After many months of lots of rain and cloudy days in San Diego, Summer is finally here. It is finally time to go to the beach to relax in the sand and enjoy the weather, it is also time to treat yourself with delicious ice cream and, why not, to start all your pending home improvement projects.
Summer is one of the best months for concrete construction. Due to the warm weather and low moisture, any concrete installation dries faster and can be ready to use in less time in comparison to Winter months, however, there is a downside to it: extreme heat.
Here are some of the effects that high temperatures can have on concrete:
1. Cracking
Weather these days is very unpredictable, even during Summer, which is one of the most stable seasons we have in Southern California. Abrupt temperature changes can cause cracks in your existing or your newly poured concrete due to thermal shock.
2. Dehydration
Yes, your concrete patio can suffer from dehydration, too. High temperatures affect the strength of concrete causing dehydration and gradually weakening the surface. Keeping your concrete floors protected from high temperatures is important to ensure a long life to it.
3. Decreased life expectancy
Concrete is a material that is known for its durability, it can even last for a lifetime if it is well maintained. However, if it is exposed at high temperatures and extreme weather changes without any protection, it can significantly decrease its life.
Concrete is a material that needs very little to no maintenance, but depending on your location and the weather, you may need to invest a little bit more on maintenance than in other scenarios, where the weather may be less extreme.
In any case, at Agundez Concrete, we’re always happy to help homeowners who want to improve the look of their house and carry out a concrete patio renovation or replace their broken driveway.
Give us a call to learn more about our concrete services.