Summer brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and the perfect conditions for tackling construction projects across Essex and beyond. Whether you’re laying foundations for a new extension, creating a hardstanding area, or working on a commercial development, choosing the right concrete mix can make all the difference to your project’s success and longevity.
At Cardinalis Concrete, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand for Gen 3 concrete during the summer months, and for good reason. This versatile mix offers an excellent balance of strength, workability, and value that suits a wide range of applications. But what exactly is Gen 3 concrete, and why should it be your go-to choice for warm weather builds?
Understanding Gen 3 Concrete
Gen 3 concrete, sometimes referred to as C20 or GEN3, is a standardised concrete mix designed to achieve a compressive strength of 20 Newtons per square millimetre after 28 days of curing. In practical terms, this means it’s strong enough to handle substantial loads while remaining cost-effective for projects that don’t require the higher specifications of structural concrete.
The “Gen” in Gen 3 stands for “general purpose,” which gives you a clue about its versatility. This mix has been specifically formulated to meet the requirements of British Standards for unreinforced foundations and ground-bearing slabs, making it suitable for a surprisingly broad range of residential and light commercial applications.
What sets Gen 3 apart from lower-grade mixes is its cement content and carefully proportioned aggregate blend. The result is a concrete that flows well during pouring, compacts effectively, and cures to provide reliable, long-lasting performance.
Why Summer Is Ideal for Gen 3 Projects
Concrete and warm weather have a somewhat complicated relationship. Whilst extreme heat can cause problems with rapid moisture loss, the moderate summer temperatures we typically experience in the UK create near-perfect curing conditions for Gen 3 concrete.
During summer months, you’ll benefit from several advantages. Warmer ambient temperatures accelerate the hydration process, meaning your concrete gains strength more quickly than it would during colder periods. This faster curing time can significantly reduce the waiting period before you can proceed with the next phase of your project.
The longer daylight hours also give you and your team more working time to prepare, pour, and finish your concrete properly. There’s nothing worse than racing against fading light to complete a pour, and summer largely eliminates this pressure.
Additionally, the reduced likelihood of frost removes one of the biggest risks to freshly poured concrete. Frost damage can compromise the structural integrity of concrete that hasn’t fully cured, potentially requiring costly removal and replacement.
Ideal Applications for Gen 3 Concrete
Gen 3 concrete truly shines in applications where reliable strength is needed without the premium cost of higher-grade mixes. Here are some of the most common projects where we supply Gen 3:
Domestic foundations represent one of the primary uses for this mix. If you’re building a garden room, garage, or single-storey extension, Gen 3 typically meets the structural requirements specified by building control. It provides ample load-bearing capacity for walls and roofing whilst remaining economical for larger pours.
Driveways and hardstanding areas are another excellent application. The 20 N/mm² strength handles regular vehicle traffic comfortably, and when properly laid with appropriate thickness, a Gen 3 driveway will serve you well for decades.
Shed and outbuilding bases benefit from Gen 3’s combination of strength and workability. The mix flows well into formwork and levels easily, giving you a flat, stable platform for your structure.
Patio foundations and garden features also suit this grade perfectly. Whether you’re creating a base for paving slabs or building a permanent barbecue area, Gen 3 provides the durability you need.
Agricultural applications such as yard surfacing and animal housing floors often specify Gen 3 as the minimum requirement, offering resistance to the wear and tear of machinery and livestock.
The Cardinalis Advantage
Choosing the right supplier matters just as much as choosing the right concrete mix. At Cardinalis Concrete, we’ve built our reputation on reliability, quality, and genuine customer service that goes beyond simply delivering a load of concrete.
Our fleet of modern volumetric mixers means we mix your concrete fresh on site, exactly when you need it. Unlike traditional barrel mixers that begin setting during transit, our approach ensures you receive concrete at optimum workability every time. This proves particularly valuable during summer when warm temperatures can accelerate setting times.
We also offer the flexibility that smaller projects often require. Need a precise quantity that doesn’t fit neatly into pre-mixed loads? Our volumetric system means you only pay for what you use, eliminating waste and keeping your costs under control.
Our team understands concrete. We’re happy to discuss your project requirements and recommend the most appropriate mix for your specific application. If Gen 3 isn’t quite right for your needs, we’ll tell you honestly and suggest alternatives that better suit your project.
Getting Your Summer Project Started
Planning a concrete pour during the summer months? A few practical considerations will help ensure success.
Book your delivery in advance, particularly during peak summer months when demand increases. Early morning pours often work best, allowing you to take advantage of cooler temperatures whilst still benefiting from a full day of curing in warm conditions.
Ensure your site is fully prepared before delivery day. Formwork should be secure, any required reinforcement in place, and you should have sufficient hands available to spread and finish the concrete efficiently.
Keep curing in mind, especially during hot spells. Covering fresh concrete or applying curing compound helps retain moisture and promotes proper strength development.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or a homeowner taking on your first concrete project, Cardinalis Concrete is here to help. Our team can advise on quantities, mix specifications, and delivery logistics to ensure your summer build gets off to the best possible start.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements and receive a competitive quote for Gen 3 concrete delivery to your site. Quality concrete, reliably delivered, is what we do best.
