Concrete patios are a popular choice in Albuquerque. They hold a significant place in the city’s culture. Against the rugged Sandia Mountains and the gentle flow of the Rio Grande sits our city with its vibrant culture and stunning wild landscapes. Though it seems like a big mish-and-mash, its people and homes with concrete patios that reflect the city’s various facets knit everything together.
But is concrete really the best choice in “The Duke City,” which sees an average high of 93°F at the height of summer? And, can it withstand the sporadic temperature drops in winter that bring about a freeze-thaw cycle?
To determine if a concrete patio should be part of your home, let’s first discuss how Burque's specific climate, soil conditions, and local customs affect your decision-making.
- Blistering Sun: Albuquerque sees an average of 310 sunny days every year and an average high of 93°F in summer. Since concrete is a dark material, it readily absorbs the sun’s heat, leaving the floor too hot and impossible to walk barefoot on. What’s more, if the concrete is newly laid and still curing, high temperatures and dry conditions can affect the hydrating process. This results in a weaker structure that is prone to cracking.
- Freeze and Thaw: It’s not common as in most parts of the country, but there are occasional temperature drops below freezing in Albuquerque. This "freeze-thaw cycle" is one of the main causes of cracks in concrete. How so? When frozen, water expands by 9%. This puts immense internal stress on concrete, which is a porous material. Once the expansion goes beyond the concrete’s tensile strength, cracks develop. With repeated "freeze-thaw cycle" the gap widens, and it can cause spalling or concrete surface breaking off. This can further weaken the concrete structure and create pathways for water to further cause damage.
- Desert Drainage Ditches: Proper drainage is king in Albuquerque, especially for homes near the Rio Grande. Though the area has sandy soil and water can drain quickly through the base, improper drainage design can still lead to water pooling. The water that pools turns into a mosquito haven, a common problem in Albuquerque.
- Xeriscaping: With limited water resources, xeriscaping (using drought-resistant plants) is a big deal in Albuquerque. This is where concrete patios shine. Their low-maintenance nature complements the water-wise approach.
- Caliche: This calcium carbonate layer can form just below the surface and act like a hardpan, preventing proper water drainage. On top of that, cleaning can be a challenge when caliche is left to harden on top of concrete.
When it comes to decks, the choice of material matters! Let's break down the pros and cons of concrete patios, keeping that unique Burque charm in mind.
Pros:
- Durable: Besides the ever-present sun and intermittent freeze-that cycle, there are other weather conditions concrete has to deal with in Albuquerque: wind, hail, and the occasional monsoon downpour, to be exact. But a well-constructed concrete deck or driveway is durable enough to survive those. While other materials buckle under strong winds or chip from hail, concrete patios can be depended on for years to come.
- Low-Maintenance: We get it! You’d rather spend your days having fun than be on your knees, weeding or cleaning. No worries! With concrete patios, all you have to do is do a quick sweep and occasional hose-down to keep them looking great. With concrete, you can have more time grilling up green chile burgers with friends and less time dealing with maintenance.
- Versatile: With different sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from, you can turn your property into your personal canvas. With stamped finishes, you can even do more just in time for hosting lively neighborhood Fiestas!
- Increased Property Value: Having a well-designed, functional concrete patio is like having an outdoor living space. This can be especially appealing to potential buyers who value low-maintenance and functional outdoor spaces.
Cons:
- Initial Cost: Any home improvement requires an initial investment, and the same is true for patio installations. The size of your project, materials to be used, and labor costs can all add up - it’s scary! But when you consider the benefits of having a concrete patio - durability, low maintenance, and potential increase in property value - you’d agree that it is worth every penny.
- Heat Retention: We all know that the sun is up and about almost year-round in Albuquerque. Since concrete naturally absorbs and retains heat, it can be terribly hot, especially in summer. This can make your patio uncomfortable during the hottest parts of the day. However, you can place umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings overhead to keep the patio cool and mitigate the “heat trap” problem.
- Susceptible to Cracking: As mentioned above, drastic temperature changes can cause damage to concrete, especially when it is properly installed or low-quality materials are used. To safeguard your investment, only hire a qualified contractor familiar with the unique soil conditions of Albuquerque. Locals who have been working in the area for years know how to properly cure concrete, making sure it has a strong foundation, and understand that using expansion joints will help the concrete naturally contract and expand whenever the temperature goes up or below freezing, preventing cracks from developing.
- Drainage Dance Done Right (Limited Drainage): Proper drainage is key for any patio, but especially in Albuquerque, with our sandy soil. While it allows for good drainage overall, improper design can still lead to water pooling on your concrete patio. This is a recipe for mosquito havens and potential damage to the concrete. A qualified contractor will design a drainage system that allows water to flow away from the patio, keeping your outdoor space happy and healthy.
So, you've decided on a concrete patio for your Albuquerque backyard! Here are some tips you can use to make sure you get the most bang for your buck:
- Hire a local Albuquerque contractor. Having lived here for years, they best understand our climate and soil conditions.
- Proper drainage is key in preventing water from pooling that can cause cracks. With this, you can avert creating mosquito havens on your property.
- Use umbrellas or pergolas to keep your patio cool during different seasons. Let your family and friends enjoy the beautiful scenery around without getting burnt into a crisp.
- Regularly seal the concrete. It can help protect the concrete slab from the elements, extending its lifespan.
Bonus Tip: Skip the dark stains! Lighter colors reflect heat, keeping your patio feeling cooler under the Burque sun.
