Concrete is a tough, versatile material — but working with it in Los Angeles’s hot, dry climate brings some extra challenges. Whether you’re pouring a backyard patio, setting posts for a new fence, or building a retaining wall, understanding how heat and dryness affect concrete will help your project stand the test of time.
At Ace Building Materials, we’ve seen what works — and what doesn’t— when it comes to Los Angeles construction. Let’s dive into the essentials!
Concrete needs moisture to properly cure and harden. In hot, dry weather:
A concrete pour on a 95°F day behaves very differently than one on a 70°F day! Planning ahead is key.
Schedule your pour for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Avoid pouring during peak midday heat if possible.
Lightly dampen the subgrade (the dirt or gravel below the slab) before pouring. This keeps the ground from sucking moisture out of your concrete too fast.
Also, use enough water to make a workable mix, but don’t overdo it — too much water can weaken concrete.
Consider products formulated for warm weather. Ace Building Materials carries options like Rapid Set Concrete and high-performance admixtures that help control setting times.
Products like E-Z Mix preblended materials are perfect for Los Angeles climates and minimize jobsite mistakes.
Immediately after finishing the surface, use a curing compound or cover it with plastic sheeting to lock in moisture. This helps concrete cure evenly and reduces cracking.
In warm weather, concrete sets faster — sometimes much faster. Make sure you have enough crew members and tools ready to move efficiently.
We also carry a full line of concrete tools to help you finish the job right.
Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
🚫 Pouring concrete onto a super-hot surface (causes weak bond)
🚫 Skipping curing steps (leads to cracks and shrinkage)
🚫 Using too much water (reduces strength)
🚫 Overworking the surface (brings up excess water and weakens the finish)
At Ace Building Materials, we have the right concrete mixes, additives, curing compounds, and expert advice to help you work successfully — even on Los Angeles’s hottest days.
Come visit us today and get everything you need for a smooth, solid, crack-free pour!
