The Cold Truth: How Winter Affects Concrete and Polyurethane Lifting in the Maritimes
As winter's frosty embrace approaches, the Maritime region gears up for a season that not only poses challenges to outdoor surfaces but also impacts the intricacies of concrete lifting. Beyond the usual concerns of cold temperatures and precipitation, property owners may find themselves grappling with the repercussions of winter weather on their concrete slabs. In this blog post, we'll explore the effects of Atlantic Canada's winters on concrete slabs and the polyurethane concrete lifting process. Whether you're contending with sunken slabs or contemplating a concrete lifting project, join us in unravelling the mysteries of navigating winter's impact on polyurethane concrete lifting in the Maritimes. Read on to learn more!
How Winter Affects Concrete Slabs in Atlantic Canada
The winter season poses significant challenges for concrete slabs. In colder temperatures, concrete becomes more susceptible to cracking and contraction. Freezing temperatures cause the water molecules within the concrete to bind together as ice crystals, leading to expansion and potential cracking. This risk is heightened if issues such as sinking or settling exist. As the concrete undergoes repeated freeze/thaw cycles, cracks can worsen. The repeated freeze/thaw cycle and frost heave may exacerbate these cracks, making them serious safety hazards. Improper backfilling during installation can also contribute to settlement issues. If left unattended, these problems may necessitate the replacement of the entire concrete slab.
Winter Weather Challenges for Polyurethane Concrete Lifting in The Maritimes
The success of a concrete lifting project during winter depends on various factors, including temperature. Extreme cold causes the ground to freeze solid, creating difficulties for polyurethane concrete lifting. In these conditions, the frozen ground may adhere to the concrete, increasing the risk of the slab breaking during the lifting process. While mudjacking is nearly impossible in winter, polyurethane foam, like that used by Maritime Concrete Lifting, is largely unaffected by outdoor temperatures. The foam is created by combining heated liquids, and its application is facilitated through heated hoses, making it an effective solution for lifting and levelling concrete slabs even in cold weather.
Polyurethane Concrete Lifting in Winter
Despite the increased difficulty, polyurethane concrete lifting can be successfully executed during the winter months. Although it is slightly more challenging to prevent future sinking compared to the summer, it remains a viable option. In cases where the ground is frozen solid, there may be a risk of the slab sinking again during the spring melt due to the freeze/thaw cycle. Generally, Maritime Concrete Lifting can lift concrete in temperatures down to 0 degrees Celsius or until the ground freezes. If temperatures drop below this threshold, waiting until spring is recommended for optimal results. While it may be more challenging for us to lift exterior slabs in the winter, we can still successfully lift interior slabs in colder temperatures.
Maritime Concrete Lifting: Your Solution for Sunken Slabs in Atlantic Canada
Maritime Concrete Lifting offers a long-lasting and effective solution for property owners in Atlantic Canada with sunken and settled concrete slabs. Specializing in environmentally friendly polyurethane foam lifting, we boast years of experience in the concrete lifting industry. If you're in Atlantic Canada and require expert assistance with your concrete lifting project, Maritime Concrete Lifting is here to help. Contact us, and we'll have your sunken slabs lifted efficiently, providing a reliable and lasting solution to your concrete lifting needs.