Powerblanket for concrete curing

[ptacguy]

So I was looking at this site the other day

<http://www.flatworktech.com/faq.php>

and wondering about this new product they say they've come up with. Apparently it's an "innovative heat spreading" electric blanket that helps cure concrete faster and more efficiently in colder weather. Does anyone know much about these "powerblankets" or has anyone used one before and might want to tell me about there experiences with it? It sounds like it might be a good investment since I do some odd job concrete laying for myself and others every now and then and many times this is during the winter when it's tough to get a good cure. But I wanted to get some feedback before I make any decisions.
Thanks!

 

[WolverineCoatings]

How much does that cost?

 

[PAToyota]

Concrete curing is an exothermic reaction - releases heat during the process. Although there are times we specify the use of insulating blankets during a pour in cold weather to keep the heat in, it would have to be pretty mufuggin cold to actually have to heat the concrete... If you are doing the odd job of laying concrete, I'd just wait until warmer weather. Besides, I didn't see any prices but you're likely talking thousands of dollars for one of those.

 

[ptacguy]

I went back and there was a link on the "about us" page that took me to the actual "powerblanket" site and you were right....some of them were up to a thousand for the bigger ones. I did see some smaller ones anywhere from like $200-$500 though. I guess if the ground was frozen it might be good to thaw the ground with before laying right?

 

[PAToyota]

I guess if the ground was frozen it might be good to thaw the ground with before laying right?

Most definitely - never place concrete on frozen ground. But as I said, unless you are in the business and need to place concrete in horrible weather I'd just wait for more hospitable conditions...

 

[Wardster]

As PAToyota pointed out, concrete generates heat and the point of concrete blankets is to help keep the concrete warm enough to meet certain specifications. Here in Ohio, we have to keep the surface of the concrete between 50F and 100F for 5 days per the DOT. Also, all of the forms, rebar, and subbase has to be greater than 32F, so we usually only make concrete pours when the temps are above freezing.

I know that Kentucky and West Virginia DOT's have a similar spec as does the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

-Wardster

 

[arrowman11]

So I was looking at this site the other day

<http://www.flatworktech.com/faq.php>

and wondering about this new product they say they've come up with. Apparently it's an "innovative heat spreading" electric blanket that helps cure concrete faster and more efficiently in colder weather. Does anyone know much about these "powerblankets" or has anyone used one before and might want to tell me about there experiences with it? It sounds like it might be a good investment since I do some odd job concrete laying for myself and others every now and then and many times this is during the winter when it's tough to get a good cure. But I wanted to get some feedback before I make any decisions.
Thanks!

Yeah, I have one and it works great. Very rugged vinyl outer shell. Should last me for years. Their claim that it will thaw frozen ground overnight is true. Does a very quick job of thawing and melting. If you're trying to cure concrete don't get the Extra Hot model as it will be too hot for curing, try the multi-duty which can both cure and thaw. Mine is any extra hot for thawing only. I hear the multi-duty works really well for multiple apps like curing, etc. good luck -