At UNIQUE Paving Materials, we understand how taxing freeze/thaw cycles can be on concrete. Whether you’re looking to help new pours or you’re caring for aged surfaces, there are a number of things that can be done to help protect concrete from freeze/thaw damage and ultimately increase its lifespan.
What Is a Freeze/Thaw Cycle?
If you have or are considering installing concrete at your home or business, it’s important to understand what a freeze/thaw cycle is and why it can be detrimental to your concrete. In essence, a freeze/thaw cycle may not sound like something of concern – it’s natural, right? And yes, while it is a natural occurrence, it’s one that over time can change the quality and stability of your concrete.
When a freeze/thaw cycle occurs, concrete that has been saturated with water experiences a change in pressure, since the water will expand in volume as it freezes. This change in pressure can cause distress to the overall structure of the concrete. The cycle can occur whether concrete is new or old, but as concrete experiences more freeze/thaw cycles over time, small cracks will become larger with each cycle, and, eventually, the structure of the concrete will face permanent damage.
Two Kinds of Freeze/Thaw Cycles
Freeze/thaw cycles can be categorized in the following ways:
- Surface spalling – Surface spalling damage is the result of concrete that has been saturated with water. Water that accumulates on the surface of concrete can create surface-level cracks, chipping or flaking.
- Internal cracking – Internal concrete cracks originate from the concrete mix. During the process of mixing concrete, pockets of air or water can form, and these pockets will eventually expand as they’re exposed to freezing temperatures, which creates an internal crack.
Applying a concrete sealer creates a protective barrier for new and old concrete against water and deicing salts, and it can also help protect from surface spalling or internal cracking. Understanding the cycle is the first step in protecting your concrete from freeze/thaw damage.
Concrete Sealer for Freeze/Thaw Damage
At UNIQUE, we’ve designed a concrete sealer specifically for freeze/thaw damage cycles. Our UNIQUE® Concrete Sealer is a non-yellowing acrylic polymer ASTM C-309 VOC-compliant concrete sealer. This sealer creates a barrier against water and deicing salt, dirt, and other materials.
With a 2–4-hour cure time and simple application process, our concrete sealer for freeze/thaw damage is also UV-resistant, slip-resistant, and environmentally friendly. Sealers are the ideal way to proactively protect your concrete, whether it’s on a patio, driveway, sidewalk, or something else.
Benefits of Protecting Concrete from Freeze/Thaw Damage
As the leader in our industry, we’ve crafted innovative, effective concrete and asphalt repair and protection products for years, and our concrete sealer offers a number of benefits for your concrete surfaces:
- Reduction in porosity
- Excellent adhesion to pavement
- Non-hazardous design
Our concrete sealer is ready to use, and there’s no mixing or measuring required. Simply apply it evenly with a sprayer or roller.
How to Care for Your Concrete Surface Regarding Freeze/Thaw, Cracks, and More
Protecting concrete from freeze/thaw damage is just one part of properly maintaining concrete surfaces. Make sure that you have regular foundation inspections, patch any cracks that arise, and apply concrete sealer for freeze/thaw damage. Maintaining concrete regularly will help ensure that your concrete surfaces last as long as they should.
Contact Us Today to Protect Concrete from Freeze/Thaw Damage
Ready to take care of your concrete surfaces? Contact our team today if you have any questions about the right products or processes to use when protecting concrete from freeze/thaw cycles.