Here is how sun damage can affect concrete.
When deciding on a type of floor, concrete is a popular and safe option. Concrete suits the designs of many buildings, whether they are more traditional ones or more modern. It’s also a fairly affordable material and incredibly durable, capable of handling severe weather when installed correctly.
One weakness it has, though, is sun damage. If exposed to excessive sunlight, it can become susceptible to damage. Here is how sun damage can affect concrete.
Degrading From Sunlight
There are many stages during which the sun can take its toll on concrete sidewalks and patios.
- Too Much Evaporation: While curing is happening, the sun’s heat can make water evaporate too soon. This means water won’t have as much time to make the concrete’s structure stronger. As a result, the floor will become cracked and shrunken, making it less appealing and less safe.
- Damage to Sealant: Did you know that concrete can be damaged even after curing and sealing has taken place? The concrete’s structure and coating can both be compromised by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The chemical structure of the coatings gets altered in a manner that makes them less adhesive, making it less difficult for these coatings to be washed off of the structure entirely.
- Moisture Exposure: Once sealants are washed away, the concrete will become exposed and vulnerable to moisture damage. When moisture is able to take its toll, potholes and cracks can begin developing. This is because of the many creases and crevices that concrete structures provide, offering plenty of space for water to get inside. Moisture also results in mold development, which will only further increase the number of holes in the concrete’s structure.
- Bare Concrete Versus Radiation: Aside from cracking, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause concrete to eventually erode away and reduce to dust. Something else you might see is a change in whatever pigments are applied onto your concrete’s surface. If they’re exposed to enough sunlight, they will eventually start to fade.
In the end, if your concrete floors are exposed to enough sunlight, even with a sealant, it will shorten the floor’s lifespan. So keep an eye on your floors so you can react to these problems early on.
Concrete Visions Will Get The Job Done Right
Concrete Visions has been working with clients for over 25 years. Our G&M Services installers are certified with the industry’s major firestop product manufacturers. As part of our firestop service, we can assess abnormal field conditions and, with the manufacturer’s technical support assistance, provide engineering judgments in a timely fashion to comply with contract specifications. Our Field Mechanics undergo ongoing training, including mandatory monthly safety meetings, weekly Toolbox Talks where safety and equipment information is shred, and trainings on safe work standards and safety best practices.