Many would say fall is the most beautiful season of the year. The colors, the smells, the activities. The problem is, it tends to be tragically short lived, especially in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.
And then, it’s winter time. You never know exactly when it’s going to happen, but overnight, the temperatures will drop below freezing, the snow will begin falling, and we have to adapt quickly. Not only is the winter cold and slippery, but it increases the wear and tear on almost everything, from cars to clothes.
For homeowners, winter can be very rough on concrete surfaces. If you’re not protecting it, you could have some serious damage on your hands.
What Winter Does the Concrete
Even dried concrete can get moisture in it. When the ground freezes, that moisture expands into a frozen state, pushing the concrete from the inside out. When the temperature rises above freezing (or if a particularly bright sun hits your concrete), the moisture shrinks and the concrete contracts.
This back and forth plays out again and again during the winter. As you can imagine, this process isn’t easy on the concrete and will often result in some cracks forming.
How Can This Be Prevented?
A durable concrete sealant can lock out excess moisture, protecting your concrete surface year-round. Without moisture in the concrete, the freezing and expanding doesn’t happen (or at least, happens on a much smaller scale).
In addition to providing a protective layer around your concrete, concrete sealant gives a beautiful finish that stands out.
Hold the Salt Please
Due to its corrosive properties, salt does a great job of eating through snow and ice, making it a popular deicer for northern dwellers. The trouble is, it doesn’t just eat through the snow and ice. Salt can cause some nasty damage to your concrete surfaces.
The better alternative would be sand or fine gravel.
If you’re set on using salt, concrete sealant can help once again. Just like it protects against moisture, a good concrete sealant can add a barrier between your concrete and the salt you’re pouring on it.
Protect Your Concrete from Winter
Just like paint and clear coat keep your car from rusting, concrete sealant can protect you concrete from the elements and prevent breakdown. If you’re in need of concrete sealant in Apple Valley, the Twin Cities, or western Wisconsin, contact us at Artisan Concrete Pro.
If it’s too late by the time you’ve read this, and your concrete is already damaged from the winter, don’t worry; we offer concrete repair too.