Cold winter weather holds major implications for your concrete driveway. Without proper care, even the best concrete surfaces can degrade in response to frigid conditions and increased precipitation. The risks are even higher for concrete that’s already plagued with cracks and structural issues. Here’s how winter can impact concrete surfaces around your home.
It Can Speed Up Surface and Structural Failure
If your concrete has cracks in it, water can migrate into the subgrade and pool beneath the primary top layer. As temperatures drop, this moisture will eventually turn into ice and expand. Over time, repetitive expansion and contraction will cause even日本藤素
more cracking. Eventually, the surface will begin to sink and disintegrate, requiring extensive repairs or outright replacement.
You can prevent this from happening by hiring a reputable contractor to evaluate your concrete surface and repair any cracks before it turns cold. If you notice your concrete is cracked or sagging, you can have it restored to its original durable state through an efficient process called mudjacking, which injects a supportive natural sand slurry below the concrete surface.
You can also reduce the risk of damage by regularly shoveling snow and ice off of your driveway before it has a chance to melt. You should also make sure your drainage system is optimized so rainwater and melting snow will move away from your driveway and walking paths toward the street.
It Can Leave You Vulnerable to Lawsuits
Whether it’s the mailman or a house guest, you don’t want anyone suffering an injury because they slipped on your ice concrete surface. By keeping your concrete walkways free of snow and ice, you can reduce your risk of liability concerns relating to accidental wintertime slips and falls.
While using snow-melt chemicals and salt can help, it’s important to rinse away these chemicals as soon as possible to keep them from degrading your concrete surface over time. Bear in mind that certain types of deicing agents such as magnesium acetate can increase the risk of damage to your concrete especially if it’s left in place a long time.
It Can Keep New Concrete From Curing
Wet concrete changes from a semiliquid to a durable solid material due to a simple chemical reaction called hydration. When water is mixed into dry cement powder, the chemical reaction instigates a crystallization process. The speed of this chemical reaction depends on the weather which determines the temperature of the concrete. When it’s warm outside, the reaction proceeds relatively fast. During the winter, however, the reaction slows down.
While new concrete may look dry after only a few hours, the curing process continues for months. The more the surface cures, the stronger the concrete becomes. If the temperature drops below 14 degrees early in the life of new concrete, the curing process will slow or even stop. This is why it’s generally best to avoid pouring new concrete during the winter.
It Can Lead to Flooding
When heavy snows melt, they can cause water to pool up on concrete surfaces, increasing the risk of subsurface penetration. This water can also sometimes reach a home’s foundation or basement where it can cause serious structural damage. Again, it’s important to shovel snow before it has a chance to melt. You may also need to install plastic covers to keep snow from accumulating in your window wells and penetrating into your basement as it melts.
It Causes Wear and Tear
Constant freezing and thawing can lead to surface wear during the winter. At the same time, shoveling and scraping can also cause your concrete to look worn and damaged once spring rolls around. While a good sealer can help, it’s not always possible to keep concrete looking pristine after a harsh Colorado winter. While some issues may only be aesthetic, keep a watchful eye for any new cracking or sagging which call for quick action to keep water from seeping into the subgrade beneath your concrete surface.
AAA Concrete Raising has been providing flawless mudjacking services for the Denver metro area for over three decades. We pride ourselves on providing quality service at an affordable price with no surprises. If you are interested in reliable concrete raising and need a reputable, honest contractor who will get the job done right, contact us today!
