You want it to maintain your home’s foundation, patios, driveway, and walkways for as long as possible. But with the harsh freeze-thaw cycles of winter looming, you may be wondering how to keep your concrete and foundation in top shape.
Fortunately, if you take steps like these, your foundation and paved surfaces are more likely to stay strong, smooth, and eye-catching no matter what winter throws at it. Here’s what to do:
1. Check for Damage
Before winter temps drop beneath freezing, it’s a good idea to check for spots in your concrete that need patching or sealing. Look for cracks and potholes, and if you find any, repair them right away. If you don’t address them, water can get into those areas and freeze, which just increases the problem. The cracks and holes get bigger! Water can migrate through those cracks in your pavement or foundation and cause heaving and other larger issues later on.
2. Apply Concrete Sealer
If your concrete has recently been laid, your installer likely already applied a seal that is still protective because it’s so new. But if you have areas of concrete that are not as brand-new, a strong protective sealant is essential to blocking moisture.
You’ll want to apply the sealer during clear weather that is above freezing so that it can dry completely.
3. Avoid Salt and Chemical De-Icers
Chemicals may be helpful at melting snow and ice, but they are harsh and damaging to your concrete. Salt and certain de-icers can mar the surface, make it unattractive, and cause pitting that leads to cracks and potholes. No thanks!
Before applying anything to your driveways and sidewalks, check to see if it is actually safe for concrete. Great options include kitty litter, sand, and calcium-based ice melt.
4. Keep the Surface Clear
As winter approaches, trees drop their leaves and lose branches. Be sure to gently remove all such debris from your concrete to prevent it from staining or scratching the surface. After cleanup is complete, sweep or power wash your concrete to remove any remaining bits of debris.
5. Use the Right Snow Removal Tools
As snow (and ice) pile up on your driveway, sidewalk and steps, your first thought might be to get rid of it. But don’t do anything until you’re sure you are using the right tools—because the wrong ones can ruin your concrete.
Good choices include a light plastic snow shovel (metal can create unsightly scratches), a snowblower if you have one, or a broom for light, dry snow. Avoid using scrapers, broken or bent shovels, and anything else that would chip the concrete.
6. Don’t Overlook Concrete Statuary
Small concrete lawn statues, planters, and bird baths can also be affected by winter weather. If you want to protect these items and they are light enough to move, consider storing them in your garage or shed until springtime, when you can put them back in their place. This will help them last longer.
7. Ensure Water Drains Away from Your Concrete
Gutters and downspouts can get bumped out of place in stormy weather as well as during the process of clearing away snow and ice. So, take the final step to ensure your drainage system is secure. Clear gutters of debris, and push snow and ice away from downspouts so that melting precipitation drains away from your driveway, sidewalk, and your house’s foundation.
8. Protect Your Foundation
Winterizing your concrete should include protection and care for your home’s foundation too! This step is especially important, because water can all too easily pool, freeze, and melt near your concrete slab without you even realizing it. This leads to frost heaving, leaks, mold and mildew growth, and wood deterioration in your home’s structural system. And these foundation issues, if not fixed, simply grow worse until you need repairs.
Stay on Top of Your Foundation’s Condition with a Thorough Inspection
As you’re caring for your concrete and performing other winterizing tasks around your home, you may notice structural cracks, pooling water around your home’s walls, a leaning chimney or other signs that your foundation may need some attention.
Our team of structural experts at Edens Structural Solutions will be happy to check your property and provide honest answers. If you don’t need our services, we’ll tell you point blank. If you do, we’ll provide options so you can have peace of mind about your home.
Learn more about our foundation inspection services for Tulsa area homes.
