Even the moderate winters in Florida can harm uncoated or poorly coated concrete. As the temperature drops and moisture hangs in the air, outdoor concrete is at risk of absorbing the extra moisture from the environment.
The biggest risk to concrete in Florida is the moisture content. Known for its constant humidity, the moisture content in the air during the winter negatively affects uncoated floors and can cause cracking and spalling.
In this article, we’ll cover the effects of winter on your outdoor concrete floors and how you can prevent damage in Orlando.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Concrete?
Cold weather can affect concrete both directly and indirectly. Indirectly, cold weather causes the ground to be cooler, which causes concrete to set more slowly. Directly, cold weather causes moisture in the concrete and foundation to expand, resulting in damage over time.
Effects Of Winter On Outdoor Concrete
Cold weather has many effects on concrete, particularly on the moisture that seeps into concrete with the Florida humidity and abrupt rainy seasons. While Florida doesn’t usually reach freezing temperatures, we do see abrupt shifts between cool and hot weather, which can have a similar effect on concrete. The overall consequences are slowed cure time, cracking, and spalling concrete, which presents a hazard to Florida residents.
Slowed Curing
Cold weather and the winter season don’t just affect concrete that’s already been poured and set. It can also affect fresh concrete. If the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the reaction required to strengthen concrete is slowed. This both prohibits curing, and results in weaker concrete overall. Fortunately, cold weather pouring is rarely an issue for Florida residents, as temperatures generally do not dip that low.
Cracking
In areas of concrete where moisture has broken the surface, cold temperatures cause the water to expand inside of it. As concrete is naturally porous, this can affect the entire surface and result in hairline cracks, and more significant cracks throughout the concrete. The cracks can give way to heaving, where the concrete begins to topple from the inside out and becomes an unlevel surface.
Spalling
Spalling happens when moisture gets into the concrete and touches the rebar structures inside of it. In cold temperatures, this can cause freezing which leads to expansion that pushes the structure out of place. Once they thaw, the moisture can then cause the bars to rust, which further deteriorates the concrete structure. The result is spalling or cracks throughout the concrete surface.
Why Choose Coating Designs
Fortunately, you can prevent moisture damage by applying a sealant to the concrete. At Coating Designs, we offer epoxy and polyaspartic concrete coatings, both of which are the best coatings to waterproof your flooring.
Florida home and business owners trust us because we’re the best concrete contractors in the area. We’re a five-star rated company, and we only use the highest quality products for your projects. Our expert team will work with you to customize a flooring solution that meets your needs and expectations.
Whether you need garage floor coatings, patio coatings, or commercial flooring, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to see how we can work together.
Get A Free Quote
Are you looking for decorative concrete coatings that can protect your flooring during the winter months? Do you want to work with the best concrete coating installers in Florida? Look no further than Coating Designs in Orlando, FL. We’re expert concrete coating contractors who will transform your space. We use the most innovative technology to provide the best value for your money and will not consider the project done until you’re 100% satisfied. Contact us today for a free quote.