How to Prep Your Concrete for the Winter Weather

Ohio winters are notorious for being cold and snowy. The freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause quite a bit of havoc on any of your concrete surfaces. From driveways and sidewalks to patios, porches, and steps, it will be in your best interest to prep your concrete for the rough winter weather ahead. We have compiled some of the most important tips to keep your concrete in the best condition, helping it last as long as possible.

Remove Your Patio Furniture

The first step to preparing for an Ohio winter is to remove any and all furniture you have outdoors. This will help make sure that your furniture is in the best condition possible for next year, and takes a bit of pressure off of your patio and porch in the winter.

Clean Up From Fall

Once all of your furniture has been removed from the patio, it is important to remove all of the debris left behind from fall. Remove all leaves and dirt, as it will prevent any staining that may happen to your concrete otherwise.

Inspect Your Patio

Now that your patio is cleaned off, take some time to look for any cracks or unevenness on your concrete surfaces. Fixing these before the height of winter will help prevent the problem from getting worse over the winter. Water freezing and defrosting over and over again (like it does in the winter) will cause the preexisting cracks to grow larger.

Follow a Resealing Schedule

Finally, sealing your concrete is an important step to protect it in the winter. It helps prevent your concrete from absorbing water. In turn, this prevents future cracking, especially when it comes time for winter. On average, concrete should be sealed every one to three years. Pick a schedule that works for you, and then stick to it. 

Winters in Northeast Ohio can have a strong effect on your concrete surfaces. Taking the time to take care of them will help prevent replacements in the future. If your concrete ever needs to be leveled, it is best to contact a professional, such as Level Best, LLC. We believe that it is better to fox your concrete instead of replacing it, whenever it is possible to do so. Taking proper care of your concrete will help it have a long life, so take some time to prepare yours for Ohio’s upcoming winter.