Winter Care for Concrete in New Haven: Protecting Your Investment

Understanding Winter’s Impact on Concrete

Winter conditions are difficult on concrete. Freezing and thawing water in very small pores in concrete causes deterioration, such as cracking and scaling, over time. However, there is no reason to fear; with the right maintenance, you can help keep your concrete strong enough to last through all of New Haven’s cold winters.

1. Seal Your Concrete

There are several ways to protect your concrete from the effects of winter. One of the most effective methods is to use a concrete sealer. A sealer works by creating a barrier between your concrete and the elements. This helps to protect your concrete from freeze-thaw cycles and damage caused by de-icing chemicals. Below are some things to consider when using a sealer.

Late fall application: Apply a high-quality concrete sealer in the fall prior to the first freeze of the season. A breathable sealer will allow moisture to exit the concrete. Re-seal your concrete every two to three years to ensure maximum protection. For New Haven residents, we recommend using a penetrating type of sealer.

2. Remove Snow Quickly

It may seem like an inconvenience to remove snow from your driveway quickly, but it is extremely important to do so. When snow sits on your driveway for too long, it creates ice, which can cause serious damage to your concrete. It is also important to remove snow from your driveway to maintain good traction on the driveway.

When removing snow, try to push the snow off your driveway rather than lift it. Lifting heavy loads of snow can put a lot of pressure on your back. Use a plastic shovel to avoid scratching the surface of your driveway. Do not use metal shovels or blades, as they can scratch your driveway and create holes.

3. Carefully Use De-Icing Chemicals

De-icers can be harmful to your concrete, especially in the first year after installing new concrete. There are other options available instead of de-icers that can provide similar results without damaging your driveway. Some of these include:

• Sand or cat litter for traction
• Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a de-icer that is safer for your concrete
• Rock salt (sodium chloride) should be avoided at all costs, especially on newly installed concrete.

If you must use de-icer, apply it sparingly and remove the slush immediately to limit the amount of time your driveway is exposed to the de-icer.

4. Fix Any Drainage Issues

Drainage issues are something that you should pay attention to throughout the entire year, but they are much more critical in the winter months.

To help prevent water from collecting on your driveway and causing damage, make sure that your driveway slopes slightly downward toward the foundation of your home. Also, clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from running onto the surface of your driveway. Fill in any dips in your driveway where water can collect and freeze.

5. Fix Small Cracks Before Winter

Freezing temperatures can cause even the smallest crack in your concrete to grow into a large one. To help prevent this, inspect your driveway thoroughly before winter arrives. Then fill in any small cracks with a flexible concrete caulk. If you have larger cracks or have experienced significant damage to your driveway, call us to arrange for professional repair.

6. Don’t Park in Weak Spots During Winter

If you have noticed any parts of your concrete driveway that appear to be weakening, do not park on them during the winter. Additional weight from a car parked on weakened concrete can increase the risk of damage occurring due to the freezing ground.

7. Consider Installing a Heated Driveway as a Long-Term Solution

If you get tired of constantly clearing snow from your driveway, then you may want to consider investing in a heated driveway. An electric or hydronic system can be installed beneath your driveway. These types of systems will eliminate the need to clear snow and de-ice your driveway. Although the initial cost of a heated driveway is more expensive than that of traditional driveways, many people feel that the extra expense is well worth the benefits they receive.

8. Schedule a Pre-Winter Inspection with Us

We recommend that you schedule a pre-winter inspection with us before the winter season begins. We can:

• Determine if there are any weak areas of your driveway that could potentially develop into major problems.
• Recommend specific products and treatment for your driveway.
• Repair any damaged areas of your driveway.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your concrete driveway will remain strong and intact throughout the cold winters of New Haven. Remember that prevention is the key, as taking the time to take preventative measures now will greatly reduce the amount of repairs that you will need to perform next spring.

At New Haven Concrete Company, we are committed to protecting your investment in your concrete. If you have any additional questions regarding winter concrete maintenance or would like to discuss how we can assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Warmest wishes to you and your family this winter season!

Do you have any questions regarding how to properly care for your concrete during the winter months? Please do not hesitate to contact New Haven Concrete Company to speak with one of our experts, who will be able to provide you with the guidance and service you need to successfully navigate our harsh Connecticut winter.