There are several elements that may impact the quality of concrete on your property in various ways, and one of the most notable here is temperature. Extreme temperatures on both ends of the spectrum may have an impact on your concrete, and preventing any major issues from this sort of thing is important for long-term care.
At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re happy to offer the best concrete repair services for numerous parts of your property, from driveways and garage floors to step setups, porches and more. How do temperatures on both sides of the coin impact your concrete, and what should you be doing to avoid major temperature-related issues? Here’s a primer.
Heat and Concrete
When it comes to your concrete and extreme heat, many of the most prominent concerns are present near the time of concrete pouring and installation. While hot temperatures are often used during concrete mixing, allowing the substance to get too hot can often lead to cracking and other issues. In addition, if new concrete is exposed to high temperatures immediately after it has been poured, the end result may not be as strong as you would like.
To avoid this, always be aware of the temperature range for newly installed concrete and make sure that it’s not being placed in direct sunlight or otherwise exposed to high heat sources shortly after installation. If possible, have a cover or shade available to provide protection until the concrete has time to cure properly.
Cold and Concrete
Likely the more concerning area for concrete, at least outside of the installation period, is when extreme cold sets in. After all, concrete is a porous material, and when water seeps in and then freezes, the expansion that results can cause major cracking problems. Once cracks have formed, they offer an easy path for more water to enter, which then creates a cycle of freeze and thaw damage that can destroy your concrete over time.
The best defense against this is to make sure that any cracks or other damage to your concrete are repaired as quickly as possible. In addition, if you know that a freeze is coming, take steps to ensure that any standing water on your concrete is removed. This may mean using a power washer or simply mopping up after a rainstorm. In either case, getting rid of as much water as possible will help to reduce the risk of freeze damage.
You can also use a deicing product on your concrete, although be aware that some may contain chemicals that could potentially damage the concrete itself. Always read labels carefully and follow directions to avoid any issues here.
At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re committed to offering the best possible concrete repair services for your property. If you’re concerned about extreme temperatures and how they might impact your concrete, give us a call today. We’ll be happy to assess the situation and offer recommendations on what can be done to avoid any major issues.