Discover when and how concrete can be lifted during the colder months of the year.
Your concrete leveling appointment is fast approaching, but so are the cold winter months. But wait – does that mean you’ll have to wait until spring to see your concrete transformed!?
Well luckily, unlike concrete replacement, concrete leveling CAN be done in cold weather. Nice!
Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve been lifting sunken concrete for over 30 years, in cold and warm temperatures alike.
But there are still a few things we have to consider before getting to work on lifting your concrete in cold conditions, and this article will walk you through what those are.
Can You Level Concrete in Cold Weather?
Yes, concrete leveling in the cold winter months is possible as long as the ground temperature is above freezing.
However, the ambient temperature, the amount of sunlight, and the concrete leveling technique used also play a role in whether or not cold-weather concrete leveling will work.
We’ll explore all of these factors in the next section.
Factors That Impact Concrete Leveling in Cold Weather
These are the things we have to consider when deciding whether or not concrete leveling can be done during cold weather spells:
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Ground Temperature
When the ground freezes, it expands, causing the soil to heave slightly. If a concrete leveling repair is done on top of frozen ground, the slab might resettle as the soil thaws and contracts back down. Additionally, frozen soils can latch onto the bottom of the slab, preventing proper leveling.
The ground temperature will also need to be above freezing for a minimum of 4-6 hours after the leveling is complete to allow the patched holes to cure properly.
Note: Interior slabs (like basements and garages) are isolated from exterior temperatures and can be lifted year-round, regardless of the weather.
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Air Temperature
The ambient air temperature can affect whether or not the water used in the stone slurry grout leveling or mudjacking process will freeze. If frozen, the leveling material can’t be mixed and pumped under the slab.
Air temperatures 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below may mean concrete leveling isn’t possible if there’s no sun warming the ground. (More on this next.)
Pro Tip: There are ways to get around this, like adding an anti-freeze solution to the water or heat-tenting the area where the leveling compound is mixed.
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Sun Exposure
Even on cold days, sunlight can elevate ground and concrete temperatures above freezing. Regions with ample sunlight but cold winters, like Colorado, leverage this effect, allowing for concrete leveling on days when the air temperature is below freezing.
Eastern and southern-facing surfaces that get earlier and direct sunlight are often better candidates for wintertime projects for this reason.
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Concrete Leveling Method
The type of concrete leveling used to lift the settled slabs matters when it comes to cold-weather projects. Stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking work better in colder conditions, while successful injection foam leveling is more temperature-sensitive.
Can Stone Slurry Grout Leveling Be Done in Cold Weather?
Yes, stone slurry grout leveling can be done in cold winter weather, as long as the ground is not frozen. The ambient temperature and/or sun conditions also have to allow for the mixing and pumping of the limestone slurry mixture.
Can Mudjacking Be Done in Cold Weather?
Yes, mudjacking can be done in winter weather. Like stone slurry grout leveling, as long as the ground temperature is above freezing and the water from the mudjacking material doesn’t freeze while mixing or pumping, mudjacking works in cold conditions.
Pro Tip: Adding Portland cement to both the mudjacking and stone slurry grout leveling compounds can increase strength and let off heat as the cement cures, warming up the mixture enough to pump it into the concrete.
Can Foam Concrete Lifting Be Done in Cold Weather?
Yes, foam concrete leveling, or “polyjacking,” can be done in the winter, but it is a highly temperature-sensitive process and can be tricky to get right.
If the proper steps aren’t taken to maintain a high enough temperature during the chemical reaction, it can lead to complications like:
- Unreliable quality or strength
- Potential off-gassing or leaching of chemicals
Pro Tip: The foam chemicals are stored and pumped to the concrete at the proper temperature, but the lifting chemical reaction happens when the material is injected under the slab. If the ground is too cold, it can absorb the foam’s heat and ruin this chemical reaction.
Should You Lift Concrete in Cold Weather?
If you’re awaiting the big day (your concrete leveling repair!) or thinking about requesting an estimate, don't let cold weather stand in the way. Concrete leveling is a great way to repair uneven concrete slabs, even in the cold winter months.
While there may be some additional logistics to consider, as long as the ground temperature isn’t too cold, your concrete can be lifted back to the right position with professional concrete leveling services.
If you’re interested in seeing what concrete leveling can do for your property and haven’t already, click the link below to request an estimate with an expert at one of A-1 Concrete Leveling’s nationwide locations:
Click Here to Find Your Nearest Location and Receive a FREE Estimate
Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.
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