Why Concrete Cracks in the Summer - And How to Fix It

 

Why Concrete Cracks in the Summer — And How to Fix It

 

Summer is a season full of sunshine, barbecues… and, unfortunately, cracked concrete. Homeowners often notice new cracks forming in their driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage floors during the hot months — and while it may seem like just a cosmetic issue, ignoring concrete cracks can lead to more serious problems down the road.

 

At Keystone Basement Systems, we specialize in diagnosing the why behind these cracks — and more importantly, we know how to fix them.

So, Why Does Concrete Crack in the Summer?

1. Heat Causes Expansion

Concrete is a porous material that expands when it gets hot. In the summer, direct sunlight and rising temperatures cause the surface of concrete to heat up and expand. If there isn’t enough room for that expansion, the pressure builds — and cracking is often the result.

2. Dry Conditions Lead to Shrinkage

Ironically, while heat causes expansion, summer droughts can lead to shrinkage. When the ground underneath your concrete dries out and shrinks, the slab may settle unevenly. This creates stress on the surface and often leads to cracking.

3. Temperature Fluctuations

Concrete doesn’t like surprises — and Pennsylvania summers are full of them. When a hot afternoon is followed by a cool night, the rapid temperature swing can cause concrete to contract and expand more than it can handle.

4. Soil Movement

Summer storms and dry spells create cycles of moisture and drought. As the soil beneath your concrete swells and shrinks, it causes slabs to shift — often leading to settlement cracks or uneven surfaces.

 

Cracked Concrete Is More Than an Eyesore

Left untreated, cracks can:

• Worsen with time and weather

• Become tripping hazards

• Allow water intrusion that affects basements or crawlspaces

• Lower the value and curb appeal of your home

 

How Keystone Basement Systems Can Help

We offer advanced concrete repair and protection solutions, including:

PolyLevel®

Our polyurethane foam injection lifts and levels sunken slabs without the mess of replacing concrete. It’s fast, clean, and incredibly durable — perfect for driveways, sidewalks, and pool decks.

NexusPro® Sealant

This high-performance joint and crack sealant keeps water out, resists UV damage, and moves with your concrete as temperatures change — ideal for summer-related cracks.

Peace of Mind

Our experienced team knows how to spot early signs of damage, identify the root cause, and provide lasting repairs — with solutions designed specifically for the hot, humid, unpredictable climate of our region.

 

Don’t Let Summer Crack Your Concrete (or Your Budget)

If you've noticed cracks appearing or spreading in your concrete this summer, now is the time to act. At Keystone Basement Systems, we’ll help you protect your home’s value, safety, and curb appeal with professional concrete repair you can trust.

 

Call us today and schedule your free inspection online. Let’s fix those cracks before they turn into bigger problems.