How Colorado Springs' Weather Affects Your Concrete (And How We Protect It)

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Concrete in Colorado’s Climate

Living in Colorado Springs, CO means dealing with a lot of what concrete doesn’t like—freezing winters, hot summers, and soil that likes to shift. That’s why not all concrete is created equal—and why how it’s installed matters just as much as what it looks like.

In this post, we’ll break down how Colorado Springs' weather affects concrete and exactly how we build concrete surfaces that stand up to the elements year after year.

❄️ Freeze-Thaw Cycles Are Your Concrete’s Worst Enemy

Colorado Springs sees a lot of freezing and thawing—often in the same day. This constant temperature change causes moisture inside concrete to expand and contract, leading to:

• Cracks

• Spalling (surface flaking)

• Heaving (raised or uneven sections)

• Water intrusion and erosion underneath slabs
  
  

If your concrete isn’t built with freeze-thaw in mind, it’ll start breaking down fast—especially during Colorado’s long winters.

☀️ UV Damage & Surface Fading in Summer

We also see intense sun and high-altitude UV exposure. This can:

• Fade colored concrete

• Dry out sealers prematurely

• Cause surface dusting or wear

• Increase expansion/contraction movement
  
  

Even though concrete is tough, the sun is tougher—unless it’s protected.

🌧️ Rain and Runoff Lead to Erosion & Settling

Rainy days in Colorado Springs can lead to:

• Pooling water on flatwork and patios

• Washed-out soil beneath slabs

• Sinking or shifting concrete due to poor subgrade compaction

• Water seeping into small cracks, then freezing and expanding them
  
  

This is especially common in driveways, retaining walls, or areas with poor drainage design.

🧱 How We Build Concrete That Lasts in Colorado Springs

We’ve been pouring concrete in Colorado Springs for 6+ years, so we know what works—and what doesn’t. Here’s how we build smarter to protect your investment:

1. ✅ We Use Air-Entrained Concrete Mixes

Air entrainment adds tiny air bubbles inside the concrete to absorb freeze-thaw pressure. This helps prevent cracking and scaling in cold weather.

2. ✅ We Install Proper Reinforcement

We use rebar or wire mesh to reinforce driveways, patios, and slabs. This keeps your concrete strong even if the soil underneath shifts slightly over time.

3. ✅ We Compact the Subgrade the Right Way

Before we pour, we make sure the ground beneath your slab is properly compacted and leveled—especially on slopes or clay-heavy soil.

We often install a gravel base for better drainage and load distribution.

4. ✅ We Add Expansion and Control Joints

To prevent random cracking, we strategically place joints that allow the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes—without breaking apart.

5. ✅ We Offer Sealing for Long-Term Protection

We recommend sealing concrete after installation to protect it from:

• UV rays

• Water intrusion

• Oil and rust stains

• Freeze-thaw cycles
  
  

We also offer resealing services to help clients maintain their concrete every few years.

🧼 What You Can Do to Protect Your Concrete

We always build to last—but here’s what you can do to extend the life of your concrete in Colorado Springs:

• Reseal every 2–3 years (we can help!)

• Avoid de-icing salts, especially in year one

• Clean off leaves, oil, and snow regularly

• Watch for cracks and call us early for repairs

• Direct downspouts away from concrete edges
  

💬 Homeowner Testimonial

“Our old patio cracked every winter until we replaced it with a new one from Colorado Springs Concrete Services. They explained how to build for Colorado Springs' freeze-thaw, and we haven’t had a single issue since.”
– Angela B., The Meadows

📞 Want Concrete Built for Colorado Springs Weather?

We don’t just pour concrete—we build structures that are made to handle Colorado’s unique conditions. If you’re planning a new patio, driveway, or commercial slab, make sure you choose a crew that knows how to protect your project from day one.

👉 Call us now or request a free quote online. Let’s build something strong together.