No one knows the pain of dealing with Michigan winters like us concrete contractors.
The snow and deep frost isn’t just out to freeze us, but also freeze the progress of our winter concrete projects. Frozen ground stops excavation, prevents proper concrete curing, and threatens the safety of the crew.
But successful local contractors in Grand Rapids and Michigan still manage to keep building and stay on schedule. How? By investing in high-performance ground heater rentals.
Here’s why a ground heater rental isn’t just worth it, but essential if you are building Michigan’s cold climate.
The Real (and Heavy) Cost of Waiting for a Thaw
When a job site freezes, the costs add up fast. Waiting for a ground thaw can lead to:
- Wasted Labor: You still have to pay for crews and equipment even if they can’t work.
- Missed Deadlines: Falling behind schedule can lead to fines or unhappy customers.
- Weak Concrete: If new concrete freezes too soon, it can lose half of its strength. This leads to cracks and repairs later.
This means that renting a ground heater isn’t really an extra cost. It keeps you from draining your budget by avoiding the very real costs of waiting out the weather.
The Best Ground Heater Rental Options in Grand Rapids, Michigan: Thawzall and Flameless Heaters
At JDE Concrete, we provide the best tools for Michigan’s toughest weather. Here are the options we offer to help keep your site warm:
1. Thawzall Ground Heaters
The Thawzall is the most popular tool for thawing frozen dirt. It works by pumping warm liquid through long hoses.
- Thawing Power: It can thaw thousands of square feet of ground, reaching deep into the soil.
- Easy Curing: You can lay the hoses over fresh concrete and cover them with blankets. This keeps the concrete at the perfect temperature to get strong.
- Long Run Times: These units can run for days on one tank of fuel, so you don’t have to check them constantly.
2. Flameless Heater Rentals
Sometimes you need heat in a tight space or a high-safety area. That is where our flameless heaters come in.
- Extra Safe: These heaters don’t use an open flame. This makes them perfect for indoor work or sites with a high fire risk.
- Clean Air: They blow out 100% clean, dry air. This is great for drying out drywall or keeping a masonry crew warm.
Why Rent from JDE Concrete?
When you search for a ground heater rental in Michigan, you need more than just a machine, you need reliability. JDE Concrete brings almost three decades of local expertise, and that is reflected in the prime condition of our ground thaw heater rentals.
We keep our equipment in top shape so it starts up without a hitch even on the coldest mornings.
Click here to learn more.
Ready to Beat the Michigan Winter?
Don’t let your project stop just because the temperature dropped. Whether you need to thaw out a concrete foundation or protect a new pour, we’ve got the rentals to help!
We can deliver straight to your job site or preferred location in Grand Rapids or greater Michigan, and you also have the option of picking it up from our office.
Get a quote now or call us directly – (616) 551-2126
Frequently Asked Questions
How to thaw frozen ground for footings?
In Michigan, frost can reach deep into the soil, making digging nearly impossible. The most effective way to thaw ground for footings is using a hydronic heater (like a Thawzall).
What are the rules for pouring concrete in winter in Michigan?
When pouring concrete in winter in Michigan, the most important rule is to never pour on frozen subgrade. If the ground underneath is frozen, it will eventually settle and shift as it thaws, causing the new concrete to crack.
What is the best method for frost prevention for construction sites?
The best frost prevention for construction sites is to be proactive. If a cold front is coming, site managers should cover open excavation areas or prep work with insulated curing blankets immediately. For larger sites, running a ground heater at a low maintenance temperature prevents frost from ever taking hold, saving you days of thawing work later.