Impacts of Summer Heat and Rain Storms on Concrete

The Heat

Concrete is a strong and durable material, but it isn’t immune to the effects of extreme weather. During the hot summer months, we tend to overlook the subtle changes happening in our concrete surfaces. While it may not be obvious at first glance, the intense heat can significantly impact the integrity of concrete over time.

When temperatures soar, especially with a heat index over 100 degrees, concrete begins to expand. This expansion is more substantial than many realize. For instance, when concrete reaches temperatures above 100 degrees, a 100-foot section can expand by about 3/4 of an inch or more. It might not sound like much, but it’s enough to create significant stress within the concrete and surrounding structures.

You may notice that expansion joints, control joints, and cracks appear tighter during the summer because the concrete swells, reducing the visibility of the cracks. Conversely, those same areas may show wider gaps during colder months as the concrete contracts. This constant movement—expansion in the heat and contraction in the cold—can lead to long-term damage, particularly if the concrete is situated between two fixed objects. Over time, this repetitive stress can cause cracks to widen, surfaces to buckle, and, in some cases, even lead to failure of the concrete structure.

It’s essential to monitor these changes, especially during prolonged periods of high temperatures. Regular inspections can help you catch early signs of stress or damage, allowing for timely repairs that can prevent more extensive and costly issues down the road. Whether it’s a driveway, patio, or a larger commercial slab, paying attention to how your concrete behaves in extreme weather will help maintain its longevity and performance.

The Rain

While the summer heat poses challenges to concrete, the heavy periods of rain we experience in spring, summer, and fall in Virginia also bring their own concerns. Concrete is porous by nature, meaning it can absorb water. Water absorption might not be an immediate problem, but excessive moisture can lead to several issues over time.

When rainwater seeps into the concrete, it can weaken the material, especially if the concrete is not sealed correctly. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the concrete to become saturated, leading to a few potential problems. First, if the water penetrates deep enough, it can reach the steel reinforcement (rebar or wire) within the concrete, leading to rust; as the steel rusts, it expands, causing the concrete to crack and weaken further. This process, known as spalling, is a common issue in areas with frequent heavy rainfall.

Additionally, in areas where we work, like Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield, where temperatures fluctuate, the water absorbed by the concrete can freeze and thaw with the changing seasons. This freeze-thaw cycle can be particularly damaging. When water inside the concrete freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the concrete and leading to cracks. As these cracks develop, more water can enter, perpetuating the cycle and leading to more significant damage over time.

It’s not just the freeze-thaw cycle that’s a concern. Continuous heavy rain can also lead to erosion of the soil beneath concrete structures. Suppose the ground beneath a concrete slab becomes eroded or unevenly saturated. In that case, it can cause the concrete to settle or shift, leading to uneven surfaces, cracks, and, in severe cases, slab failure. A settled slab can push water toward a house in many cases, causing other unintended issues. 

To protect your concrete during periods of heavy rain, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s properly sealed and that drainage around the concrete is adequate. Regularly checking and maintaining the sealant on your concrete can help prevent water from penetrating the surface. Additionally, ensuring water is directed away from concrete structures and other structures can help reduce the risk of soil erosion and the associated damage.

The Solution

By being proactive and addressing these potential issues early, you can help extend the life of your concrete, even in Virginia’s challenging and unpredictable weather patterns. Our goal as a company is to address all the common issues with concrete. Our products are designed to work together to eliminate the concerns that cause concrete failure. 

• PolyLevel Foam fixes soil issues under concrete to keep it supported. 
• NexusPro Caulking fixes open joints and cracks to keep water from seeping into and under slabs. 
• SealantPro & topical sealers keep the surface of the concrete protected against the elements. 
• Compression Guard is a powerful tool in fixing areas where there is not enough gap for expanding concrete. 
• Vuba Stone can make concrete with cracking and surface damage look new and beautiful again. 
• Replacement if the concrete is beyond repair or protection we offer replacement and new concrete pouring. 

For more information or a free quote for repair please contact us. A design technician can help find the right solutions for your concrete needs.