Summer Weather in the Kansas City Metro & Mid-Missouri: Concrete Problems & Solutions Explained

Concrete problems can be serious and need to be addressed without delay. There are several reasons, like safety concerns, usability, structural stability, curb appeal, cost savings, compliance issues, etc., why you should solve concrete problems properly. And summer weather can significantly contribute to many concrete problems.



However, worry not, since there are several perfect solutions to address the summertime concrete problems, like polyjacking or concrete leveling. Let’s have a look at how summer affects the concrete, what types of problems usually occur this way, and what the solutions are from this article. Continue reading: Summer Weather: Concrete Problems & Solutions Explained:

HOW DOES SUMMER WEATHER AFFECT CONCRETE?

Summer can be problematic for whatever concrete structure you have. The factors in summer that impact concrete are:

TEMPERATURE CHANGES

High temperatures lead to concrete expansion, and sudden temperature drops lead to concrete contraction. So on summer days, the concrete expands while it contracts when the temperature goes down at night. This repeated cycle of expansion and contraction makes the concrete vulnerable and cracks over time. Also, if your concrete is somehow restrained, when the concrete tries to expand due to heat, it can start cracking.

INCREASED LOADS

Usually, people use driveways and other concrete parts more in the summertime due to outdoor activities and vacations. That’s why concrete faces more traffic load as well as more thermal stress with improper load distribution. This can make the concrete wear and tear easily and lead to damage.

INCREASED EVAPORATION

If you are making any concrete structure in the summer and it’s curing time, the hot weather accelerates the evaporation of water from concrete. When the concrete water dries too quickly, it leads to surface shrinkage and forms cracks. Moreover, the concrete structure will be weaker as the curing wasn’t properly done.

HYDRATION PROBLEM

Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement and water where the process releases heat. In the summertime, the hydration rate increases, which leads to improper setting times and reduced workability of concrete. Both the summer heat and the hydration heat increase the internal temperature of the concrete, which can cause thermal cracks in the concrete.

GROUND MOVEMENT

As the evaporation rate increases on hot summer days, the soil underneath the concrete can lose moisture significantly and begin to shrink. Because of this ground settlement, the concrete faces uneven support and becomes unlevel or cracks. Moreover, if you try to water the soil from time to time or there’s heavy rain on some summer days, it can make the soil swell rapidly, and it can also give stress to concrete. This is especially common in Mid-Missouri’s clay-heavy subgrades and Kansas City Metro lawns.

SOLUTION FOR MOST CONCRETE PROBLEMS

For most concrete problems, polyjacking is the primary solution. And with Summer Weather, the Concrete Problems & Solutions can worsen, causing the need to explain solutions. The poly jacking method is also known as the polyurethane foam injection method, where advanced foam is injected into the required areas and solves any concrete-related issues. Although it’s an efficient and effective method compared to other methods, it’s still not well-known as it’s a more modern method that uses modern technology and was first introduced not so long ago.

Let’s have an in-depth look at why polyjacking helps with almost every concrete problem and if it’s really suited for your issue:

A WIDE RANGE OF WORK

Polyjacking can be used in a variety of applications, like lifting and leveling concrete slabs, stabilizing and reinforcing the soil, filling voids, repairing and sealing cracks, etc.

PRECISE EFFECTIVENESS

Unlike most other solutions to concrete problems, polyjacking can be controlled precisely. This precision helps to level and smooth the surface without any risk of over-lifting or other defects.

GOOD FOR ANY SUBGRADE

Polyjacking is adaptive to any type of subgrade condition, including areas with different moisture content and expansive soils. No matter what type of issue there is with the subgrade, like poor compaction, soil erosion, or tree roots, the polyjacking method effectively solves all the underlying causes of concrete problems.

QUICK SOLUTION TIME

The overall time required for completing the polyjacking process to solve any concrete problem is significantly lower than any traditional method. The curing and the whole process just take a few hours, and you can use the concrete the same day that you repaired it.

MINIMAL INVASION 

The polyjacking method only needs small injection holes that make the repair less noticeable while minimizing the damage to the concrete. Also, it causes minimal disruption to surrounding areas as it’s a comparatively cleaner and quieter method.

STRENGTH 

Although the polyurethane used in polyjacking is super lightweight, it provides a stable and durable base for the concrete. Also, this strong material can withstand extreme temperatures while repelling water and preventing moisture. That’s why this method is suited for concrete in various types of climatic conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

If you’re thinking about going green in every job or looking for an eco-friendly solution to your concrete problems, then polyjacking is the perfect solution. The polyurethane foam used in this method is formulated using recycled materials, and it produces minimal environmental impact.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS

Since the polyjacking method isn’t a labor-intensive method, it translates to lower labor costs. Although the initial cost for the material or process can seem a bit higher than other methods, it actually saves you money in the long run, as there will be little to no need for future repairs or additional maintenance when you utilize polyjacking for your concrete problems.

If you promptly address concrete issues, you can save money, prevent further damage, and ensure a safe and attractive environment. No matter how much damage the concrete goes through in harsh summer weather, methods like poly jacking or concrete lifting and leveling can quickly solve all the issues at hand. That’s why it’s a preferred method for any concrete application and is recommended by professionals. And if you choose to use polyjacking for your problems, make sure to hire a skilled professional for the job.

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