The Freeze-Thaw Cycle and Its Effects on Concrete

Are you familiar with the effects that the freeze-thaw cycle has on your home’s concrete? Whether you are aware of the effects it has on concrete or you are not, we hope we can help you better understand what can happen and how to prevent further damage.

Let’s start off with one of the most common effects the freeze-thaw cycle has on concrete, surface cracking and spalling. When the snow melts, the water will begin to seep into the concrete’s pores. Water expands approximately nine percent! With this expansion, the frozen water puts pressure on the surrounding areas of the concrete, leading to the concrete cracking and/or spalling.

Another common issue produced from the freeze-thaw cycle on your concrete is concrete slabs settling. How does this occur? After the freeze has come and gone, there is a void left behind from the frozen expansion. Now the concrete is more susceptible to cracking and settling. To make matters worse, the void will continue to increase with each cycle.

If you want to get ahead of the effect the freeze-thaw cycle has on your concrete or prevent further damage, look into ways you can protect your concrete. Our NexusPro Joint Sealant is a great way to keep water from entering into cracks and joints that could have caused cracking of the concrete. SealantPro is a sealant that penetrates the concrete and chemically bonds to the concrete preventing any further pitting or flaking. This sealant acts as a permanent barrier to keep water from seeping into the concrete, which can cause spalling.

We are here to help you with your concrete repair needs. If you have any questions about your concrete and/or are looking for a FREE concrete inspection, contact us at 1-970-214-2011. We hope to hear from you soon!