This summer’s heat feels hotter than summers past, with the heat dome covering more than half the country, Kansas City included. If you have a concrete driveway, patio, or deck, you understand how painful it can be to walk barefoot on the concrete’s surface when the sun is still shining, especially these past few weeks with record-breaking temperatures. Did you know that the summer heat can do more than just warm up the concrete’s surface? It can damage concrete in several ways, leading to all sorts of issues.
Summer heat can cause concrete to become uneven, creating a domino effect of other issues. Continue reading to learn why summer heat causes uneven concrete and how polyjacking fixes it so you can be prepared to choose the best concrete repair method.
How Summer Heat Damages Concrete
No matter the type of home you have, we all have some form of concrete on our property, whether it’s a patio, a slab under a shed, a sidewalk, a driveway, or a foundation. Whether you have multiple concrete surfaces or just a couple on your property, they’re at risk of getting damaged as they’re exposed to the summer heat. Below are just some of the many ways summer heat damaged concrete:
It Causes the Concrete to Expand and Contract
Summer heat can take a serious toll on concrete surfaces. As temperatures rise during the late morning and afternoon, concrete naturally expands; it cools down during the evening, and it contracts. Over time, this constant cycle puts stress on patios, driveways, pool decks, sidewalks, and other concrete surfaces. Years of concrete expansion and contraction can weaken concrete surfaces, forcing them to undergo daily stress, eventually causing cracks and other damage.
It Makes the Concrete Brittle
Years of intense sun exposure can gradually weaken the material, making it more prone to cracks, chipping, and surface deterioration. As previously mentioned, concrete expands and contracts as it’s exposed to higher and lower temperatures; this constant expansion and contraction cycle makes the concrete brittle, more easily developing cracks and gaps.
It Causes Sun Damage
So many materials can get damaged by the sun, and concrete is no exception. The sun’s UV rays can damage concrete, causing it to deteriorate from constant sun exposure. Luckily, you can prevent sun damage to your concrete patios, sidewalks, and driveways by applying a UV-protective sealant. Without a sealant, your concrete structures are more prone to cracks and sun damage. Be sure to choose a long-lasting sealant; some require frequent applications, while others are long-lasting and require less maintenance.
It Causes Cracked Concrete
Many property owners are surprised to learn that hot summer weather can contribute to concrete cracks. As daytime temperatures climb, concrete expands, and when cooler evenings arrive, it contracts. While this movement is normal, repeated expansion and contraction can place stress on your concrete structures, causing cracks.
The ground beneath your concrete also plays a role: heavy summer rains and dry, hot weather cause the soil to absorb moisture and shrink as it dries out. This constant movement in soil can leave gaps or uneven support beneath your concrete structure, causing it to crack, settle, or become uneven. These issues will worsen over time, affecting both the appearance and safety of your residential or commercial property.
Polyjacking: The Best Concrete Repair Method
Polyjacking is the best concrete repair method, especially when you hire Pro Polyjacking. Unlike mudjacking or other concrete repair methods, polyjacking involves injecting polyurethane foam under the concrete to lift it and level it, eliminating cracks and restoring it to its original position. Our polyurethane foam fortifies the soil, meaning you’ll never need to worry about concrete repair in the same area again.
One of the biggest advantages of polyjacking is its durability. Our lightweight, water-resistant foam is designed to withstand moisture and changing soil conditions without adding extra weight like other concrete repair methods can. Polyjacking typically provides longer-lasting results with little to no ongoing maintenance. For homeowners and commercial property owners alike, it’s a cost-effective way to extend the life of driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and other concrete surfaces while improving both appearance and safety.
Choose Pro Polyjacking for Your Concrete Repair this Summer
If you need sunken or cracked concrete repaired, hiring Pro Polyjacking is the best solution. We have over 30 years of industry experience and have been serving Kansas City homeowners and commercial property owners for decades. We’re a woman- and family-owned local business with positive reviews and thousands of satisfied customers. Below are some of our customer reviews:
Pro Polyjacking can help with all commercial and residential concrete leveling needs in and around Kansas City, including residential concrete leveling, commercial and industrial concrete leveling, concrete sealing and cleaning, deep injection, joint and crack repair, and farm silo polyjacking. We hold all required licenses and insurance that protect our employees. Get started by requesting a quote today!