As Brisbane heads towards another hot summer, homeowners are getting their outdoor areas ready for longer days, backyard entertaining and time around the pool. But the warmer months can also highlight problems with concrete surfaces around the home, particularly cracking.

From driveways and pathways to patios and pool surrounds, concrete is constantly exposed to changing weather conditions. Brisbane’s combination of strong sun, high temperatures, summer storms and sudden temperature changes can put concrete surfaces under stress.

So, why does concrete crack in hot weather, and when should you be concerned about it?

Why Does Heat Make Concrete Crack?

Concrete may look completely solid, but it naturally expands and contracts as temperatures change.

When concrete heats up during a hot Brisbane day, it expands. As temperatures fall overnight, it begins to contract again. Repeated heating and cooling can place stress on the concrete, particularly if the surface is older, already damaged or was not installed with adequate provision for movement.

The surface of the concrete can also heat and cool at a different rate from the material underneath. Over time, these stresses can contribute to cracking or make existing cracks more noticeable.

This doesn’t mean that every crack is caused by hot weather. Ground movement, drainage, tree roots, the original concrete installation and age can all play a part.

1. Brisbane’s Hot Summer Sun Can Be Tough on Concrete
Outdoor concrete surfaces can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air when exposed to direct sunlight.

Driveways, paths and pool surrounds that receive hours of uninterrupted sun can experience repeated cycles of heating and cooling throughout summer. Darker surfaces may also absorb more heat than lighter finishes.

If their are already has small concrete cracks or areas of deterioration, summer conditions can make these problems more apparent.

2. Dry Conditions Can Affect the Ground Beneath Your Concrete
It’s not only the concrete itself that can be affected by hot weather.

Periods of hot, dry weather can change the moisture levels in the soil beneath concrete slabs. Depending on the type of soil and the construction of the area, movement beneath the slab can contribute to cracking.

Then Brisbane’s weather can change dramatically.

A period of dry heat may be followed by heavy summer rain, causing moisture conditions around the property to change again. This is one reason good drainage around concrete areas is important.

3. Summer Storms Can Add Another Challenge
Queensland summers aren’t just hot, they’re also known for heavy rainfall and storms.

Water can enter existing concrete cracks and gaps, while poor drainage can allow water to collect around or beneath concrete areas.

If you’ve noticed water pooling around your driveway, patio or pathways after heavy rain, it’s worth investigating the cause rather than simply waiting for the water to disappear.

Addressing small concrete and drainage issues early may help prevent a relatively minor problem from becoming more difficult to repair later.

4. Existing Cracks Can Become More Noticeable
A small crack in a driveway isn’t necessarily a reason to panic. Concrete cracks can develop for many reasons, and some are largely cosmetic.

However, existing cracks shouldn’t automatically be ignored either.

Watch for cracks that appear to be widening, sections of concrete that have become uneven, deterioration around the edges of a crack, or areas where water regularly collects.

If you’re unsure whether you’re looking at cosmetic surface damage or something more significant, having the area professionally assessed is a sensible next step.

Can Concrete Cracks Be Resurfaced?

The good news is that tired-looking or damaged concrete doesn’t always have to be completely removed and replaced.

Depending on the condition and structural integrity of the existing concrete, concrete resurfacing can provide a way to restore its appearance and give an older outdoor area a fresh finish.

Resurfacing can be particularly useful when the underlying concrete remains suitable but the surface has become worn, faded or unattractive.

However, resurfacing isn’t designed to disguise serious structural problems. Significant movement, major cracking or underlying issues should be properly assessed before deciding on the best solution.

Check Your Concrete Before Summer Arrives

Spring is a great time to walk around your property and take a closer look at your outdoor concrete.

Check your driveway, pathways, patio, entertaining areas and pool surrounds for cracking, worn surfaces, discolouration and areas where water isn’t draining properly.

It also gives you time to deal with tired-looking outdoor areas before Christmas entertaining and the busiest part of the Queensland summer.

Give Tired Concrete a Fresh Look with Onn Guard

If your driveway, patio, paths or other concrete areas are starting to show their age, the team at Onn Guard can assess your existing surface and discuss suitable restoration and resurfacing options.

With extensive experience in concrete restoration and coatings across Brisbane, Redlands and surrounding areas, Onn Guard can help transform worn and dated concrete into a surface that complements your home and outdoor areas.

Don’t wait until another Brisbane summer makes those cracks and tired surfaces even more noticeable.

Contact Onn Guard today to discuss your concrete restoration or resurfacing project and get your outdoor areas ready for summer.