Spring is in the air! The bees are buzzing, the birds are chirping, the pollen count is high, and everyone is thinking about the same thing…spring concrete resurfacing!
Not where you thought we were going?
Understood, but Spring is definitely concrete resurfacing season in our line of work! We’ll tell you why and why you should get Spring concrete resurfacing on your May schedule in today’s blog.
Why Spring Concrete Resurfacing?
So, as concrete professionals who spend much of our time either providing concrete services or floor coatings, why would we point out Spring as a particularly relevant time? Aren’t we always resurfacing concrete?
There are three main reasons why Spring is the most popular time of year to resurface concrete. And to some degree, all three have something to do with the weather.
Winter Damage
Firstly, your outdoor concrete may have taken a beating over the winter!
The cold can be murder on outdoor surfaces. When snow and ice melt, they get into the cracks of your concrete. If the temperature drops again, the water will expand as it freezes, causing larger cracks and significant concrete damage.
As Spring hits and we go outside, we start to notice all the signs of wear and tear.
Summer is Coming
The second reason is cultural, although it’s undoubtedly mingled with the weather.
Spring concrete resurfacing comes from planning ahead for summer entertaining! We’re all starting to get that itch to have a barbeque (Did you know that May is National Barbeque Month?) or pool party.
The weather can still be a little iffy, so you may not be hosting yet, but you’re probably doing the next best thing – planning. Part of that planning is sprucing up your outdoor living space to make it more suitable for your summer parties!
If you notice your concrete is one area that needs a touch-up, it’s a great time to plan.
Spring Weather
So why is it a good time to plan right now? In a word – weather.
Spring is one of the best times of year for curing (drying) coatings. Naturally, Winter, can be far too cold but more surprisingly, Summer can also get too humid.
The humidity level of Southwest Virginia Summers can make curing a challenge. When the moisture content of the air is too high, the curing takes longer and require extra precautions or it will become less stable over time.
However, even with the best sealants and procedures available, if your concrete is in poor condition, there are some things it can’t fix.
Here are some of the signs of concrete cured with too high of a humidity level:
- Curling – the sides curl up
- Blistering – Air and water trap beneath the surface level
- Efflorescence – Salt deposits on the surface
- Cracking – Enough said
If your concrete is in bad shape, consider replacing it before adding a sealant.
Ready for Spring Concrete Resurfacing?
If your backyard needs a touch-up and your outdoor living space is part of that, call the Blue Ridge Coatings and Supply pros! We’ll come and take a look at your project, give you our recommendation, and let you know what your Spring concrete resurfacing will cost so you can have your yard like new before your next Summer BBQ!