Winter is all but here Minnesotans! With the significant changes that occur in our daily temperatures, these fluctuations can set in motion cracking and splitting of concrete driveways. Orono residents know that once the snow and freezing precipitation begins to fall, water ambles its way into the cracks that have emerged. This water penetration in turn goes through the freeze and thaw process repeatedly throughout the winter season. Having to endure such expansion and contraction causes a general expansion within the cracks as ice takes up more space than it does when in its liquid form of water. The end result, once spring rolls around is that people are put in the position of having to call a concrete contractor to have their concrete driveways repaired one way or another.
There are a few things you should look into before the first snow falls this winter. Head out to that concrete driveway and identify cracks or splits. If you are already running into cracking and splitting in your driveway, chances are that in spring 2017 you will be faced with needing a new one altogether. Call Wohlwend Concrete once you do find cracking. We can repair the cracks now to save the need for a new driveway altogether in spring.
Be wary of the equipment you use to remove snow and ice from your concrete driveway. If you have a shovel that is in some level of disrepair—especially if it is cracked at the point where the scoop meets driveway surface—just replace it. The precipitation combined with temperature fluctuations make your driveway especially vulnerable to chipping from a busted shovel. If you utilize ice melt and then remove the waste with a damaged implement such as this, concrete driveways are placed at even more risk. Don’t take any chances.
Another important factor in concrete driveways surviving Minnesota winters without blemish involves the drainage set-up of the area. Without proper drainage, precipitation that ultimately melts will pool in your driveway—which of course goes into splits and cracks and creates potential larger problems. If the current drainage set-up is not adequate and you are not able to implement a solution, call us and we can take a look.
A last thing you should be sure to do is to remove any existing debris from your driveway. Something as simple as oil or leaves lingering on the surface of concrete driveways can contribute greatly to breakdown.
Seeking help with concrete driveways in Orono or nearby? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or you can contact us for a Free Quote.