Concrete driveways are incredibly durable when adequately managed. However, the winter season comes with fluctuating temperatures that can cause havoc to your beautiful concrete. The extended winter season and the subsequent thaw cycles cause more damage to your concrete.
Fortunately, you can follow these simple steps outlined below to safeguard your concrete surfaces and increase their lifespan.
Fix Damages On Your Concrete
Cracks and holes allow moisture penetration through your concrete, thus making it susceptible to water damage. The fluctuations of temperatures subject the moisture to different chemical reactions, resulting in the cracking and flaking of your slab. Therefore, it is crucial to fix all the cracks and holes before the onset of the winter season.
Remove The Ice and Snow
Typically,snow and ice pile up during the winter season—the moisture on the concrete freezes when the temperature dips and liquefies when the temperature rises. The sudden change in temperatures causes the cracking and flaking of the concrete. Therefore, keep your concrete free from ice and snow throughout the winter season.
Apply A Protective Sealant
A protective sealant blocks moisture from penetrating your slab, thus filling tiny cracks on the concrete. Also, ensure large cracks and other severe concrete damages are fixed before applying a sealant. However, bonds are not used every year but after every one or two years.
Keep Check on Your Drainage System
A poor drainage system in your driveways or patios causes water pooling from the melted ice. The standing water causes damage and slick patches on your driveway. Therefore, ensure you fix your drainage system to allow smooth movement of the melted snow.
Store the Right and Quality Ice Melts
There are several driveway de-icers, but ensure you choose the safest de-icer. For instance, the rock salt de-icer can be tough on your driveway, while potassium chloride is more gentle.
Have the Right Equipment
When the winter season sets in, you expect to have piles of ice on your driveway. Therefore, you will need some tools to regularly remove the ice from the driveway. Having a quality shovel will help keep your concrete free from ice and snow.
All of Your Landscaping Needs from Atlantic Maintenance Group
Atlantic Maintenance Group is a full-service landscaping company, providing maintenance, design, and construction, as well as snow removal, and asphalt and concrete services. We are your source for complete landscape and facility maintenance for commercial and residential properties throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We are a self-performing landscaping company, meaning we don’t hire subcontractors, and senior management is involved with every project. Our highly trained team of professionals receives constant, ongoing education on the latest industry trends, updates, and safety measures. This ensures we can deliver outstanding customer service and results to our clients, regardless of the size of your job.