Concrete is remarkably durable and usually lasts for decades, but the weather during the installation process has a significant impact on the outcome. Pouring a foundation or laying a driveway in cold weather can lead to issues even the most skilled concrete contractor cannot prevent. Taking care of your concrete projects before winter hits or waiting until spring is the best way to avoid the common problems below.

3 Concrete Issues Caused by Cold Weather

1. Popouts

While concrete contractors remove large pieces of rock from the mix, sometimes a part of aggregate makes its way into the final pour. These chunks of stone absorb moisture, which then freezes and causes the rock to explode. Popouts are usually a cosmetic defect, but they can also lead to more severe structural issues and expensive repairs.

2. Spalling

Spalling is the loss of the top layer of concrete, which allows moisture to penetrate the structure, causing further damage inside. Often, spalling happens when moisture on the surface of freshly poured concrete freezes during the curing process, preventing the formation of crystals that give the concrete its strength.

3. Settling

In the winter, frozen water in the soil causes the ground to heave, which means your concrete slab may not have the support necessary when spring arrives. As thawing soil settles back into place, the new concrete surface will move with it, often causing cracks and major structural defects that compromise the integrity of the structure.

Whether you’re building a concrete patio or paving a driveway, Prefer Paving & Ready-Mix has the expertise and high-quality materials to produce results guaranteed to last. Their concrete contractors have been serving Rush City, MN, homeowners for over 30 years, offering reliable craftsmanship and the resources to tackle projects big and small. Visit their website or call (651) 464-6883 to discuss your project with one of the area’s leading concrete contractors, and follow their Facebook for more tips and updates.