How long do concrete footings take to dry? Is there a faster option?

Concrete Drying Time Got You Down? Try Helical Piers Instead!

Let's face it - waiting for concrete to dry is about as exciting as watching paint dry. And when you're running a construction business, every minute counts. That's where helical piers (piles) come in - the faster, and more efficient alternative to concrete footings. 

With helical piles (piers), you won't have time to twiddle your thumbs or catch up on your favorite TV show - before you know it, your foundation system will be ready to go. 

In this article, we'll take a look at the time advantages of screw piles over concrete and how they can help construction businesses beat the clock and get their projects done in record time.

The Cons of Concrete Drying Time You Can't Ignore

Waiting for concrete footings to dry can be a major bottleneck in the construction process, with drying times that can range from several days to several weeks. 

In reality, concrete usually takes about 21 days to fully cure. But honestly, it's pretty rare for contractors to actually wait that long. Either way, no matter what, they'll need to come back for a second visit to the site.

Okay, let's break it down! Imagine you're putting in some concrete supports for your deck. 

Here's how it usually goes:

1. Check the weather forecast to make sure it's suitable for pouring concrete in the coming days.
2. Dig the holes for the supports by hand or using an auger. Must dig deep enough, below the frost line, for stability.
3. Figure out what to do with all the extra dirt that was dug up. In urban areas, it might be necessary to order a container to hold the soil and hire someone to take it away.
4. Place the concrete forms securely into the holes prepared.
5. Add reinforcement steel to the forms for added strength and support.
6. Mix up the concrete and pour it into the forms.
7. Level off the top surface of the poured concrete. Sometimes, an extra saddle is added for additional support.
8. Clean out the concrete mixer and wash all the tools.
9. Let the concrete set and cure before proceeding with the installation of the structure above. If the weather is unpredictable, it may be necessary to cover.

In areas with high water tables, it's common for water to fill the holes during excavation. In those cases, a pump is used to remove the water.

It's clear that the steps involved in using concrete can be long and tedious. Especially when considering the unpredictability of the weather and its potential impact on your projects. Fortunately, with advances in technology and construction methods, alternatives, like helical piers, are now available and they offer a viable solution.

How Helical Piers Beat Weather Delays in Construction Projects

As mentioned, weather conditions play a crucial role in determining the drying time for concrete, with factors such as temperature and humidity affecting how long it takes for concrete to dry. 

Helical piers, on the other hand, offer a faster alternative to concrete footings that is not affected by weather conditions. Screw pile installation can be completed in just a few hours, regardless of weather conditions. 

This makes helical piles (piers) an ideal choice for construction projects that need to stay on schedule, no matter what the weather may be. 

By reducing the impact of weather conditions on project timelines, helical piles can help construction businesses complete projects more efficiently and cost-effectively.

So What’s the Takeaway?

Concrete has been the bread and butter of the construction industry for ages, providing a solid foundation for everything from humble garden sheds to towering skyscrapers. 

It's durable, strong, and has stood the test of time. But let's face it, waiting for concrete to dry can put a damper on construction timelines and add to project costs. 

Now, with alternatives like helical piers (piles), we can get the best of both worlds - a solid foundation system without the need for endless hours of waiting around.

When starting your next construction project, consider the alternative to concrete and explore the benefits that helical piles (piers) can offer. 

By doing so, you can ensure that your project stays on schedule and on budget, without the delays and expenses associated with traditional concrete drying time. 

With their reliability, versatility, and adaptability, helical piers offer a solution that can help construction businesses get the job done right, the first time.

About GoliathTech

Since 2004, GoliathTech has been the most important manufacturer and installer in the helical (screw) pile industry worldwide. Our patented helical pile foundation system surpasses industry standards and has earned us multiple awards and prizes.

Carried out by certified installers, our quick installation process avoids excavation, which protects your landscape and allows you to begin building as soon as the piles are in the ground. Moreover, you can anchor GoliathTech’s helical pile foundations into any soil or space year-round. Installed deep into the ground, beneath the frost line, they solidly support the structure in even the most extreme conditions. Our technology guarantees that a helical (screw) pile foundation won't move or crack over time.

Integrating both strength and know-how, GoliathTech offers the best anchoring solution to support your residential, industrial, commercial, and municipal projects. Trust the experience and expertise of GoliathTech for your foundation projects. Find a certified GoliathTech installer in your region or become a franchisee.