Winter is fast approaching, and for Utahns familiar with the frequent snow and cold conditions here during this season, there are a few important property areas to check before it kicks off. One great example: Those who have concrete driveways or other concrete surfaces on their property, and want to ensure they're properly prepared for the upcoming winter.
At Lift Right Concrete, we're proud to provide a variety of commercial and residential concrete repair services, from driveway lifting and leveling to numerous other concrete surfaces that might be present on your property. Why are these and related solutions important while you prepare these surfaces for winter, and what are some other tips we can offer on winterizing your concrete areas? This two-part blog will go over several important themes.
For starters, those preparing surfaces for a high-moisture season like winter have to know that concrete is what's known as a porous surface. This means that it will not resist natural moisture, which can cause a few issues if the surface isn't properly cared for.
Namely, water from snow or runoff areas may seep into the deeper parts of your concrete if they are not properly sealed. During the cold winter, fluctuating temperatures that drop below freezing will cause this moisture to expand and contract as it freezes and thaws, which is one of the primary causes of concrete cracks or other issues – and once cracks are present, the whole cycle can start again, only with higher risk. Much of the rest of this series will operate with this key factor in mind.
The first step to winterizing a concrete driveway or any other concrete surface is simply to clean it. The fall period will often lead to a number of leaves, branches and other debris that have built up – sweep these away first, and then use a power washer (either your own or a rented option) to clean off the entire surface. Spray away all forms of grime, dirt and stains and ensure the entire area is free of any blemishes.
Both while cleaning the driveway and during an inspection once it's cleared, keep an eye out for any cracks, divots or other forms of damage that may have appeared. As we just noted above, these cracks leave the concrete susceptible to moisture seepage and related damage – for this reason, it's absolutely vital that if you notice any cracks or other damage, you contact our team for concrete repair before the next major snowfall comes.
For more on how to prepare your concrete driveway or any other surface for the upcoming winter, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift Right Concrete today.
