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Why You Need to Patch and Winterize Concrete
Without the right preparations, freezing winter temperatures can be tough on concrete and can even damage it or expand existing damage. The porous nature of concrete allows it to become saturated with water. When winter temperatures drop below freezing, the water freezes and expands. This expansion can crack the concrete, particularly as the material faces multiple freeze and thaw cycles throughout the winter.
In addition, some ice-melt products can also be a problem for concrete, particularly if they’re corrosive or if they have a relatively high working temperature range. A higher working temperature means they won’t be effective at preventing ice at particularly low temperatures. The ice the product melted can reform, leading to more freeze and thaw cycles.
Calcium chloride ice melt products have a very low working temperature. They will keep ice from forming even at relatively low temperatures. This property makes them more suitable for concrete surfaces since freeze and thaw cycles are less likely. Our guide to snow and ice melt will give you more tips on choosing an ice melt product.
Concrete Damage
The most common types of damage you’ll likely see are:
- Cracks running through the concrete
- Spalling, which occurs when surface flakes of concrete break away, allowing the surface to become pitted
Small cracks and patches of damage allow more water in and the ongoing cycle of freezing and thawing creates larger cracks and pitted areas. Eventually, water can make it into the soil beneath the concrete where it can freeze and push sections of the concrete up, creating an uneven surface.
Repairing and winterizing your sidewalks and driveways are two relatively simple steps you can take to protect your concrete sidewalks and your driveway to reduce the risk of damage that may require professional repair.
When cleaning, repairing and sealing concrete, wear appropriate safety gear, including chemical-proof gloves, splash-proof eye protection and a respirator. If you use power tools or power equipment, you may need hearing protection as well.
Patch Broken Concrete and Repair Cracks
Repairing damage with concrete patch and crack repair products is one of the most common steps you can take to winterize a sidewalk, patio or driveway. Sealing concrete cracks and patching larger damaged areas are both projects a beginning do-it-yourselfer can take on. Depending on the extent of the damage, these repairs can take from one to just a few hours.
Be sure to check the repair product information. It will often tell you the size and type of damage the product can repair. For example, a crack sealer might be appropriate for cracks up to 1/2 inch wide.
Our guide to repairing concrete shows you how to use concrete crack sealer to repair small cracks in concrete and how to use patching compound or patching mortar to deal with larger damaged areas.
Seriously damaged concrete surfaces that have become uneven will often require professional repair.
Use a Concrete Resurfacer
If your sidewalk, driveway or patio has suffered widespread surface damage from wear or spalling, a concrete resurfacing compound can help protect the concrete from freeze damage. Note that this product is for use on untreated, unsealed concrete.
Instructions
Seal the Concrete
Use a concrete sealer or cure and seal product to add water resistance to concrete. These sealers also protect the concrete from oils, salts and more.
Sealing patios, sidewalks and driveways can be a key step in winterizing your concrete and protecting it from cracking and spalling. We’ve got the basic application steps below as well as a step-by-step article on how to clean a driveway and apply concrete driveway sealer, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and safety.
Instructions
Other Tips for Winterizing Concrete
- Be on the lookout for concrete damage and deal with it as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can allow the damage to get worse, requiring more costly and time-consuming repairs.
- Pay attention to the temperature and weather conditions needed for the concrete repair, resurfacing and sealing products. Applying them when it’s too hot, too cold or when there’s a forecast of rain can prevent them from curing — and protecting — properly.
- Consider resealing your driveway, patio and sidewalks each year to make sure they’re protected for the winter. If there are patches where water still beads on the surface from a previous sealer application, you can remove the sealer with a pressure washer as you clean the surface.
- Protect your paver patios and walkways. Repair or replace damaged stones and make sure the joints are properly filled. Apply a sealer formulated for stone or concrete pavers to protect them from damage caused by salts and water.
- Don’t forget to winterize other concrete items in your landscape, such as statues, planters, birdbaths and fountains. Move small items into storage. Cover larger items securely with weather-resistant tarps or thick plastic sheeting. Thoroughly clean and drain concrete birdbaths and store the bowls or keep them upside down. Drain, clean and store small fountains. You’ll need to drain larger fountains and their water lines. It’s a good idea to blow out the lines with an air compressor. If possible, remove the pump and store it.
If you want to keep your birdbath filled through the winter to ensure the birds in your area have water, use a plastic, resin or metal birdbath that won’t be as vulnerable to damage from harsh weather.