North Carolina winters are fairly mild, but it still gets cold enough to freeze moisture in the soil, which causes the ground to shrink and swell. These cycles, along with snow and winter rains, can degrade ready-mix concrete patios and driveways, leaving cracks that may take years off their lifespans. Below are a few tips for caring for your concrete surfaces when temperatures drop.

How to Care for Concrete In the Winter

1. Seal the Surfaces

Ready-mix concrete is one of the most durable building materials available, but its porous nature absorbs water. In the winter, moisture that seeps into gaps and cavities freezes and expands—widening cracks and compromising the strength of the concrete.

Concrete sealant protects the surface by sealing tiny cracks and pores. Most contractors recommend having patios, driveways, and other concrete surfaces sealed at least every two years.

2. Avoid Using Deicing Salt

If snow or ice builds up on your driveway, a few shovels of road salt can dissolve it almost immediately. However, this also eats away at the concrete surface, making it more vulnerable to spring rain and harsh summer sun. Spreading cat litter and sand is a better choice for deicing concrete, preventing slips and falls without damaging the surface.

3. Check the Drainage System

Melting snow and rain running off the roof can erode the soil that stabilizes your concrete structures. Proper drainage minimizes the risk by guiding water away from your home, so inspect your gutters and downspouts closely.

If water is draining onto your driveway or running across the sidewalk, reposition the spouts and consider adding drainage to keep runoff away from your concrete.

Since 1984, Weeks Sand & Concrete has provided ready-mix concrete supplies to builders, contractors, and homeowners throughout the Sandhill Region. Whether you’re installing a new driveway or repairing a patio, their experienced team will help you find the right products at the best prices on the market. Visit their website to learn more about their ready-mix concrete and other products, or call (919) 499-4272 to discuss your project with a member of their team today.