When preparing your home for winter, don’t forget your concrete! If you have cracks or sunken concrete in your sidewalk, driveway, or patio you can take steps to prevent further damage before your scheduled concrete repair in the spring.
Here are 6 ways to prepare your concrete for winter.
Clean it Off
Make sure your concrete is clear of any leaves, sticks or debris before the snow begins to fall. Debris under the snow can breakdown and cause more damage to the cement if left below layers of snow and ice.
Find & Seal Cracks
Finding and sealing cracks in your cement is an important step in preparing your concrete for winter. It both ensures the cracks don’t get larger and that moisture can’t get under the cement.
Stock up on the Right Ice Melt
Not all ice melts are created equal. If you want to protect your concrete, make sure you stock up on ice melt that won’t damage the surface of your sidewalk or driveway. The best ice melts for you concrete are:
- Calcium Chloride
- Magnesium Chloride
- Calcium Magnesium Acetate
Check Drainage
Improper drainage is one of the biggest culprits of causing concrete cracking and sinking. Before winter hits, make sure that your sidewalk, patio, and driveway are properly drained so melting snow cannot create pools of water .
Prepare to Keep it Clear
Lastly, it is important that you have everything you need to keep your cement clear. Whether you use a shovel or a snowblower, having your tools ready to go is an easy way to prepare for winter. Once the snow does start, you should try to clear it off as soon as possible. Keeping your cement clear in the winter is the best way to prevent damage.
Schedule Your Concrete Repair
If your concrete is in need of repair, the first thing you should do is give us a call or contact us to schedule your repair for spring. Scheduling now ensures you get your repair as soon as the ground thaws!
