How The Freeze-Thaw Cycle Affects Concrete | Concrete Lifting in St. Paul, MN

Over the last couple of years, the Midwest has experienced unseasonably warm and cold winters, which could be affecting your concrete more than you think. Read our blog below to learn how the freeze-thaw cycle impacts your concrete and why American Waterworks has the best concrete leveling services near you!

What is the Freeze-Thaw Cycle?

Now you may be wondering what the freeze-thaw cycle is and how it damages your concrete. The freeze-thaw cycle occurs when air temperatures drop low enough for water to freeze, then warm up soon after, causing that water to thaw again (Health, 2019). For most of the Midwest, this cycle occurs every year, typically with freezing temperatures in the winter and thawing late spring and early summer. When water freezes, it expands. In fact, frozen water has about 9% greater volume than liquid water, meaning it takes up more space and creates pressure (GLISA, 2026). As that pressure builds, it can exceed the strength of the surrounding material. This leads to cracks and separation (GLISA, 2026). When temperatures rise again, the ice thaws and melts, but the damage is already done, leaving behind cracks and weakened concrete (GLISA, 2026). Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause significant damage to roadways, sidewalks, and other concrete infrastructures. This cycle is especially destructive in climates where temperatures frequently move above and below freezing throughout the winter (GLISA, 2026). Now that we understand how the freeze-thaw cycles work, it's time to learn how it affects concrete. 

How the Freeze-Thaw Cycle Affects Concrete

Two main types of concrete problems can occur from the freeze-thaw cycle: surface spalling and internal cracking.

1. Surface Spalling (GLISA, 2019)

Surface spalling happens when water or snow repeatedly accumulates on concrete surfaces, causing them to stay wet for extended periods of time. As the water penetrates the surface and freezes, the outer layer of concrete can fracture and break away. This often results in:

·      Flaking or chipping on the surface

·      Exposed underlying aggregate

·      Continued deterioration if the spalling repeats over time

2. Internal Cracking (GLISA, 2019)

Internal cracking occurs when water fills existing cracks, joints, or tiny voids in the concrete and then freezes. Because the damage starts below the surface, it may not be immediately visible. Over time, internal cracking can:

·      Weaken the concrete structure

·      Spread deeper into the slab

·      Eventually show up as surface cracks

Now, let's take a closer look at how American Waterworks can help prevent these issues and protect your concrete.

Our Concrete Repair Products

At American Waterworks, we provide award-winning concrete repair services near you that will restore concrete damaged by the freeze-thaw cycle. 

As one of the best Minneapolis sidewalk repair companies, we offer PolyLevel, a high-density polyurthane formula that stabilizes and lifts sinking concrete slabs. PolyLevel fills gaps beneath the concrete, helping prevent water from collecting and freezing below the slab. Our professionally trained crews drill small holes into the affected area and inject the structural-grade polymer into the voids. PolyLevel is a waterproof, long-lasting sidewalk concrete repair product that is more permanent than mud jacking and other common methods. 

Cracks are one of the most visible signs of freeze-thaw damage. At American Waterworks, we offer cracked concrete repair services that provide the best results for your concrete. That's why we also use NexusPro Concrete Joint Sealant, a silicone-based sealant designed for concrete joints and cracks. NexusPro is flexible, durable in harsh weather, and UV-resistant, helping prevent drying, cracking, and bubbling over time. While the freeze-thaw cycle is unavoidable, homeowners can stop the damage from getting worse. 

With our proven products and expert crews, American Waterworks has the best concrete leveling in Minnesota. You can feel confident that your concrete is repaired the right way. Get started by scheduling your FREE estimates with one of our Design Specialists! 

Sources

GLISA. (2026.). Freeze-thaw cycles | Glisa. Freeze-Thaw Cycles. https://glisa.umich.edu/resources-tools/climate-impacts/freeze-thaw-cycles/

Of Health, N. I. (2019). Issue 84 January 2019 the freeze-thaw cycle in concrete and brick assemblies. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle in Concrete and Brick Assemblies. https://orf.od.nih.gov/TechnicalResources/Documents/Technical%20Bulletins/19TB/The%20FreezeThaw%20Cycle%20in%20Concrete%20and%20Brick%20Assemblies%20January%202019-Technical%20Bulletin_508.pdf