Pouring a driveway in July feels completely different than doing the same job in November because of the local climate. If you live out here in the Central Valley, our climate does not mess around. Between the blistering summer sun and the damp winter chills rolling off the Delta breeze, local weather plays a massive role in how concrete behaves.
Timing Your Pour Around Tracy Seasons
Spring and fall are the best times for scheduling new concrete installations in Tracy. During these months, temperatures stay moderate, which lets the mix cure at a steady, even pace. When you call Apex Concrete to put in a new patio or walkway during April or October, our team does not have to fight extreme elements.
Summer is a very different situation. When July and August temperatures soar past triple digits, the water in fresh concrete evaporates much too fast. That rapid drying leads to shrinkage cracks if you are not careful. Apex Concrete combats this by adjusting our pour schedules for early mornings, using specialized retarders, and wetting down the sub-grade. Winter brings the opposite problem. Freezing overnight lows can ruin a fresh pour if ice crystals form before the material achieves its initial strength.
Protecting Your Investment All Year Long
Once your slab is down, the local soil conditions take over. Much of our area features expansive clay soils that shift and settle depending on how much moisture they hold. Here is what you can do to keep your flatwork looking solid:
- Seal your concrete every couple of years to keep out winter moisture and summer dust.
- Keep sprinkler heads adjusted so they are not constantly soaking the edge of your driveway or sidewalk.
- Clean off organic debris during fall so damp leaves do not stain the surface.
Managing moisture around your foundation and slabs prevents the ground underneath from washing out or swelling up unevenly. Take care of your concrete through the changing seasons, and it will easily last for 15 to 20 years or more without giving you headaches. Apex Concrete provides Concrete Contractor services for homes and businesses in Tracy.