Change in the weather is a prominent reason why concrete cracks appear. You would need a Minneapolis concrete repair when a slight irregularity like a chipping concrete surface becomes too apparent. The change from warm and humid to cold weather has a huge effect. Even if you have durable resurfacing, the cracks would be inevitable when nature gets its way on your decorative concrete floors.
Today’s blog is for you if you need aid in caring for concrete floors when the freeze-thaw cycles would affect the floor surface.
Is it Wise to Repair or Resurface Concrete When it is Cold?
First, let’s clear an essential decision you would make on the concrete floors to prepare for the winter.
Is it wise to resurface or repair concrete during the cold season? You must ask if it is wise to improve before or after, or during the cold weather?
You need to get the direct answer that it is the worst time for concrete repair during the winter or when the weather becomes cold. Due to the lack of heat, the concrete compounds would not cure properly.
Watery substances would start freezing at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or zero degrees Celsius and below. But this does not mean that the concrete resurfacing mix had cured and solidified.
You may encounter problems with its consistency and adherence since the liquid components were frozen and did not cure with the solid materials. A concrete resurfacing compound that froze could become brittle and weak when the winter ice melts.
The wise thing is to repair and resurface concrete floors before winter as a preparation before the cold weather affects the food materials.
The DOs and DON'Ts on Concrete Resurfacing and Repair When It's Cold
Another vital aspect to consider when it’s winter is the do’s and don’ts. Unless you use a non-shrink grout and cold-weather, water-based mortar to patch the cracks, there are right ways to care for the concrete in the cold climate.
While it is worse for concrete repairs under freezing temperatures, there are practical ways you can apply it to the floor and protect it from the harmful effect of the icy weather.
The mistakes you make when a concrete driveway is cold.
Not Using Heaters
It may be necessary to use heating materials or insulation when repairing concrete floors. You could come across a time that you need to repair cracks or that an uneven slab is inevitable.
One mistake that needs to be avoided is not using insulation or material to heat and cover the treated surface. So best is to use a floor coating material that provides adequate thermal conduction.
Applying grout fillers or patching compounds to the concrete floor, you must insulate the surface as winter begins. That would help reduce moist and ice particles in the repaired slot on the floor.
Allowing your Concrete to Freeze
Another mistake to avoid is allowing the concrete to freeze. When snow or cold weather surrounds the entire region, you have no choice but to embrace the presence of snow and freezing air. This doesn’t mean that you need to leave your concrete driveways or concrete patio out in the open. Use a plastic covering or a large vinyl sheet to at least seal the outdoor decorative concrete on your property.
The Things you MUST Do During Winter to Protect The Concrete Floor.
Sealing Concrete When It's Too Cold Outside
There are a few important ways to seal the concrete. For example, if you have a concrete garage or driveway, these are often the floors in use, even in winter.
Make sure that you apply or reapply a sealer on the contrite floors with heavy traffic as you prepare. It is possible that the original sealing or concrete coating had already faded or reduced after some time. So better reseal the concrete floors.
Monitor The Surrounding Conditions
And most importantly, keep an eye on your surroundings. Have a thorough evaluation and review of your area as you feel the winter season is coming. Before the fall season begins, start planning your concrete floor winterization if you have seen this blog. You might also need the help of an expert concrete flooring contractor to help you prepare.
