Winter Care for Concrete

Concrete is a strong, durable material that can last for many years with the right type of cleaning and maintenance. This includes the use of a concrete sealer. Decorative concrete is quite popular, creating a unique look for the patio, entranceway, and other areas of the home. However, despite its durability there are steps you need to take during the winter months to protect your concrete. 

What follows are a few tips that will help you take care of the concrete so that it remains in like-new condition even during the harshest of winter months. 

Concrete is porous, which means that it can be stained easily unless the surface is sealed. A good concrete sealer will prevent dirt, debris, and other materials from seeping inside and discoloring the concrete. A good sealer is not that expensive and when applied after the concrete is finished will help keep its like-new appearance. 

Just keep in mind the sealer will wear down over time, so you will need to reapply it as instructed. Otherwise, the surface will be exposed and subject to staining and discoloration. Read the instructions on when to reapply the sealer or learn to look for the signs that it is thinning. 

Avoid Deicing Products 

It’s going to be tempting to use a de-icing product after the first snowstorm. For new concrete, it is advisable that you avoid using such products. This is because concrete takes several months before it fully hardens and becomes the most resilient. A deicing product may damage the concrete and cost you considerably in terms of repairs. 

After the concrete becomes fully cured, it becomes safer to use deicing products. But it is still advisable not to use them. If you need to de-ice the concrete, then try sand instead. While sand will not melt the ice, it is inexpensive and will provide traction even in sub-freezing conditions while not damaging the concrete. 

A good broom will remove the snow from the concrete surface without damaging the material. In fact, a traditional broom will do little damage to the sealer, making it the perfect instrument in keeping the concrete free of ice. A flat shovel can scrape along the surface when removing snow and ice as long as you avoid impacts. 

These two materials are often found in deicing products, but they are also used in fertilizer. This means that before you use fertilizer on your lawn, be sure to read the ingredients. Both ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate will eat away at the concrete creating ugly pocks. Avoid using any products that have these ingredients to protect your concrete. 

Using a concrete sealer and reapplying it when needed can go a long way towards maintaining the look of standard and decorative concrete. It is far easier to prevent staining and discoloration from occurring rather than trying to remove it after it has happened. A little care today can go a long way towards preserving the look and appeal of the concrete tomorrow.