Snow and Your Home's Concrete
Initially, concrete seems like a firm, durable material that is indestructible against the elements, however, this isn't the case. Even the most robust concrete can show signs of weakness, especially when being hit by freezing weather and snow in the winter. Believe it or not, using salt to help de-ice or melt snow can cause more harm to your concrete than good. As the salt begins to melt the ice and snow, it lowers the freezing point of water, attracting more moisture. We know that moisture is the enemy of concrete, especially in the cold months when moisture is increased by the freeze-dry cycle.
What is the Freeze-Thaw Cycle?
Moisture in the form of rain, snow, or ice can cause significant damage to concrete. When water comes into contact with unsealed concrete surfaces, it will seep into the concrete's pores, as well as any cracks the concrete may have.
When temps drop, the water that is now trapped in the concrete will freeze and expand. This expansion can cause discoloration, hairline cracks, or joint corrosion. All things that will worsen over time and cause significant damage to your concrete. To protect your concrete from damage, you will need to seal it properly before cold weather hits.
How Do I Prevent Concrete Damage in the Winter?
1) Plow your concrete: Keeping the snow off your concrete to the best of your ability will not only minimize the possibility of ice buildup but will also decrease the possibility of damage during the freeze-thaw cycle. However, it is important to be careful with metal blades as these can cause scraping or chipping of the concrete.
2) Apply a quality concrete sealer: Applying a quality concrete sealer such as SealantPro will permanently protect concrete with just one application, protecting it from water damage and reducing ice binding, making ice removal easier.
