Winter Wreaks Havoc on Concrete

The really cold snap we recently experienced in the Front Range area was a rude reminder of how brutal winter can be – especially to concrete.

Cold weather damage comes from more than low temps. Concrete is vulnerable to salt, gravel, magnesium chloride and other ice-melting chemicals. Salt can leach through concrete and rust reinforcing rebar and wire mesh, adding to the corrosion that occurs when water seeps through cracks that expand and contract with the freeze/thaw cycle. If concrete is not properly sealed or the sealant is damaged or worn, seepage is an even greater risk and can eventually do damage to supports and other structures below the concrete.

Snowplows stress concrete as well. Especially those that do not use rubber blades can damage coatings. They can also cause damage to expansion joints. Even studded snow tires on passenger vehicles can take a toll, especially at exceptionally low temps when concrete is more dry, brittle, and susceptible to damage.

You can’t stop the cold, but you can repair the damage and prevent it from getting worse. We’ve been maintaining and repairing concrete in Colorado’s Front Range for more than two decades and are experts at dealing with whatever winter throws at it!

Give us a call to schedule a free inspection to assess winter damage to your concrete. We’ll help you plan and budget for repairs and preventive maintenance that will help your concrete stand up to Colorado winters.