Use the arrows—or swipe on mobile—to view examples of winter-related concrete damage.
Harsh winters throughout Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana can be extremely hard on existing concrete. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures and repeated temperature changes all place stress on concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches and steps.
The damage is not normally caused by one cold day. It develops as moisture repeatedly enters the concrete, freezes, expands and then thaws. When this process happens over and over throughout the winter, it can gradually weaken the concrete surface.
Concrete naturally contains small pores that can absorb moisture. When the temperature falls below freezing, water trapped within those pores can freeze and expand. The expansion creates pressure inside the concrete.
As temperatures rise, the ice thaws and the pressure is temporarily released. Repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles can eventually contribute to surface scaling, pitting, cracking and small pieces of concrete breaking away.
During severe winters, counties and road crews use salt and other deicing chemicals to help keep roads safer. Vehicles carry the salty road brine back onto residential driveways and garage entrances.
Deicing chemicals can increase the amount of moisture entering the concrete and intensify freeze-and-thaw damage. They may also attack the concrete surface and contribute to scaling or deterioration. Even properly sealed concrete can be affected when exposure is frequent and severe.
After the snow and ice have cleared, inspect your exterior concrete for changes that may have developed or become worse during winter. Common warning signs include:
Some isolated concrete damage can be repaired, but the correct solution depends on the cause and extent of the deterioration. Surface repairs require careful preparation and the correct repair material if the patch is expected to bond properly.
A cosmetic patch may not provide a lasting solution when the underlying concrete or base has seriously deteriorated. Extensive scaling, movement, settlement or widespread cracking may indicate that removing and replacing the affected concrete is the more reliable long-term choice.
Long-lasting exterior concrete begins before the concrete is poured. Proper excavation, drainage, base preparation, concrete mix, reinforcement, slab thickness, finishing and control-joint placement all contribute to the performance of the finished project.
Good drainage is especially important. Water should be directed away from the concrete whenever possible so it does not continually collect beneath or on top of the slab and then freeze.
Marc Todd Concrete brings over 35 years of experience to concrete driveways, patios, sidewalks, porches and other residential concrete projects throughout Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.