Texas summers can be brutal. There’s no doubt about that. This summer has seen consistent heat that seems unrelenting. It feels like there has been one Texas heat wave after another. Scientific data tells us that temperatures are continuing to rise as summers are now seemingly longer and hotter than in decades or even centuries past. Whether you buy into climate change or not, it’s hard to deny the fact that the hot season is starting earlier in the year and often lasting longer, sometimes deep into the fall months.
Texas Heat Wave Has Been Bearing Down On Houston
Houston has been no exception to the above average temperatures this year and in recent years past. Over the past thirty years, specifically, it has been recorded that Houston is hotter and wetter than any other period on record. This isn’t just for the summer months either. This data shows that from January to October temperatures have been consistently rising over the past thirty years. Scientists say it’s due, in large part, to global warming. Even if you think climate change is more of a political talking point rather than reality, it does seem to be the case that weather, in general, has become more and more extreme in recent years.
Longer Hotter Summers Could Mean More Upkeep And Maintenance In the Future
This may not seem like it’s a huge deal now, but it’s likely that there are untold and unforeseen problems that will arise from these hotter temperatures year round. Structures and surfaces made of concrete are extremely dependable and enduring, sure. They can only take so much before the composition begins to deteriorate, however. More heat radiation and longer lengths of exposure will begin to break apart concrete that is poorly maintained or untreated. This year’s Texas heat wave is laying down plenty of harmful radiation so make sure you’re prepared on all fronts.
How Property Owners Can Help Keep Their Concrete Surfaces Sturdy
Concrete is a relatively durable material but those concrete surfaces that are exposed to the elements won’t last forever. No matter the environment, it’s important to understand that things like a Texas heat wave, a continuous freeze and thaw cycle, and heavy rains can and will do damage to your concrete slabs over time. Cleaners, cures, and coatings along with sealers, guards, and stains can help extend the life of your concrete while also making it stand out.
- Concrete Driveways – Driveways and garage concrete take on a heavier load than most other forms of concrete surfaces in or around the house. Treating these areas with a cure and sealer can help harden your driveway and keep moisture out. Not to mention, these products will also help protect against the onslaught of the summer heat and freezing winter temperatures.
- Concrete Walkways – Deep cleaning and then sealing your concrete walkway or sidewalk is a great way to protect the surface slabs from weather damage, abrasions and skid marks. It’s also important to remember that expansion joints need to be maintained to keep erosion from occurring underneath slabs.
- Back Patios – A coating or colored stain may just be what the doctor ordered to make your back patio pop. Many people prefer this option because their concrete slabs look much less bland compared to stone or brick.
- Concrete Pool Decks – Resurfacing a pool deck is a great way to keep the area around the pool looking its best but may not be the best solution for keeping it leveled. Often, water seeps into the soil underneath the slabs surrounding your pool and allows for the concrete to sink.
Is A Resurface or Releveling Better For Your Cracked Or Unleveled Pool Deck Or Driveway?
Both options can be great for the upkeep of your concrete surfaces. A concrete leveling, however, is often a necessary step before resurfacing is appropriate. Otherwise, the problem of sinking and settling concrete will persist. Here’s our process on determining when to level vs. resurface:
- Check For concrete slabs underneath a deck or driveway surface coating that are tilted or unlevel. If portions of the deck or driveway appear to be at different heights then sinking or settling has likely occurred.
- Get An Expert Opinion from Tilted Concrete Solutions for all your concrete leveling needs. Our home inspection and quote is free of charge. If a leveling service is required, we also provide an industry leading warranty to go along with our fast, affordable, and extremely professional approach.
- Resurfacing Is A Last Resort. It may make everything look nice and new again, but if you don’t deal with the problem at the source, then the issue will soon reappear. Don’t waste your time or money by providing surface repairs or upgrades if the real problem originates from down below!
Brick and Paving Stones Laid Over Concrete Need As Much, If Not More, Attention To Upkeep
Many people would prefer to lay brick or stones on top of their concrete surface instead of a treatment. This can help make the area look more homey or less bland. Great idea, but the concrete needs to be in good shape or problems will soon arise. Leveling concrete before laying brick or paving stones down is a must. Otherwise, you’ll likely see your newly laid surface starting to look lumpy and more uneven as time goes on.
If settling or sinking concrete occurs underneath then it’s going to be a huge hassle to relevel after. All those bricks and stones will need to be removed before the pump holes can be drilled for a re leveling service. This will end up costing a huge chunk of time and money so do it right the first time before these more serious and costly issues peak their ugly head.
Tilted Concrete Solutions Is Here To Inform And Fix Concrete Surfaces
Tilted Concrete isn’t a concrete repair company. We are here to level your concrete slabs. It is, however, important to us to make sure our customers and community have a good understanding of when maintenance is needed. What types of concrete upkeep or repair is best for certain situations is something that the average property owner should have a basic grasp over.
DIY or professionally done treatments and repairs are beneficial to the longevity of your concrete, but things happen. Sometimes mother nature can’t be thwarted by a little wash or treatment! If your concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios or pool decks do begin to sink or settle, make sure you get us out to your Houston area property to fix those issues before bigger ones arise.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule an inspection!
