Quality.
    Minimum
    England

    Ready-mixed concrete temperature and curing

    5 °C

    Ready-mixed concrete delivered to site should have a minimum temperature of 5°C, as specified in BS EN 206

    Ready-mixed concrete delivered to site should have a minimum temperature of 5°C, as specified in BS EN 206. During cold weather, curing periods must be adjusted to environmental conditions, and newly placed concrete must be insulated or heated to maintain its temperature above freezing. It is imperative that concrete is not placed on frozen ground or surfaces, and care must be taken when placing fresh concrete against colder, hardened sections.

    Basis in regulation

    How to check it on site

    Verify delivery tickets show concrete temperature is at least 5°C, and check that insulation or heating is applied to new pours, especially on cold substrates.

    Common failure

    Inadequate protection of newly placed concrete leading to freeze-thaw damage or delayed strength development.

    Last updated 23 August 2026. This is our editorial summary of publicly available regulation, not building control approval or a warranty determination.

    Related dimensions at this stage

    Minimum

    Low-Level Protection for Timber Frame and SIPs

    150 mm

    For closed panel timber frame and structural insulated panels (SIPs), the lowest timber element must be positioned at a minimum of 150mm above the finished ground level

    Minimum

    Foundation depth during cold weather

    450 mm

    When construction occurs in cold weather, foundations should be at least 450mm below existing ground level, or adequate measures must be taken to prevent ground freezing

    Maximum

    Pipe support spacing and thermal movement

    110 mm

    Horizontal drainage pipes, typically 110mm diameter, require support at regular intervals, often around 900mm to 1000mm centres, or at every joint/socket

    Minimum

    Traditional manhole construction

    100 mm

    Traditional manholes feature a concrete base at least 100mm thick and walls constructed from brick, blockwork, or concrete appropriate to ground conditions

    Minimum

    DPC and Cavity Tray Locations

    150 mm

    Damp-proof courses (DPCs) must be installed at the base of walls, at least 150mm above the external ground level, and linked to the damp-proof membrane (DPM) in solid floors to prevent rising damp

    Minimum

    Timber Sole Plate Height Above Ground

    150 mm

    The lowest timber elements of a building, such as sole plates, should be positioned a minimum of 150mm above the finished ground level