Your Concrete is at Risk — Here's How Weather is Destroying It

A homeowner in Villa Rica called us about raccoon damage to his soffit — but during our inspection, we noticed something else. His concrete driveway, poured about eight years earlier, had developed a network of cracks across the entire surface. One section near the garage had heaved upward nearly two inches, creating a trip hazard.

While wildlife removal and home exterior repair are our primary services, we see concrete damage on nearly every property we visit across Metro Atlanta. Georgia's weather — hot summers, freeze-thaw cycles in winter, and heavy seasonal rainfall — is particularly destructive to concrete surfaces.

How Georgia Weather Destroys Concrete

Freeze-thaw cycling. Metro Atlanta gets 15–25 nights per winter where temperatures drop below freezing. Water that has seeped into concrete's porous surface expands when it freezes — by about 9%. This expansion creates micro-cracks. Over multiple winters, this cycle turns hairline cracks into significant fractures.

Heat expansion. Georgia summers push concrete surface temperatures above 140°F in direct sunlight. Concrete expands when heated and contracts when cooled. This daily thermal cycling stresses control joints.

Heavy rainfall and drainage. Metro Atlanta receives 50–55 inches of rain annually. Water that pools on concrete surfaces accelerates surface erosion.

UV degradation. Ultraviolet radiation breaks down the surface layer of concrete over time, causing chalking, discoloration, and surface erosion.

Tree root pressure. Metro Atlanta's abundant trees are both an asset and a threat. Tree roots seek moisture, and the soil moisture beneath concrete slabs attracts root growth.

Types of Concrete Damage

Surface scaling and spalling. The top surface flakes, chips, or peels away, exposing aggregate beneath.

Cracking. Cracks wider than 1/4 inch or cracks that cross control joints indicate structural movement.

Settling and sinking. Sections that sink indicate soil erosion or compaction beneath the slab.

Heaving. Sections push upward from tree root pressure or soil expansion.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Concrete

Seal your concrete. A quality concrete sealer applied every 2–3 years prevents water absorption.

Manage drainage. Ensure gutters discharge at least 4 feet away from concrete surfaces.

Fill cracks early. Small cracks filled with flexible polyurethane caulk prevent water infiltration.

Control tree roots. If trees are planted within 15 feet of concrete, install root barriers.

Avoid deicing salts. Sodium chloride accelerates concrete deterioration. Use sand for traction instead.

When to Repair vs. Replace

Repair (patching, resurfacing, mudjacking): Appropriate for surface scaling, cracks under 1/2 inch, minor settling. Costs range from $200–$1,500.

Replace: Necessary for severe cracking, significant settling or heaving, extensive spalling. Driveway replacement in Metro Atlanta typically costs $3,000–$8,000.

Mudjacking / foam leveling: A middle-ground option. Costs $500–$2,000 for a typical driveway section.

The Connection to Wildlife Damage

Cracked foundations invite rodents. Settled concrete creates gaps at foundation walls where mice and rats enter. Damaged concrete around crawlspace access points makes it easier for raccoons and opossums to breach entry doors.

When we inspect a home for wildlife damage, we assess the entire exterior. If we see concrete issues that could contribute to future wildlife entry, we let homeowners know. Prevention is always cheaper than removal.

And if you're dealing with wildlife that's exploiting concrete damage — The Outdoors Group can handle both the wildlife issue and the exterior repairs.

Call (770) 545-4388 or schedule a free inspection today.