The summer season is often a convenient time to complete home upgrades. Warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight provide the perfect environment for outdoor projects. When it comes to residential concrete work, there are some considerations to keep in mind during the summertime.
No matter if you currently have outdoor concrete surfaces or want a new installation, the summer can impact the care of concrete structures. To avoid damage to your concrete installations that can occur from extreme summer heat, the project has to be done correctly from the start. Here are some useful tips that will ensure your residential concrete installations and maintenance care are a success.
How Does the Summer Heat Affect Concrete?
Pouring concrete may seem like a simple project, however, the science behind it involves the careful handling of chemical reactions that occur when it is mixed, set, and hardened. It is a delicate process known as curing. The summer heat makes the chemical reaction occur faster.
However, when curing happens too fast, you can expect the concrete to set, but it will not harden enough. The heat makes it cure in an uneven way, which is a problem for tinted concrete. The shade of the tint can significantly change from pour to pour.
How to Ensure a Successful Concrete Pour During the Summertime
When pouring concrete, a professional company takes into account humidity, wind, and temperature. The project needs to be carefully planned to adjust and compensate for extremely hot temperatures.
At We Do Concrete Cheap, we understand the adjustments that must be made during hot summer days. We plan the project in detail to ensure proper pouring and curing. These are some of the methods we utilize to make sure our summer clients have the best results:
1. Early Morning Schedule
For the best results from your concrete installations, it is important to start the workday early in the morning. During this time, the temperatures are lower and easier to work with. By noon, summer temperatures start to rise creating challenges that can be avoided by starting as early in the morning as possible.
2. Strategies to Maintain Concrete Cool
An experienced contractor should have a detailed plan to ensure the concrete mixture stays at a proper temperature. If precautions are not taken, concrete can easily overheat. Here are some strategies we take during hot summer days:
- Mix concrete with icy water.
- Spray subgrade to keep it cool.
- Add evaporation retardants to the concrete mixture to slow down the setting time.
3. Protecting the Project From the Elements
Other precautions an experienced concrete contractor takes to beat the summer heat is to use windbreakers and sunshades. These methods help manage evaporation levels and heat while the concrete is poured and cured.
4. Using a Reliable Sealant
Once the concrete is poured and it hardens, excessive heat can cause damage. It can cause concrete to crack, break, and expand. To avoid this issue, a protective waterproof sealant can be used to keep moisture away and avoid the concrete from expanding.
How to Maintain Concrete Installations During Hot Summer Months
If your home has existing concrete installations such as sidewalks, patios, and driveways, proper summer maintenance must be performed to prevent cracking or fading. Fortunately, concrete maintenance is very easy. You can follow these three steps to ensure your concrete installations look their best for years:
1. Wash Surfaces Annually
To prevent chipping and discoloration, concrete surfaces must be kept clean. Once the concrete fully hardens and cures, it can be swept and rinsed gently. To power wash the surface, you must learn the proper techniques and use specific tools to prevent chipping.
2. Apply Sealant Frequently
Sealant normally wears down over time, which means you need to schedule regular applications. It is a simple task that keeps your concrete structures protected. You can expect your concrete structures to need fresh sealant about every two years. The frequency varies depending on the climate and the wear and tear on the surface.
3. Treat Stains Promptly
Stains can sometimes occur, especially on driveways which are commonly exposed to grease and oil from vehicles. Whenever you notice a stain, immediately cleanse the surface with a stain remover to have the best chance of correcting it. This must be done before the stain sets in and becomes permanent. Be sure to follow the directions on the label for best results.
Stylish Concrete Installations You’ll Love
Whether you are enjoying an existing concrete installation or are planning a new exciting project, our team at We Do Concrete Cheap provides the guidance you need to create charming and quality installations that increase your property value. We are experienced in all types of concrete installations including decorative finishes.
When planning a project, we take the time to educate our clients on the various options available and the expected maintenance instructions. Our residential concrete installations are carefully planned to ensure a successful outcome anytime time of the year.
Our highly experienced concrete team also helps you explore design ideas that match your home’s style. In addition to creating a beautiful work of art, we also achieve maximum functionality. Quality craftsmanship and professional service have helped us gain the trust of the community.
Call us today for a consultation and enjoy your concrete installations this summer!
