Weather and related weather elements often play a major role in some of the outdoor materials on your property, and any concrete surfaces here are no exception. Knowing how various weather elements impact your concrete surfaces can go a long way, both for protecting the surface and for remedying any damage or issues that may arise over time.
At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re on-hand to assist with all your concrete repair needs, from residential and commercial structures to municipal areas and more. We often advise clients not only on concrete repairs themselves, but on the weather conditions that may have led to them and how to avoid them in the future. Here’s a quick primer on how certain common weather elements impact any concrete surface on your property.
Moisture
Perhaps the single most notable weather element that impacts concrete surfaces is moisture. Water can seep into cracks or holes in the surface and cause further damage, exacerbating any existing issues and leading to a need for more extensive repairs down the road. Moisture can also cause the surface to freeze and thaw, leading to cracking and pitting.
To avoid moisture damage, it’s important to ensure that any cracks or holes are properly sealed as soon as they’re discovered. In areas prone to freeze-thaw cycles, it’s also a good idea to have a professional apply a sealant to the surface to help protect it.
Sunlight
While sunlight won’t cause the same type of damage as moisture, it can still have an impact on your concrete surfaces. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the surface to fade and discolor, affecting its appearance. It can also cause the surface to become dry and brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking and chipping.
To help protect your concrete surfaces from sunlight damage, it’s a good idea to have them professionally sealed. This will help create a barrier between the surface and the sun’s UV rays, reducing the risk of fading and other damage.
Temperature Extremes
Another weather element that can impact concrete surfaces is temperature extremes. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can cause the surface to crack or chip, and in some cases, even cause the surface to flake off.
It’s important to have any cracks or holes sealed as soon as they’re discovered as you’re looking to prevent these issues. In areas prone to extreme temperatures, it’s also a good idea to have the surface professionally sealed to create a barrier against the weather.
Wind
While wind might not seem like a particularly damaging weather element, it can actually have a significant impact on concrete surfaces. High winds can cause debris to blow into the surface, leading to scratches, chips, and other damage. In some cases, wind can even cause the surface to crack or break.
To help protect your concrete surfaces from wind damage, it’s important to have them professionally sealed. This will help create a barrier against the wind and reduce the risk of damage.
As you can see, weather elements can have a major impact on concrete surfaces. By understanding how they work, you can help protect your investment and keep your concrete surfaces looking their best. If you have any questions about concrete repair or weather damage, be sure to contact our team at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC for assistance.
