Speaking "Concretely" About Your Concrete Surfaces This Winter

As temperatures continue to plummet all across New England and as we prepare for the winter cold throughout the nation, now is the time for homeowners to get their driveways, stairs and walkways ready for the winter season.

Not only can snow and ice can cause damage to a home when it is left on surfaces or up against the home, but it also diminishes a home's curb appeal when it is up for sale. Improperly using snow melt can also damage concrete surfaces and grout, so before you get out the shovels, plows and snow melt, here are a few simple steps to protect your walkways and driveways from inclement winter weather.

Seal Concrete Surfaces

A sealer should be applied to prevent flaking or pitting during harsh winter weather. The concrete should first be prepared by a thorough power washing and then sealed with a silane or siloxane based penetrating sealant. There are many outside vendors that can treat the concrete surfaces, or you can purchase these products from a home improvement store - but always follow manufacturers' recommendations if you do it on your own!. A quality sealant should last for three to 10 years, depending on traffic.

Remove the Snow

You can help maintain concrete by shoveling the snow from your driveway, sidewalk and steps regularly. By keeping the snow cleared, there is less chance that moisture will penetrate the surface. The fewer times that water enters concrete and freezes, the less likely that it will be able to expand and contract and become damaged.

Use the Right Tools

To prevent damage to the surface of your driveway, stairs and walkways, do not use picks or other sharp tools to break up or remove ice. Use a new metal snow shovel each year or a heavy duty plastic shovel to rid snow from concrete surfaces. Bent or sharp corners of a worn metal shovel can damage the surface of concrete, which could cause additional deterioration.

Avoid Salt and Chemicals

While exposure to de-icing salts cannot be completely avoided, it is important to limit the amount of de-icing salts applied directly to the concrete, and especially grout between pavers on walkways. This is especially important during the first year after the concrete is laid. De-icers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate, as well as certain lawn fertilizers, chemically attack concrete. They should never be applied.

These simple steps to protect your home's outside concrete surfaces during the winter months will help extend the life of these surfaces and reduce maintenance or repair costs. In addition to helping your home look great, the curb appeal of a well-maintained driveway, stairs and walkway will add value to your home and in the eyes of potential buyers.