Concrete Repair After Winter Weather

Winter can be tough on exterior concrete, especially where we live in the Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, and St. Cloud areas. 

When the snow melts and reveals cracks and sinking slabs, concrete repairs can be easily overlooked in favor of bigger winter recovery tasks. 

But addressing cement repair now can help prevent bigger, costlier problems down the line. 

Here’s why your concrete suffers in winter and the best methods for repairing and protecting it.

Why Winter Weather Damages Exterior Concrete

The extreme winter temperatures, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles of the Northern Midwest are prime conditions for concrete damage. 

Here’s why:

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: When water enters small cracks in concrete and freezes, it expands, creating internal pressure that widens the cracks.
• Ice Melts and Deicers: The chemicals in deicers can wear down the surface of concrete, making it more susceptible to cracks, chips, and spalling.
• Moisture Intrusion: Snow and ice allow water to seep into the concrete, leading to erosion and weakening of its structural integrity.

With so much working against it, concrete repair is often necessary once spring arrives to restore and strengthen your surfaces.

Methods of Concrete Repair

Concrete repair can vary depending on the severity of the damage. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Concrete Grinding: Grinding is used to smooth minor uneven surfaces. This is a fast solution to repair concrete with small, superficial damage but won’t address underlying soil issues or large cracks.
• Self-Leveling Concrete: Self-leveling compounds can cover surface imperfections and fill minor cracks, creating a smooth surface. However, self-leveling only provides a temporary fix for surface damage, leaving the concrete vulnerable to future problems.
• Concrete Replacement: For severely damaged concrete, replacement may be necessary. This involves removing the old slab and pouring new concrete. While effective, it’s costly, time-consuming, and may not address underlying soil instability.
• Concrete Patches: For small cracks, patching materials like cement repair compounds can fill in gaps and prevent further moisture intrusion. However, patches can wear down quickly if they aren’t applied correctly or if the crack continues to grow.
• Concrete Sealing: Applying a sealant to your concrete helps shield it from water damage and deicers. This preventive measure can protect against minor issues but doesn’t address existing cracks or structural damage.
• Concrete Lifting and Leveling with PolyRenewal™: For lasting results, concrete lifting and leveling with PolyRenewal™ is the best solution. This method injects a specialized polyurethane foam beneath the damaged concrete to fill voids, stabilize the soil, and lift the slab back to its original position. Unlike other options, PolyRenewal™ is a long-term repair that addresses both surface damage and the underlying causes, preventing future issues and preserving your concrete for years to come.

Tips for Protecting Concrete in Winter

Once you’ve completed your concrete repairs, take steps to protect your surfaces in future winters. Here are a few simple maintenance tips:

• Patch Small Cracks Promptly: Addressing small cracks before winter helps prevent freeze-thaw damage.
• Seal Concrete Before Winter: A concrete sealant creates a barrier against moisture and ice melt chemicals.
• Keep Surfaces Clean: Clear snow and ice promptly to avoid moisture buildup and prevent the need for corrosive deicers.
• Inspect for Signs of Wear: Checking your concrete each spring will allow you to address any early signs of damage.

Invest in Long-Lasting Concrete Repair After Winter

Repairing damaged concrete after winter can help prevent further deterioration and extend the lifespan of your surfaces. 

If you’re ready to invest in a long-term solution, consider concrete lifting and leveling with PolyRenewal™. Innovative Basement Authority offers expert concrete repair services in the Northern Midwest, ensuring your surfaces stay durable and safe year-round. Schedule your free inspection today!

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.