Once the cold weather arrives in St. Paul, MN, you should start thinking about your concrete pavement because ignoring it during low temperatures can wreak havoc on it.
The concrete specialists at Doctor Asphalt LLC discuss three ways snowfall can deteriorate your concrete.
Salt is commonly used to help remove snow from the pavement. It causes ice and snow to melt by lowering the water’s freezing point. This process attracts moisture, which increases the freeze-thaw cycle.
In addition, a white coating called efflorescence is left on the surface, which damages concrete’s aesthetic appeal.
Sand can be applied instead of salt, which is an effective alternative because it helps create traction.
What happens when unprotected (not sealcoated) concrete pavement is exposed to a situation where it freezes and thaws frequently? In such a situation, there is a higher chance of water intrusion. Moisture in every form – snow, rain, water vapor, and ice – destroys concrete pavement. Water fills the pores of unsealed concrete and then freezes. Consequently, the surface expands, resulting in cracks (that must be sealed). Other forms of deterioration also occur, such as hairline cracks, surface scaling, discoloration, and corrosion.
What can be done to prevent this? It’s essential to call a paving company near you and have them sealcoat the pavement before it snows.
It is vital to keep snow off your concrete pavement, as this will ensure minimal damage from the ice and snow. Ice or snow must be scraped off carefully. Avoid using metal scrapers or blades for this task because concrete can be damaged by scraping, chipping, and rust. Alternatively, make sure to use a plastic edge to clear the snow and ice.
Applying a sealer to your concrete is the best approach to preserving it against most of these issues. We recommend sealcoating every 2-3 years because so the pavement remains resistant to water, salt, and other harsh chemicals. The more you take care of your concrete and plan for the winter, the longer it will survive, extending the life of your concrete investment!
Sealcoating creates a protective layer over your pavement that protects it from deterioration and improves its appearance. Commercial surfaces are subject to higher traffic and activity than other surfaces, making them more vulnerable to damage and necessitating more frequent sealcoating. Commercial property owners are also under pressure to keep their surfaces tip-top shape to maintain optimum operation and deliver a better client experience.
The specialists at Doctor Asphalt LLC recommend hiring commercial sealcoating services within six months to a year of the pavement’s installation. So, find a pavement contractor near you in St. Paul, MN, for commercial concrete sealcoating today!