Frost heaving or frost heave, separate from needle ice which occurs near the ground's surface, results from ice that forms benefit the surface of soil when the atmosphere outside reaches freezing conditions. Ice starts to grow in the direction of heat loss (vertically toward the surface) starting at a particular freezing front or boundary in the soil. It generally occurs somewhere there is a water supply to keep feeding the ice crystal growth. The growing / heating ice is restrained by overlying soil. The heavy weight of the topsoil limits the vertical growth of the frost but promotes the formation of a lens-shaped bump within the soil. The type of soil through which water passes to feed the formation of a frost heave is referred to as "frost susceptible." The force of one or more growing ice lenses is sufficient to lift a layer of soil almost twelves inches thick. In places where the topsoil layer is not particularly thick, differential frost rising can even crack concrete, damage building enterprises and unleash a mess of potholes come springtime.
Concrete that has been reengineered or resurfaced last longer, stays weatherproof longer and is less likely to crack than unfinished concrete. This is not only because the concrete is thicker and often of higher quality than conventional outdoor concrete but also because of the fine stains and materials we use in our concrete surfaces. Beside that, a crack in a stamped or marble-stained slab of concrete is not as noticeable as a crack in a plain, square slab. Stamped concrete is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, or almost anything else you can imagine. Stamped concrete can be used outside the home to beautify pool decks, driveways, entries and courtyards, and patios. If your driveway or patio is stamped in an irregular stone pattern, for example, a frost heave crack or two will not be much an issue because it will blend in with the pattern.
In addition to being better protected from the elements, resurfaced concrete also creates a stronger aesthetic tie between your concrete surfaces and the beautiful façade of the building you live in. With resurfaced concrete, naturally occurring hairline cracks blend in better and your concrete blends in better with its environment. Color and pattern combos can be chosen to coordinate with other stone or tile elements at your residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards, and fountains can be achieved.