[Shop-talk] Pour your own footing?

[Peter J. Thomas]

On 6/10/2012 3:40 PM, steve hochschild wrote:
> I think you are correct.  I found a concrete calculator that came up 
> with similar numbers, and even worse, I have decided to extend the 
> footers another 10' while I am at it, to allow me to make better use 
> of the available site in the future...
>
> I have been quoted a $900 up charge for the pump by my two bidders, 
> but it will be worth it, to have it done by someone who knows what he 
> is doing, and to save me from the  hard labor in the hot sun.
>
> I appreciate the insight.

The hot Texas sun adds another problem. Pour at 40 degees and it takes 
days to cure; pour at 90 degrees and it's just hours.  I'd be concerned 
with a slower, much more stretched out pour about cracking.  I've heard 
stories of side walks poured in the hot sun on a hot day cracking just 
hours after the pour.  This becomes even more of a problem with 
differences in the each mix; one mix slightly wetter than the next.  
With it trucked in the batch is consistent and cures evenly.  I'd also 
see, since this is your own project, if you can get the mix delivered at 
the end of the day.

Peter T.