Concrete lasts forever — or at least, it seems that way. It’s a preferred construction material for good reasons. However, the weather effects on concrete can still cause a gradual, subtle decline you might not notice for years. Arise Concrete Leveling outlines when to seek concrete repair in Wichita, KS, to mitigate weather damage.
How Fluctuating Temperatures Affect Concrete
First, let’s explore how warm and cool temperatures can weaken concrete. Many materials undergo thermal expansion. That means that heat causes the materials to spread out.
When temperatures cool, these materials will contract with particles moving closer together. Concrete tends to react to these temperature shifts, especially when freshly poured. Concrete poured during icy weather doesn’t fully complete the crystallization process, which strengthens and firms it.
Concrete that dries in extreme heat may dry too fast. This can lead to noticeable cracks, much like you see in once-muddy areas during intense summer heat.
What About Moisture and Evaporation?
The climate’s effect on concrete goes beyond the temperature. Precipitation also impacts the material’s longevity. You can’t pour fresh concrete during a rainstorm, or the rain will increase the hydration rate.
Even set concrete can fall prey to the never-ending freeze-thaw cycle. Although the substance is rock-solid, it still has pores. Those pores absorb water like a sponge.
The cold weather effects on concrete can cause the absorbed moisture to freeze. Frozen water naturally expands, pushing concrete particles apart. Warm temperatures melt the ice and leave those spaces empty.
So the concrete contracts back down to size. Eventually, the constant cycle of shrinking and expanding enables cracks and divots to form.
What Does Wind Add to the Equation?
How can a little breeze influence your concrete’s integrity? Wind can impact its overall moisture content. Much like hot temperatures and sunlight, moving air speeds up the evaporation process.
As the wind blows across the surface, it pushes moisture particles away from the concrete. When concrete loses moisture too fast, it can become brittle. The pores quickly contract to their normal size, but the other materials have little time to adjust.
How Can You Protect Your Concrete Surfaces From Weather Extremes?
Sunlight, wind, rain, and temperature changes are inevitable. What can you possibly do to prolong your concrete’s longevity? The concrete experts at Arise Concrete Leveling have a few suggestions:
- Choose a weather-resistant mix. Spend more on quality mixtures for a longer lifespan.
- Pick a day with good weather. Check the forecast for a sunny, dry day with temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This weather provides the perfect amount of curing time.
- Seal the surface. You can select reflective coats that keep moisture from seeping into the concrete while reflecting sunlight.
- Power wash your concrete annually. Debris buildup can force pores and cracks to widen.
- Repair the concrete as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the dent to deepen or the crack to widen.
Keep Your Concrete Level With Arise Concrete Leveling in Wichita, Kansas
Avoid these weather effects on concrete with help from Arise Concrete Leveling. Call 316-867-6565 for driveway, carport, and sidewalk repair in Wichita, Kansas.
