How To Protect Your Concrete Parking Lots & Driveways From Winter’s Spalling

Winter is coming, and many people are preparing for the harsh weather by stocking up on firewood, extra food, and winter clothing. Protecting your concrete parking lot from spalling in winter should be at the top of your list too.

Winter is a tough time for your concrete parking lot and driveway, with freezing and thawing temperatures causing them to crack or spall. Protecting your concrete from these damages in winter can be as easy as taking a few steps.

This blog post will highlight some easy ways you can keep your concrete safe from the damaging effects of winter weather.

Clear Away Any Debris to Ensure Better Drainage

Protecting your parking lot from winter spalling begins with clearing away any debris that might be in the way of proper drainage. Any rocks, branches, or other objects should be removed so water can flow freely through gutters and downspouts to prevent it pooling on the surface. Make sure drains are open as well by flushing them out with a hose. If you leave dirt or debris on your parking lot, it will allow water to pool up, which can cause concrete to spall or crack.

Check Out if There are Any Cracks in Your Concrete and Fill them

If there are any cracks in your concrete, now is the time to fill them with a special epoxy filler designed for use with concrete. Concrete cracks are common in winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle of water that penetrates through the surface of your parking lot, but also from general wear and tear over time. These types of cracks tend to expand when excess moisture is present on the pavement. It’s best to identify cracks and fill them before winter arrives because this will help prevent the water from pooling up, which can cause even more damage to concrete.

Seal the Surface of Your Concrete Pavement

If you have a sealer, it’s best to apply that as well. This can prevent water from penetrating through the cracks in your parking lot, and protect against spalling damage. Make sure you sweep up any debris before applying new sealant, so there aren’t any contaminants present. It’s best to get the sealer down early before winter has arrived so the sealer will protect the concrete through the worst of winter.

Protect Your Concrete from Deicing Chemicals

When you apply deicing chemicals onto your concrete slab during the colder months of the year, they can seep into any cracks or holes in the surface and compromise its structural integrity. This increases safety hazards for pedestrians who walk on the surface and makes it more prone to wear and tear. Protect your concrete by sealing any holes or cracks in the slab with a good concrete sealer before winter to avoid any damage during the winter months.

With winter coming soon, you don’t want this problem looming over your head like a dark cloud; take action now by contacting Affordable Sealing & Striping Inc in Fort Collins for a free, no-obligation quote! We offer premium concreting services including concrete sealcoating, crack sealing, and more.

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