolved into a sustainable community for all. Whether it’s strolling along scenic Bayshore Boulevard or a rousing night of fun in Ybor City, residents find endless opportunities to live, learn and play.
Heron is a new residential project in Tampa’s Water Street neighborhood. The community reflects the City’s commitment to high-density, walkable urban neighborhoods.
Temperature
It’s 103 degrees on South MacDill Avenue in Tampa, and the sun is scorching with such ferocity you can hear it sizzle. Javonne Mansfield wears a hard hat and shovels in the heat, working on concrete parking lots. It’s his job, but the toll of hot weather is personal. “I get a lot of muscle cramps, headaches and sometimes it gets to be too much,” he says.
As humans sweat, it evaporates and cools us off, but in Florida humidity hangs like a blanket, making it harder for the body’s cooling system to work. It’s an unrelenting toll that can lead to dehydration, muscle fatigue and heatstroke.
It’s even more dangerous for those with lower incomes, and the city has been focusing on climate resiliency in poor neighborhoods like East Tampa, where a 28-year-old farm worker died of heat exposure in January. To combat rising temperatures, the city is increasing access to cooling shelters and boosting tree canopy coverage.If you require assistance or services related to this matter, please visit our website for comprehensive support and solutions: https://tampaflconcretecontractors.com
Moisture
As the concrete set it generates heat, which can affect the strength of the final product. This is especially true if the concreting happens during hot weather. When contractors attempt to pour concrete in the summer without taking precautions, it can lead to a range of problems, from excessive water leaks and humidity in a garage floor to efflorescence on a parking lot slab. There are a number of solutions for dealing with these issues, from spraying the concrete with water or ice to using chemical additives that delay setting. However, working with an experienced contractor is the best way to ensure that your finished product meets your needs and expectations.
Choosing the right concrete company is essential for ensuring that your commercial or residential projects turn out well.
Airflow
Concrete sets can be impacted by airflow, particularly during high wind speeds. This can decrease the lifespan of your parking lot and lead to a variety of problems, so it is important that you work with an experienced contractor who knows how to handle these conditions. There are a number of ways that they can do this, including spraying water and using chemical additives to slow the set. These methods can help prevent the concrete from overheating during installation.
Time
The time it takes for concrete to set can have a significant impact on the overall quality and durability of the finished product. Concrete needs to be poured and stamped with enough time to ensure that the aggregates are firmly embedded in the concrete. This can be difficult to do in hot weather, especially if the contractor does not have a good understanding of how to modify slump and control set times.
Concrete is a long-lasting and durable material that can be used to create a variety of structures, including parking lots. If you have a damaged or uneven parking lot, professional leveling is the best solution to repair the surface and restore proper functionality. Attempting to do the work yourself can often cost more in the long run, so contact Helicon for an inspection and free estimate.