Keeping new concrete protected from freezing temperatures is essential for producing a quality, long-lasting product.
Variables in weather have a direct impact on a concrete mix, including whether it’s hot or cold, windy, humid, or dry on any given day. The most damaging type of weather is cold and precipitation in frigid temperatures. Ultimately, concrete should be as strong as possible to ensure its durability and longevity. Therefore, keeping new concrete protected from dipping temperatures is essential for producing a quality, long-lasting product.
Deicing Chemicals on Concrete
You’ve probably heard that deicing salt and chemicals will negatively impact the sustainability and integrity of the concrete. This idea is true as researchers have found that using these kinds of materials will directly lead to long-term concrete deterioration. Here’s a breakdown of the science behind this fact:
Over the course of 95 weeks, researchers from the University of Kansas tested hardened samples of concrete and how they reacted to a variety of chemical mixes usually found in deicing products. The results they found were a slow but steady decrease in the integrity of the structure of concrete. This means that, after using deicing chemicals, you won’t immediately see cracks or other deterioration on the concrete, but over time, the use of these chemicals does reduce the stiffness and strength of concrete. The results were tested based on comparing the elasticity and appearance of the samples.
Repairing Winter Damage
It’s important that when concrete is initially mixed and poured, that it be protected from freezing temperatures. If new concrete freezes before reaching the minimum strength of 500 pounds per square inch, the irreparable damage results in a concrete mixture of less strength and integrity.
The common issue in the winter that concrete faces is cracking from ice. Even the small defects in the surface of concrete will allow water to seep in, freeze, and expand to cause larger cracks and deterioration. There are, however, many solutions available to repair concrete from the effects of this type of weather damage.
- Resin injection or pourable grouts fill cracks
- Anti-corrosion and anti-carbonations materials repair exposed rebar
- Use thicker section repair materials for larger holes
Paving Services and Maintenance from PTG Enterprises
If you want to protect your asphalt and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your sealcoating and asphalt maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, masonry, asphalt installation, repair, and paving throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, and Flickr.
Tags: Concrete, My Pavement Guy, PTG Enterprises
