With the winter clearly finished and the hot summer quickly approaching around Utah, there are a few different areas of your property you might be thinking about when it comes to preventive maintenance. One of these that should be top of mind for any home or property owner: Concrete.
At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re your experts on all things concrete lifting and leveling in Salt Lake City and nearby areas, including everything from residential and commercial services to several forms of municipal concrete repair. We’re also here to offer basic tips on how to care for your concrete during any part of the year, including surfaces exposed to the sun regularly. Here’s a brief primer on how heat may impact your concrete, plus some simple preventive steps you can take to stop issues from arising.
Heat and Concrete
If your concrete surface was poured and installed properly, it should be able to withstand a good deal of exposure to the sun and other elements. That being said, over time even the best concrete can start to show signs of wear and tear from heat. This is because extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause the surface of your concrete to become dry and cracked, which can then lead to deeper issues like spalling (the flaking or chipping of concrete).
Luckily, there are some easy ways to combat this.
Sealants
For many concrete surfaces, one of the best ways to protect against heat damage is to regularly apply a sealant. This will help keep moisture in, preventing the surface from drying out and cracking.
There are many different types of sealants on the market, so it’s important to consult with an expert before making a purchase. The team at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC can help you choose the right sealant for your needs and then apply it correctly.
Removing Stains
You might think that certain stains on the concrete, such as oil or grease, would actually help protect the surface from heat. However, the opposite is true. These stains can actually act as a magnifying glass, intensifying the sun’s rays and causing the concrete to heat up more than it normally would.
That’s why it’s important to remove any stains from your concrete as soon as possible. There are many products on the market that can help with this, or you can always consult with the experts at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC.
Regular Cleaning
Finally, you may not realize just how valuable regular cleaning can be when it comes to protecting your concrete from heat damage. This is because dirt, debris, and other build-up on the surface of your concrete can also act as a magnifying glass, intensifying the sun’s rays.
Cleaning your concrete regularly will help remove this build-up and protect the surface from heat damage.
For more on how to protect your concrete surfaces from the summer heat, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services in SLC or nearby parts of Utah, speak to the team at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.