The Science of Freeze-Thaw in London
London, Ontario, sits in a unique climate zone where temperatures frequently swing across the freezing point (0°C). Concrete is porous. When water enters these pores and freezes, it expands by 9%. This internal pressure can exceed the tensile strength of concrete, causing it to rupture from the inside out.
Identifying Freeze-Thaw Damage
Look for these symptoms on your driveway or porch:
- Scaling: The top surface peels off in thin flakes.
- Popouts: Cone-shaped fragments breaking away from the surface.
- D-Cracking: Closely spaced cracks parallel to joints or edges.
For a full spring audit, see our Spring Masonry Checklist.
Prevention & Repair
While we can't control the weather, we can control the mix. We use air-entrained concrete that provides microscopic pressure relief valves for freezing water.
Repair Options
- Resurfacing: For minor scaling, a high-strength polymer overlay can restore the look.
- Slab Replacement: For deep D-cracking or structural heaving, replacement is often more cost-effective long-term.
Not sure if it's salvageable? Send us a photo or explore our concrete replacement services.
Spring Offer
Book your concrete project before April 20th and save 5%. Details here.