Winter can be tough on many parts of your home, but few areas take as much abuse as your outdoor concrete steps. Between the freeze-thaw cycles, deicing chemicals and heavy snow loads, winter often leaves steps in worse shape than the season before. At Wohlwend Concrete, we see a sharp rise in concrete step replacement projects in Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area each spring—and for good reason.
Why Winter Is So Hard on Concrete Steps
The biggest culprit behind winter damage is the freeze-thaw cycle. When snow and ice melt, the resulting water seeps into small cracks in your concrete. As temperatures drop again, that water freezes and expands, making cracks wider and deeper. Over time, this repeated expansion can cause spalling (flaking), crumbling edges and even major structural damage.
On top of that, deicing salts and chemicals—while necessary for safety—can accelerate deterioration. These substances react with concrete, weakening its surface and causing discoloration or pits. Combine this with the weight of snow shoveling and snow blowers, and your steps take a serious beating during the colder months.
Why Spring Is the Ideal Time for Replacement
Once winter passes, it’s the perfect time to assess the condition of your concrete steps. Any damage that occurred over the winter will now be fully visible, giving you a clear idea of what needs to be addressed. Plus, the milder temperatures of spring are ideal for concrete installation. Concrete needs time to cure properly, and spring conditions—cool but not freezing—offer the perfect environment for a long-lasting replacement.
Replacing damaged steps in the spring also prepares your home for the increased foot traffic of summer. Whether you’re hosting guests, working on landscaping or just enjoying time outdoors, safe and attractive steps make a huge difference.
Protecting Your Investment Moving Forward
After replacement, we recommend taking steps to protect your new concrete through future winters. This includes sealing the surface to minimize moisture absorption, using safer alternatives to rock salt and regularly sweeping snow rather than scraping aggressively with metal shovels. These simple actions can help your new steps last for decades.
Let Wohlwend Concrete Help
If your steps are cracked, crumbling or just looking worn out after winter, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Wohlwend Concrete specializes in high-quality concrete step replacement for homes and businesses. We’ll assess your steps, offer practical recommendations and deliver results that are both durable and visually appealing.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your steps ready for the season ahead. Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us to ask any questions you may have.