{"id":1107,"date":"2019-01-29T17:22:16","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T17:22:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aciindiana.com\/blog\/?p=1107"},"modified":"2020-01-31T20:34:18","modified_gmt":"2020-01-31T20:34:18","slug":"how-to-protect-concrete-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aciindiana.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-concrete-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Concrete in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Although concrete is one of the most useful, durable, and\nreliable paving materials, it is still prone to damages caused by harsh or\ninclement weather. Here in Indiana, winter is the time of year that poses the most\nrisk to our concrete pavements. Snow, sleet, ice, wind, and rain can deteriorate\nconcrete in various ways, and in short amounts of time. For this reason, it is important\nto take the proper measure to prevent premature concrete damage caused by\nseasonal weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have concrete surfaces you wish to protect this\nwinter and next, continue reading to learn some vital tips that will help you\nachieve this goal.<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCommercial Paving 317-549-1833<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
General Concrete Maintenance<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Concrete is low-maintenance, but that does not mean it doesn\u2019t require any care at all. It is still necessary to implement preventative maintenance to support both longevity and performance, as well as, aesthetic appeal. One of leading causes of concrete damage in the winter is freezing and thawing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concrete is porous, which means water can permeate into the concrete, then freeze, and eventually thaw. This freeze-thaw cycle causes concrete to expand and contract, leading to heaving, cracks, potholes, crumbling, and more. If left neglected overtime, such damages will cost more to repair come spring and summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is what you can do to ensure your concrete stays in\noptimal condition while resisting the inclement weather conditions winter has\nto offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
☑ Concrete Sealing<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Concrete sealing is very effective for protecting pavements\nfrom all sorts of damage; not just winter weather conditions. Sealants will\nprotect concrete against staining and discoloration, mold and mildew,\ncorrosion, fissuring, cracking, and more. They work by filling in the tiny\npores of concrete, and creating a solid invisible barrier against water and\nmoisture. If water cannot seep into the pores of concrete, the freeze-thaw\ncycles cannot take place, and concrete will not be affected by such conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
☑ De-Icing and Salting<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Although snow and ice removal are part of good concrete maintenance, concrete is not a good candidate for snow salts and de-icing products. They can cause expedited corrosion and deterioration, which becomes very evident by spring. Instead of using your typical salts on concrete, use safer alternatives like cat litter and sand. These work just as well, but will not damage your concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
☑ Stain Removal<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
When liquids are spilled on concrete, they can seep into the\npores just like water and moisture can. For this reason, it is important to\nclean up stains and spills as soon as they occur in order to prevent the freeze-thaw\ndamages mentioned before. Examples include grease, oil, chemicals, and anything\nelse that can leave behind a stain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
☑ Minor Repairs<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Another important part of taking good care of concrete is to\nhave all minor repairs made as they come. Do not allow small damages, like\ncracks or warping, go untreated; this will only worsen the damage and increase the\namount of time and money needed to repair the concrete. Keep in mind that all\nlarge and costly pavement damages start as small ones. It is important to catch\nsmall pavement problems early on and resolve them before they can get worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indianapolis Pavement Checkups and Repairs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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