Those Concrete Driveways Need Winter Care

Winter is here Minnesotans! Not that you needed us to inform you of that. The level of variance within temperatures on any given winter day can set in motion cracking and splitting of concrete driveways. Orono residents know that once the snow and freezing precipitation begins to fall, water ambles its way into the cracks that have emerged. This water penetration in turn goes through the freeze and thaw process repeatedly throughout the winter season. Having to endure such causes a general expansion within the cracks as ice takes up more space than it does when in its liquid form of water. The end result, once spring rolls around, is that people are put in the position of having to call a concrete contractor to have their concrete driveways repaired one way or another.

Before the first heavy snow and ice accumulation, take a look at that concrete driveway of yours to see if you can spot cracks or splits. If you are already running into a cracking and splitting driveway, chances are that in spring 2017 you will be faced with needing a new one altogether. Call Wohlwend Concrete once you do find cracking. We can repair the cracks now to save the need for a new driveway altogether in spring.

Take caution regarding the equipment you use to get rid of the snow and ice from your concrete driveway. If you have a shovel that is in some level of disrepair—especially if it is cracked at the point where the scoop meets driveway surface—just replace it. The precipitation combined with temperature fluctuations make your driveway especially vulnerable to chipping from a busted shovel. If you utilize ice melt and then remove the waste with a damaged implement such as this, concrete driveways are placed at even more risk. Don’t take any chances.

What about how liquids drain from your driveway? It is important to the survival of concrete driveways in Minnesota that adequate drainage set-up is in place. Without proper drainage, precipitation that ultimately melts will pool in your driveway—which of course goes into splits and cracks and creates potential larger problems. If the current drainage set-up is not adequate and you are not able to implement a solution, call us and we can take a look. 

A last thing you should be sure to do is to remove any existing debris from your driveway. Oil or leaves that hang out all winter on the off and on frozen surface of concrete driveways can contribute greatly to their breakdown.

Seeking help with concrete driveways in Orono or nearby? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or you can contact us for a Free Quote.