Concrete is the most popular choice for driveways, patios, and walkways for Utah homeowners, and it is important to keep it in good condition. Concrete doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, but there are some essential considerations for the winter months. Because concrete is so strong and durable, many people think it can handle just about anything you throw at it. Be careful though, there are proper care techniques required to keep it looking beautiful and maintaining its longevity. This winter, be mindful of your concrete walkways by implementing some quality care processes.
De-icers are a little damaging in general, but for the first year after concrete is laid, you’ll definitely want to avoid this application. Salt isn’t chemically damaging to concrete, however it does increase the freeze/thaw cycles that concrete goes through during this time of year. These cycles can damage newer concrete because it hasn’t reached its maximum strength capacity yet. You’ll want to avoid de-icers with ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate on concrete of any age as they can disintegrate concrete over time.
Sand is a great, non-damaging choice for making your concrete walkways less slippery. Sand is the safest option and is easily found at many hardware stores or concrete suppliers along the Wasatch Front. Add traction in your driveways or busy pathways to prevent falls or slides, providing peace of mind during this busy time of year. Slips and falls outside during Utah’s winter months are common but avoid these by applying sand to any icy areas that see foot traffic.
If you see any signs of damage on your concrete, it’s best to address it as soon as possible. Patch and repair cracks or other damages to encourage a long-lasting concrete pad. A watertight sealant usually can be applied as an appropriate fix, but sometimes bigger issues are lurking underneath that require a more in-depth fix. With a knowledgeable company like Go Pave Utah, you can rest easy knowing any issues will be addressed honestly and accurately. Quick and inexpensive fixes sometimes can be the answer, but that’s not always the case. Fix it the right way the first time or you’ll probably be addressing it again later.
As a general rule, it’s good to shovel your snow as quickly as possible after the snow falls. Snowblowers and heavy-duty shovels work fine on concrete but be mindful of raised areas. If you have uneven concrete, get that fixed so that shoveling is easier. (Also, to prevent trips and falls.) If you plan to lay a new concrete driveway, a great strategy is to put in electric heat underneath the concrete. This is a preventative luxury worth investing in, especially for homes or businesses along the Wasatch Front where heavy snow is expected each year.
Any time of year, Go Pave Utah is ready to help you with your concrete needs from pouring to repairs. We handle concrete projects of all sizes and have the expertise to keep your concrete in great shape for years to come.
