Wohlwend Concrete Blog

Common Masonry Construction Repairs

As a concrete and masonry construction contractor in Roseville, we see our share of needed repairs to masonry and concrete. Here are a few of the most common repairs we do for our customers.

Water Damage

Water can be masonry’s worst enemy, especially during the winter months. Water will get into the masonry, freeze and expand, causing damage to the stone and discoloration. Water penetrates stone that is not properly sealed, and that can cause even more damage in the long run. That’s why hiring us for any masonry construction is so important. Professionals like us know exactly what we are doing and how to properly seal the stone so water and moisture don’t get in there and cause cracks.

Tuck Pointing

This process is when we replace the damaged or deteriorated mortar between concrete, brick or stone. Mortar can deteriorate due to a number of reasons: weather, water and old age are three common factors. Tuck pointing is important to help keep the stone, brick or concrete from cracking and undergoing further damage. Plus, tuck pointing helps with the aesthetics and the overall look of the stone work.

Chipping

Sometimes, masonry can chip. This usually happens at the corners or along the mortar joint. This usually happens by accident, but sometimes it can also happen because someone who is inexperienced at repairing mortar uses mortar that is too hard. Professionals like the ones here at Wohlwend Concrete know what kind of mortar to use to get the job done right the first time so there is no risk of further chipping or other damage.

Do you need masonry construction in Roseville? Call us here at Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or you can contact us and get a Free Quote on our masonry construction services and more.


How to Safely De-ice Your Concrete Steps

With winter nearly upon us, sooner or later we are going to have to deal with at least one ice storm. So how can you safely remove ice from your concrete steps in St. Louis Park without destroying them? Read on for some tips from the professionals here at Wohlwend Concrete.

When it’s time to de-ice your concrete steps, you want to make sure you don’t use the old standbys like rock salt (aka sodium chloride). Rock salt itself won’t damage your concrete steps, but the rapid heating and then refreezing can.

What you should look for when you’re in the market for a good concrete step de-icer is something called calcium chloride. It will quickly melt the ice off of your steps without destroying the concrete itself, and it’s actually more environmentally friendly than sodium chloride, so Mother Earth will be thanking you too!

The biggest thing to remember when de-icing your concrete steps is that once you put the de-icer on, you still are not done with the task. You should take the time to completely remove all of the slushy ice. Taking a few minutes to shovel your concrete steps and fully clear them of slush and ice could save you a world of hassle and money in the long run. This important step helps to preserve your concrete steps and can help extend their life span.

Magnesium chloride is also a great de-icer. It’s also environmentally friendly and safe to use around plants. While this might be a bit more expensive than calcium chloride, it is worth the extra money if it means your concrete steps will last awhile longer!

So, when you need more information about concrete steps in St. Louis Park, call on Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for a Free Quote Request.


Why Should You Seal Your Stamped Concrete?

As a concrete contractor serving Minneapolis, we are sometimes asked if sealing stamped concrete is necessary. The answer to that question is a resounding yes! Concrete is a porous material and easily absorbs water and chemicals. Protecting it with a sealer can help ensure it will last for a long time. Here are several more reasons sealing your stamped concrete is so important.

When you hire us as your concrete contractor, we won’t just install your stamped concrete. We also offer a sealing service that will ensure your stamped concrete looks good for years to come. Sealing stamped concrete helps to block the penetration of oils, stains, chemicals that de-ice and other similar contaminants.

Not to mention, sealing your concrete can also help protect it from abrasion and wear, which is especially important with the winter months ahead of us. Salt and other de-icing agents can really wear down concrete if you’re not careful. And since snow is usually in the forecast here in Minnesota, sealing your concrete is especially important in this area.

Sealing concrete also helps you with maintenance in the long run. Your stamped concrete will be easier to keep clean and maintain. This could save you a lot of time and elbow grease in the future! Not to mention, sealing them now means you won’t have to worry about having them replaced by a concrete contractor any time in the near future.

Plus, sealing your concrete can help make it pop. Sealers can help to enrich the color intensity of your concrete, making it more pleasing to your eye. You can also add sheen to the surface of the concrete. The sheens range from satin to high gloss and everything in between.

Ready to hire a concrete contractor in Minneapolis? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or you can contact us for a Free Quote.


The Difference Between Concrete and Cement

The words “concrete” and “cement” are sometimes used as synonyms, but using them as such is incorrect. And because we install concrete steps in Roseville, we are well-versed in the differences between these two materials. So what is the difference? Here is a brief rundown.

The basic difference is this: cement acts as a binder that holds concrete together. Cement is made from several different materials such as limestone, aluminum, silicon, iron, calcium and other ingredients. Cement is a very fine powder, and concrete cannot be made without cement.

Concrete is known for its strength and longevity, which is why concrete steps are so popular and long-lasting. Plus, you can have your concrete steps colored or stamped with a certain pattern. You can give your home more value and more curb appeal when you have concrete steps installed.

Plus, concrete steps can tie the outside of your home together. If you have landscaping that you are proud of and want to show off even more, concrete steps can help tie the look and feel of your home’s exterior together. Concrete steps will never rust, rot or burn, so you will have them for a long time. Light-colored concrete steps also reflect the sun’s heat back out, so they are generally cool to the touch.

Concrete is also a great building material because there is usually minimal waste when it is made. It can be produced in the quantities needed to complete each job.

For more information on concrete steps in Roseville, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or get a Free Quote.


Maintaining and Caring For Concrete

Concrete is everywhere. It surrounds us on a daily basis, and many folks have concrete steps that lead into their homes or patios attached to the back of their homes. So, how do you go about caring for Minneapolis concrete steps? Here is an overview of the best ways to maintain and care for your concrete steps or patio so they last for a long time.

In the weather like what we get here in Minneapolis, temperatures and precipitation can be pretty extreme at times. It’s either incredibly hot in the summer or extremely cold in the winter, not to mention all of the summer storms and winter blizzards we usually get! The outside elements can take their toll on your concrete steps and other concrete parts of your outdoor landscaping and living areas.

So, in the wintertime, it’s very important for you to keep up with snow and ice removal. And do a visual inspection when your concrete steps or patio are clear of snow and ice. This means looking for cracks and other damage. If water seeps into those cracks, it can freeze again and expand, and that can cause even more damage in the long run.

When the weather starts to warm up again, do some spring cleaning. Use a pressure washer (and be sure to follow the instructions so you don’t damage the concrete). Get all of the dirt and grime off of the concrete, and then do another visual inspection to check for damage that will need to get fixed.

In the summer months, you might want to consider covering your patio with an awning or outdoor rug. A runner on your concrete steps is also a great way to keep them covered. Plus, an awning and some rugs can add some color and decorations to your outdoor living space!

For more information on Minneapolis concrete steps, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or get a Free Quote.