When temperatures drop, concrete work faces a serious challenge: keeping the pour at the right temperature for strength, curing, and long-term durability. For concrete contractors, especially in northern climates, heating isn’t optional—it’s essential. Cold weather can cause delayed setting, reduced strength, surface scaling, and, in worst cases, complete failure of the pour.
At REIC Specialty, we provide high-performance heating solutions that help concrete contractors pour, cure, and protect concrete in winter’s toughest conditions. With an extensive fleet, expert support, and proven field experience, we’re your trusted partner in keeping jobs on track, even when temperatures plunge.
Why Heating Is Critical for Winter Concrete Pours
Concrete curing is a chemical process called hydration. When the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), hydration slows significantly; below freezing, it stops altogether. That’s when trouble begins:
- Reduced Strength Gain – Cold temperatures slow down cement hydration, leading to lower early-age strength.
- Increased Risk of Freezing – If the mix water freezes, ice crystals can expand and damage the internal structure of the concrete.
- Surface Scaling & Cracking – Unprotected surfaces can spall or crack from freeze-thaw cycles.
- Project Delays – Without heating, work may halt until warmer weather, affecting schedules and budgets.
For contractors on tight deadlines, heating ensures optimal curing conditions, preserves concrete quality, and prevents costly rework.
Heating Solutions for Every Concrete Pour Scenario
We understand that every concrete project is unique—from small slab pours to massive industrial foundations. That’s why we provide a full range of heating systems designed for the specific demands of cold-weather concrete work.
Flameless Heaters
Ideal for enclosed or semi-enclosed job sites where open flames are a hazard. Flameless heaters deliver large volumes of warm, dry air—perfect for preventing condensation and keeping pours above critical curing temperatures.
Ground Thaw Heaters
Frozen ground can make concrete placement impossible. Ground thaw heaters quickly warm the subgrade before pouring, ensuring consistent placement depth and preventing frost from undermining the slab.
Indirect-Fired Heaters
Deliver clean, dry heat into enclosed work zones without introducing combustion byproducts—essential for maintaining air quality and safety in tented or enclosed pour areas.
Direct-Fired Heaters
Fast, high-BTU heating for well-ventilated outdoor sites, delivering immediate temperature boosts to meet curing requirements.
Electric Heaters
Perfect for smaller pours, sensitive indoor environments, or areas where fuel combustion is not possible.
Accessories & Ducting: We provide complete accessory packages with ducting, thermostats, and fuel management to ensure your heating solution is optimized for efficiency and performance.
The REIC Advantage for Concrete Contractors
Cold-weather pours are high-stakes operations. At REIC, we go beyond simply supplying equipment—we provide tailored solutions backed by industry expertise.
- Custom Heating Plans – We analyze your pour size, schedule, site conditions, and budget to recommend the most effective heating setup.
- Rapid Deployment – With 19 locations across 12 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces, we can quickly deliver the equipment to your site.
- Expert On-Site Support – Our technicians help install, monitor, and adjust heating systems to ensure consistent performance.
- Reliable Fleet – All units are serviced, tested, and field-ready to handle demanding jobsite conditions.
- 24/7 Emergency Response – If the weather changes suddenly, our team is ready to respond.
Industry Expertise That Matters
With deep roots in construction, civil infrastructure, and industrial projects, our team understands the unique challenges concrete contractors face in cold weather:
- Maintaining consistent curing temperatures across large pours
- Coordinating multiple heaters for uniform coverage
- Managing fuel supply in remote or high-demand sites
- Protecting workers from extreme cold while maintaining productivity
We’ve supported projects ranging from bridge decks and parking structures to industrial slab foundations and municipal sidewalks, helping contractors meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Best Practices for Heating Cold-Weather Pours
While heating equipment is critical, so is the strategy behind its use. Here’s what we recommend:
- Pre-Plan Heating Needs
Assess site conditions, expected weather, and project timelines well in advance. Early planning helps secure the right equipment before the winter rush. - Preheat the Ground
Use ground thaw heaters to bring the subgrade above freezing before pouring. Frozen ground can lead to uneven curing and long-term cracking. - Enclose and Insulate
Temporary enclosures with insulated blankets or tarps retain heat, reduce fuel usage, and protect against wind chill. - Maintain Consistent Heat
Use thermostatic controls and multiple heat sources to ensure even coverage. Cold spots can cause weak areas in the slab. - Monitor Curing Temperatures
Place temperature sensors in the pour to verify conditions remain within the optimal curing range (typically 50°F to 70°F / 10°C to 21°C). - Continue Heating During Early Curing
Keep heat on for at least the first 48–72 hours to allow adequate strength gain before exposure to cold.
Scenario: Large-Scale Industrial Slab in -4°F Conditions
A contractor in Western Canada faces a daunting task: pouring a 100,000-sq-ft industrial slab in January with temperatures plummeting to -4°F (-20°C).
Challenges:
- Large area requiring consistent heat coverage
- Frozen ground delaying schedule
- High fuel demand in a remote location
REIC Solution:
REIC would deploy a combination of flameless heaters, ground thaw units, and indirect-fired heaters to cover the site. The ground would be preheated for 48 hours, and enclosure temperatures would be maintained at 59°F (15°C) for 72 hours after the pour. Fuel delivery would be managed to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Results:
The pour would achieve the required early-age strength, pass all inspections, and stay on schedule despite the extreme cold.
Why Contractors Choose REIC
- Scalable Solutions – Whether it’s a small residential pour or a multi-acre industrial site, we have the capacity to scale heating solutions up or down.
- Safety First – All our heaters meet strict safety standards, with options to eliminate open flames or emissions for enclosed work.
- On-Budget Performance – We work with you to balance performance with cost efficiency, minimizing fuel use while meeting curing goals.
Don’t Wait—Plan Your Heating Strategy Now
Winter’s arrival can be sudden, but planning your heating strategy early keeps you ahead of the freeze. At REIC Specialty, we ensure you have the right equipment, in the right place, at the right time—so your concrete work continues without compromise.
Whether you’re prepping for a single pour or an entire winter season of projects, we’ll help you design and execute a heating plan that protects your work, your schedule, and your bottom line.
Contact Us Today to Request a Quote.
Let’s keep your next cold-weather pour on time, on spec, and built to last.