As fall begins, concrete contractors must manage both tight schedules and challenging weather. Overnight freezes, cold rain, and persistent humidity disrupt proper curing. These conditions slow pours, weaken test results, and increase moisture in slabs and building envelopes. Each weather-related delay impacts budgets, timelines, and subsequent trades.
REIC Specialty addresses these challenges. We offer high-performance heating, drying, and environmental control solutions designed for demanding concrete conditions. With 19 North American locations and leading brands such as Cahill Heating, Total Construction Rentals, and Industrial Drying Solutions, we help keep concrete work on schedule, even in adverse weather conditions.
What Winter Really Does to Concrete Schedules
Cold and moisture do more than slow progress; they alter the behavior of concrete and impact project workflow. Concrete contractors commonly encounter:
- Slow strength gain – Low temperatures drag out curing, delaying strip times, finishing, and follow-on trades.
- Failed or marginal cylinder breaks – If concrete fails to reach the target curing temperature, compressive strength can suffer, and retesting may be required.
- Surface and finish issues – Freeze-thaw cycles and excess moisture can cause scaling, cracking, and poor adhesion for coatings and flooring.
- Persistent high humidity inside – Once the structure is partially enclosed, moisture gets trapped, affecting concrete, drywall, finishes, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) work.
- Safety and productivity problems – Cold, damp work areas create challenges for crews and equipment, increasing the risk of slips and delays.
Good mix design and blankets are helpful, but rarely sufficient on their own. Effective environmental control is crucial for achieving the desired results.
Where Projects Typically Get Stuck
By fall, many job sites are in a transitional phase:
- The roof may be on, but the building isn’t fully sealed.
- Permanent HVAC isn’t installed or commissioned.
- Pours, framing, and interior work are overlapping.
- Rain and wet snow seep into decks, cores, and common areas.
Without a plan for temporary climate control, project outcomes become unpredictable, which can jeopardize profit margins and overall project success.
How REIC Specialty Keeps Winter Concrete Work on Track
REIC Specialty’s mission is to keep critical work progressing in any conditions. We achieve this by combining the right equipment, effective design, and experienced field teams.
1. Stabilize Temperatures for Reliable Curing
Our fleet of heating solutions includes:
- Flameless heaters – Ideal for job sites with combustible dusts or stringent safety requirements. Cahill’s flameless technology offers exceptional fuel efficiency, strong static pressure, and the ability to duct heat long distances.
- Indirect-fired heaters – Deliver clean, dry heat into enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces without adding combustion byproducts or extra moisture.
- Electric heaters – Cost-effective options for certain areas, open-air work, or targeted zones.
- Ground thaw heaters & make-up air systems – Support slab prep, tented work areas, and fresh air needs.
We collaborate with your team to size and position equipment, ensuring concrete and work areas remain within target temperature ranges at all times.
2. Control Moisture Before It Controls Your Schedule
Moisture poses risks to both schedule and quality, similar to those posed by cold temperatures. We address this by pairing heating with purpose-built drying solutions:
- Desiccant dehumidifiers – The go-to choice for large buildings and cold climates. They maintain high drying efficiency even when temperatures are low.
- Refrigerant dehumidifiers – Ideal for interior spaces in later phases, build-outs, and smaller zones.
- Negative air machines, scrubbers, and air movers – Improve air circulation, help drive moisture out of materials, and support cleaner, safer environments.
Rather than only warming wet air, we remove moisture entirely, allowing concrete, coatings, and finishes to perform as intended.
3. Move Air the Right Way
Temperature and humidity control are ineffective if air remains stagnant. We design air movement patterns to:
- Prevent cold pockets that slow curing
- Even out temperatures from floor to ceiling
- Reduce condensation on cold surfaces and exterior walls
- Improve comfort and visibility for crews
This approach creates a more predictable and uniform curing environment across slabs, decks, and levels.
Built for Concrete Contractors, Not Just “Job Sites”
We recognize that concrete work has unique requirements and risks. REIC Specialty solutions are tailored to the specific needs of concrete contractors:
- Phase-by-phase planning for slab pours, elevated decks, core walls, and flatwork.
- Ground thaw and pre-heat support to prevent delays caused by frozen subgrade preparation.
- Tenting and zoned heating for challenging areas, such as loading docks, ramps, or exterior pours.
- Curing support for coatings and flooring trades, reducing callbacks and rework.
Our team addresses key factors, including mix design, sequencing, site conditions, and schedule pressures, from the outset. This ensures our recommended equipment and layout provide effective solutions rather than generic options.
Scenario: Saving a Winter Schedule
A contractor on a multi-story commercial project in a northern climate faces a familiar winter setback. Nighttime temperatures are dipping below freezing, and several decks still need to be poured. Although the roof was on, the building wasn’t fully sealed. Moisture from earlier rainfall lingered inside the structure, slowing drying times and creating uneven conditions across floors.
The risks include delayed pours, stalled interior trades, increased costs, and dissatisfied stakeholders.
The REIC Solution:
REIC Specialty would deploy indirect-fired heaters to establish a stable temperature range across all working zones, ensuring the concrete cures properly. Desiccant dehumidifiers would be brought in to remove moisture from the slab and the air, helping the structure dry quickly and uniformly. To eliminate cold spots and damp pockets, fans and air movers would be strategically positioned to maintain balanced airflow and consistent environmental conditions.
The Result: Within days, the jobsite environment would stabilize. The contractor would remain on schedule, with concrete pours, flooring, and drywall progressing without interruption. The team would avoid costly rework and winter-related downtime, ensuring the project continues smoothly despite challenging seasonal conditions.
Why Contractors Choose REIC Specialty Instead of Standard Rental Providers
While many companies offer heater rentals, few understand the impact of winter climate control on concrete strength, project schedules, and safety.
Contractors choose REIC Specialty because we offer:
- Specialty Focus, not Generic Rentals – Environmental control is our core competency, not an additional service.
- Expert Field Support – Our team has extensive experience in industrial, construction, and oil and gas environments and understands the unique constraints of your project.
- 24/7/365 Responsiveness – We are prepared to respond quickly to changing project conditions.
- Strong North American Presence – Our 19 locations across the U.S. and Canada enable faster mobilization and improved coverage.
- Safety & Compliance First – Our equipment and teams adhere to the highest industry standards to protect your site, crews, and reputation.
- Proven Technology – From Cahill’s flameless heaters to Industrial Drying Solutions’ dehumidification expertise, you get best-in-class tools backed by real-world experience.
Maintain Progress on Winter Projects
Winter does not have to disrupt your concrete schedule. With effective heating, drying, and environmental controls, your team can pour and cure with confidence, even in freezing, wet, or unpredictable conditions.
REIC Specialty helps you protect concrete quality, accelerate drying, reduce moisture risks, maintain crew productivity, and keep your project on schedule and within budget.
If you need to keep a winter project on track or want to prepare before temperatures drop, contact REIC Specialty today. We will ensure you have the right equipment, in the right place, at the right time, so your work remains safe, dry, and on schedule.
