Will Extreme Heat Damage Your Concrete?

Concrete is a material that can be used in many ways for the home. From the driveway to the front porch, concrete is commonly used due to its durability as well as being affordable and easy to use. When using concrete, it is important to complete an installation in the correct manner. Heat can affect concrete, causing damage during the installation as well as after. Learning more about how heat can affect the material will ensure that your home has concrete that stands the test of time.

Heat During Installation

During the installation process, the outdoor temperature needs to be congruent with the project. When the weather is hot, the mixing process will require more water to smooth out. This can make the concrete less strong than if it were mixed without additional water. Temperatures outside need to be below 90 degrees. When temperatures reach higher than 90 degrees towards 100, it can lead to major issues which creates less strength and the potential for cracking and breakage.

Surface drying also becomes an issue. If the concrete is warm due to the temperatures and you have hot wind as well, the material will dry faster, and the surface will suffer from shrinkage. This can cause the concrete to not set up correctly which causes issues once completely dry.

Experienced installers know how to mix the concrete correctly based on temperatures outside. It is important to complete a project when the concrete can set up the right way, so areas like a patio or porch will be sturdy and structurally sound.

After Installation

Heat doesn’t necessarily affect the concrete once it is installed unless it is not mixed correctly. Concrete is meant to withstand the elements, including high temperatures. When mixed and installed correctly, the material can withstand high heat without any issues.

When concrete is not mixed correctly after installation, cracking and breakage can occur. When concrete loses strength, it is unable to perform. An example would be a sidewalk. If the sidewalk has cracks or breaks, it can create a hazard when walking. This leads to not being able to use the sidewalk, which is not providing value to your home.

With larger projects such as a patio or driveway, it takes even more concrete to complete. When the material is mixed during hotter temperatures, it will require more water, especially with a larger load. The additional water will make the material weaker which will cause it to crack and break. The driveway will not look visually appealing and can cause your home to lose value or the need for repairs to the driveway over time.

To ensure that concrete areas are going to stand the test of time, proper installation must be provided. By hiring an experienced crew for your concrete projects, it can ensure that the concrete will be mixed properly and set up in the right way. Once dry and ready to use, the concrete will last for many years without the need for repair.

Always work with concrete during cooler temperatures so projects will be completed in a timely manner, ready to provide adequate strength for years to come.