Believe it or not, winter is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about preparing your property for colder temperatures, snowfall and ice accumulation. While concrete is designed to withstand all kinds of elements throughout the year, it can be damaged by harsh weather conditions, and it’s important to take some steps to prepare it for the winter.
Keep reading to learn about some of the best tips for preparing concrete for winter.
Why is it important to winterize concrete?
There are a lot of reasons why it’s so important to winterize concrete. Despite the fact that concrete is a very solid, durable material, it also has a porous surface that is susceptible to damage during the winter months. When it rains or snows, water seeps into the porous surface of concrete; when temperatures then dip below freezing, the water expands and can create cracks in concrete. These issues can become even more serious if concrete already has existing cracks or defects. By the time winter is over, concrete often has serious problems that require costly repairs.
How to prepare concrete for the winter
Because of the damage that’s caused by winter weather, it’s very important to make sure that concrete is prepared for the winter months. There are several things that property owners can do to get concrete in the best condition possible for the winter. Here are some tips for preparing concrete for winter:
- Inspect concrete: The first thing to do when preparing concrete for winter is to inspect the concrete and identify any damage that needs to be repaired. Inspecting concrete makes it easier to identify issues like cracks and potholes that are likely to get worse during the winter months. During an inspection, check drainage features like gutters and downspouts to make sure that everything is ready for increased precipitation during the winter.
- Clean concrete: Take some time to clean concrete and clear away dirt, debris and grime. Over time, it’s normal for these things to build up on concrete, but these substances can damage concrete. Use a pressure washer to clear away grime effectively and get your concrete into good condition before repairs and sealing services.
- Take care of repairs: After inspecting concrete, it’s important to invest in repairs. Taking care of repairs before the harsh winter weather is the best way to protect concrete from extensive damage that can be caused by cold temperatures and increased precipitation.
- Seal concrete: Sealing concrete is another important part of preparing concrete for winter. Concrete sealant protects pavement from UV rays, precipitation, cold temperatures and more. Investing in sealing services every one to three years can boost the lifespan of concrete pavement significantly and save property owners money by preventing damage.
Preparing concrete for winter
For help with concrete repairs to make sure that your pavement is ready for the winter months, reach out to the team at Bri-Mic Construction, Inc. For over 20 years, our team has been committed to providing the highest-quality concrete services available to our customers. Find out more about everything that we have to offer and get started with a consultation and a quote by giving our team a call today.