It may trigger you as a warning as you see the words winter affecting concrete. While it is good to panic sometimes, be reminded that winter can only affect unprotected concrete. So do not wait after winter to fix cracks in the concrete pool deck. As early as now, you can do something to lessen the damage that might occur.
Suppose you are determined to save the outdoor and other exterior concrete floors in your properties. In that case, you need to call your local contractor. Expert pool maintenance has ways to protect outdoor floors and pool deckings from the number one concrete problem, cracks. Winter or not, you must ensure that you seal or cover the concrete surfaces before too late.
Today’s post will show you what happens if you ignore the warning of the coming cold season. Snow and freezing weather do certain damages that will be too hard to cover up. Here are common winter effects on concrete:
What are the impacts of cold weather on concrete?
1. Spalling
Spalling is an extreme flaw of concrete, and this involves concrete surfaces breaking from the surface down to its reinforcements.
Usually, this type of damage will start as cracks. De-icers often help melt the bulk of snow or ice that blocks concrete entryways and driveways.
The residue of the deicing compound goes straight into the steel reinforcement, causing the support of the flooring to break bottom up. It will then trigger the slab to crack from the inside out.
The next thing you see are fragments of concrete beginning to emerge on the surface. Later, they reveal severely damaged concrete reinforcements.
2. Scaling
From the word scales, this concrete damage causes the top layers of the concrete to lose their protective coating or the mortar topping. The cracks happen on the surface and leave the aggregate particles exposed on top.
During winter, too much freeze and snow may put a weight on top of the concrete floor. The first thing that will get affected by the snow and freeze is the top surface of the concrete.
While most concrete is durable and can withstand extreme cold weather, the material used for sealing and coating the floor may get damaged.
3. Cracking
During wintertime, cracks on the floors may go from minor to worse, resulting in the problems mentioned above and more.
Cracks are the result of other effects of winter on concrete, such as:
- Excessive moist due to ice melting on the surface
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Expansion-contraction of concrete due to the extreme cold
- Weight of the ice above the concrete floor
With this chain of winter cause and effect, you need to at least prepare for the season. So what are the ways to maintain a concrete floor during the snow season?
Maintenance for Concrete Floors During Winter
Medicine says, “Prevention is better than cure.” That is also true with the concrete construction industry. So before the snow gets heavy, better prepare tools, items and learn particular processes to avoid the snow from damaging the concrete floors.
1. Using Sand
Freeze-thaw cycles and deicing agents are the main culprits and what you would want to watch out for most.
De-icers contain salt that breaks down the components of steel found in the reinforcement. Instead of using de-icers, use sand.
So before the snow begins to cover up the streets, sideways k and entryways of your property, be prepared with tons of sand. To do this is to pour sand over the concrete to cover the surface. So that when the snow would fall on the ground, the sand would be the one to carry the ice and would not directly hit the concrete surface.
2. Protecting with Concrete Sealers
Experts often install concrete sealers. This way, the floor gets its protection in advance. You don’t have to wait for winter to apply sealers on the concrete. The floor automatically resists any harsh elements and harsh weather damaging the surface.
For extra care, why not apply or refresh the sealers a few weeks before the cool season gets too snowy.
