Frost heaving or frost heaves, results from ice that forms beneath the surface of the soil when the temperature outside reaches freezing conditions. Ice starts to grow in the direction of heat loss (vertically toward the surface) starting at a particular freezing boundary in the soil. It generally occurs somewhere there is a water supply to keep feeding the ice crystal growth. The growing or heaving ice is restrained by the overlying surface or topsoil.

The heavy weight of the surface or topsoil limits the vertical growth of the frost. The type of surface or soil through which water passes to feed the formation of a frost heave is referred to as "frost susceptible." The force of a frost heave is sufficient to lift the surface or a layer of soil almost twelve inches thick. In places where the surface material isn't particularly thick, differential frost heaving can crack concrete and damage building foundations.

For the construction of foundation to support buildings, the foundation wall is placed deep in the ground to eliminate any freezing and resulting frost heaves. But for surface concrete such as driveways and walkways, frost heaves are a constant problem. Stamped concrete is often used on driveways and walkways to reduce or eliminate this problem.

Concrete that has been stamped or resurfaced lasts longer, stays weatherproof longer and is less likely to crack than unfinished or raw concrete. This is because the concrete is thicker and is often of higher quality than conventional concrete. This is because of the materials used in the concrete surfaces that resist cracking from frost heaves.

Stamped concrete can be patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, or nearly anything else you can imagine. Stamped concrete can be used to beautify pool decks, driveways, entries and courtyards, and patios. If your driveway or patio is stamped in an irregular stone pattern, a frost heave crack or two won't be much of an issue because it will blend in with the overall pattern.

In addition to being better protected from the elements, stamped concrete also creates a stronger aesthetic tie between the concrete surfaces and the façade of the building. With stamped concrete, naturally occurring hairline cracks blend in better and your concrete blends in better with the surrounding environment. Color and pattern combos can be used to coordinate with other stone or tile elements used on the home.

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