Key takeaways
- Water in the surface expands when it freezes
- De-icing salts and chemicals speed up scaling
- Sealing helps keep water and salt out
- Good drainage keeps puddles off the slab
Winter damage on concrete is mostly about water.
How freeze-thaw works
Water gets into tiny pores, freezes and expands. Repeat that many times and the surface starts to flake or scale.
De-icers make it harsher
Salts and chemical de-icers pull more moisture into the surface and add stress. Newer concrete is more vulnerable in its first winter.
What helps
A quality sealer, proper air entrainment in the mix, good drainage and gentle de-icing habits all help. Shovel first and use sand for traction when you can.
When damage shows up
Flaking and pitting can often be repaired or resurfaced if the slab is sound underneath.
Related
Questions about your own project? Call or text 720-295-9670, or use the estimate form below.