Maintaining Your Concrete in Springfield's Four Seasons: A Year-Round Guide

Springtime: Inspect and Repair

Spring is here, and it’s time to look at the weather damage to your concrete:

• Look for New Cracks: Identify new cracks that occurred during the winter months, as well as old cracks that grew bigger due to freezing and thawing.
• Clean the Surface: Clean off dirt and salt that accumulated over the winter using a pressure washer.
• Fix Small Cracks: Use a concrete repair product to fix smaller cracks.
• Call a Professional: Hire our team to fix larger cracks or to fix extensive damage.
• Apply Sealant: Protect your concrete from Spring rain and Summer heat.

Tip: It is the best time to do concrete resurfacing when you want to give your driveway or patio a facelift.

Summer: Protect

Summer heat in Springfield can cause wear and tear on your concrete. Here are ways to protect it:

• Sweep Often: Sweep away dirt and dust regularly to prevent stains.
• Quickly Address Stains: If you see oil, grease, or organic stains, quickly address them so they don’t set in and become harder to remove.
• Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning your concrete, use a pH-neutral cleaner so you will not damage the surface.
• Reapply Sealant: More heavily used areas may require a more frequent application of sealant.
• Watch For Settling: The Summer heat can cause the soil around your concrete to shift, causing uneven areas.

Tip: Consider adding a shaded area to protect the most traveled parts of your yard from the extreme Summer sun.

Fall: Get Ready for Winter

It is essential to prepare your concrete for the upcoming winter by performing a thorough inspection of your concrete in the Fall:

• Inspect Thoroughly: Take a good, hard look for any cracks, chips, or signs of settling.
• Thoroughly Clean: Remove any fallen leaves and debris to prevent stains.
• Seal Small Cracks: Although small cracks seem like no big deal, they can open up wide in the winter freeze-thaw cycle.
• Apply Heavy-Duty Sealant: Apply a heavy-duty sealant to protect your concrete from water penetrating into your concrete before the cold weather arrives.
• Cut Back Vegetation: Cut back any plants or trees near your concrete to eliminate any organic debris that could damage your concrete or its foundation.

Tip: Fall is a great time to add an overlay or stamped concrete to enhance your outdoor living space.

Winter: Protect and Clear

The cold weather in Springfield can wreak havoc on your concrete. Here are some things to keep in mind to minimize the damage:

• Clear Snow Quickly: Use a plastic shovel to clear snow quickly and prevent scratching your concrete surface.
• Do Not Use Metal Tools: Metal tools can scratch or chip your concrete surface.
• Use Sand For Traction: Use sand instead of salt or other chemical de-icers that can harm your concrete.
• Be Careful Removing Ice: If you are using a de-icer, make sure to select a concrete-safe option.
• Prevent Water Pooling: Make sure your concrete has proper drainage to prevent water from collecting and freezing in the winter.

Tip: Consider putting a snow-melting system in your concrete driveway for easy winter maintenance.

Year-Round Maintenance Ideas

• Take Action On Spills Immediately: Don’t let spills sit on your concrete for too long and risk leaving behind stains or damage.
• Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure water does not collect on your concrete surface.
• Heavy Loads: Be careful of placing heavy objects such as cars, heavy machinery, etc., on top of your concrete.
• Annual Professional Inspection: Schedule an annual inspection of your concrete to catch any problems before they turn into costly repairs.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of every maintenance effort you put into your concrete, and document any repairs so you can refer back to them in the future.

When to Call in a Pro

While many people find that routine maintenance tasks are easy enough to perform themselves, there are times when it’s better to call in a pro to take care of the job:

You Have Large Cracks or Significant Settling

Your concrete has large cracks or is showing significant signs of settling.

Your Concrete Has Widespread Damage or Spalling

Your concrete is damaged or showing widespread signs of spalling (spreading apart).

You Have Major Stains That Can’t be Removed by Home Cleaning Methods

You have severe stains that can’t be removed by your usual cleaning products.

At Springfield Concrete Masters, we’re happy to assist with all of your concrete maintenance requirements, whether it’s minor repairs or a full renovation.

Protect Your Concrete for Years to Come

Following the seasonal maintenance guidelines above will greatly increase the lifespan of your concrete surfaces in Springfield. Additionally, maintaining your concrete properly now will save you money on costly repairs later.

Looking for some professional guidance or concrete services? Contact us at Springfield Concrete Masters today. We strive to provide you with the best possible service for your concrete surfaces to look their best and last throughout the year.