GC Products LLC is located in the Northern California area, and this region has seen some extremely unusual weather over the last few months. One day, the temperature will reach 80 degrees with a blazing hot sun, and the next day it will drop as low as 50 with pouring rain and snow in the mountains.
We rarely see anything like this, and it is not unique to California, either. New York is expected to see similar weather this week, with temperatures fluctuating as much as 25 degrees day to day. It’s unusual, and it also shows why it is so important to pay attention to the effects of temperature changes on the exterior architectural materials that you used to build your property.
Rapid Thermal Expansion and Contraction for Common Building Materials
Different building materials have different thermal expansion properties. Most of the time, the differences between them are not noticeable in the short term. It is the long term effects of frequent thermal expansion that affect the longevity of the material.
But, when we have rapid temperature fluctuations over and over again in a short period of time, there is a higher risk of damage. GC Products LLC creates both GFRG and GFRC architectural products, with the latter being more common as an exterior material. Part of the reason that many contractors prefer GFRC is because of its ability to withstand various weather conditions better than competing products.
For example, during rapid temperature fluctuations, GFRC often performs better than products such as:
- Precast Concrete – Precast concrete expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Rapid temperature changes can lead to significant stress within the concrete, potentially causing cracking if the material cannot accommodate the strain. Temperature fluctuations also affect the moisture content in concrete, leading to expansion or shrinkage, which can exacerbate cracking, especially if freeze-thaw cycles are involved.
- Wood – Wood reacts to temperature changes indirectly through changes in moisture content. Higher temperatures often lead to lower humidity, which can cause wood to shrink. Conversely, lower temperatures can cause expansion. In cold conditions, wood can become more brittle and susceptible to damage under impact.
GFRC operates differently. GFRC has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion compared to traditional concrete, which means it is less likely to experience stress from temperature changes. GFRC’s high moisture resistance also diminishes the risk of damage from freeze-thaw cycles.
Planning for Anything with GFRC
Each construction material reacts differently to rapid temperature fluctuations. Implementing appropriate preventative measures can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of building structures, but material choice is going to play the biggest role. GFRC’s ability to withstand these types of weather patterns often makes it a great choice for those that require a long lasting, limited maintenance building material. Learn more or start an order by contacting GC Products LLC, today.