The Summer Heat & Your Concrete

Summer's heat can be brutal on your home, and concrete is no exception. As temperatures rise, concrete can crack, heave, and settle. This can cause cosmetic damage to your foundation and walkways, but it can also lead to more serious problems, such as water leaks and structural instability.

Here's a closer look at how heat affects concrete:

• Cracking: Concrete is a strong material, but it can crack when it expands and contracts due to temperature changes. Hairline cracks are common and may not be a cause for concern. However, larger cracks can allow water to seep in and cause further damage.
• Heaving: When concrete absorbs moisture, it can expand. This is especially common in hot, humid weather. Heaving concrete can cause uneven floors, walls, and foundations.
• Settling: As concrete dries out, it can shrink. This can cause concrete slabs to settle, which can lead to cracks and other problems.

How to Protect Your Concrete from Heat Damage

There are a few things you can do to protect your concrete from heat damage:

• Watering: Regularly watering your concrete can help to keep it cool and prevent cracking.
• Shade: Providing shade for your concrete can help reduce the heat it absorbs.
• Expansion joints: Expansion joints allow concrete to expand and contract without cracking.
• Sealing: Sealing cracks in your concrete with a professional product like SealantPro® from Alford can help to prevent water infiltration. Unlike concrete sealers available at big-box stores, SealantPro permanently protects concrete with just one application and extends its life by 3-5 times. For more information on concrete sealing check out this page.

Alford Foundation & Crawl Space Repair Can Help!

If you are concerned about heat damage to your concrete, Alford Foundations & Crawl Space Repair can help. We have a team of experienced professionals who can inspect your concrete and recommend repairs. We also offer a variety of foundation repair and waterproofing services to keep your home safe and sound.

Call Alford today for a FREE concrete or foundation inspection!