Laying Slabs Incoming Heatwave?

[Dave1UK]

So after having several days of rain, and now hot weather, a 'heatwave' by UK standards the next couple of days and it being a bank holiday as well so more time to get stuff done.

How advisable is it to get my patio laid? I am particularly concerned with the mortar setting correctly and not cracking etc. I am aware that I can make the mix a bit wetter and dampen surfaces etc. However how hot is too hot?

I will probably get my parasol out just to shade the area I am working in. Use plasticiser in the mix, prime the concrete slabs with SBR.

Are the first 24-48 hours the most crucial? Basically how long does the area need to be 'protected' from the heat? Should I be misting them every few hours?

 

[Wayners]

Use mortar admix.
Crack on. I am.

You can mist water over and chuck a damp sheet over layed slabs if you are worried, but I'll probably mist with water and chuck a tarp over.
I'm not going to stess. Last weekend I was rained off and not very warm.

 

[stevie888]

Heat is good.

Cement hydrates by chemical reaction and heat speeds things up (often use steam curing in precasting).

What you need to avoid is the mortar drying out to quickly (and take care you don't dehydrate yourself if you're not used to the heat.)