Hello, my name is Tony and this is my concrete installation and maintenance blog. I am not a professional concrete contractor but I am very passionate about DIY. My dad was a contractor and when I was growing up he taught me all kinds of neat tips and tricks. Once time, he took me out into the yard and made me inspect the concrete wall. The concrete was crumbling away, exposing the metal bars beneath. My father explained that this was concrete cancer and then demonstrated how to repair the damage. I hope you find my blog useful and entertaining.
One of the staple materials used for kerbing and other exterior applications is concrete due to its high durability as well as the aesthetic appeal you can derive from decorative concrete options such as stamped or acid stained concrete. Nonetheless, this does not mean that concrete is not immune to acquiring damage over time. The rate at which your concrete will deteriorate can become exponential during the colder seasons due to the consistent exposure to wet conditions. Therefore, it is essential to know the measures to take to ensure that your concrete kerbing remains in good condition during the winter months.
Tip 1: Always apply a coat of sealant
One of the most basic measures you can take to ensure your concrete kerbing stays protected during the winter, as well as all year round, is by having a protective sealant applied to the surface of the concrete. Firstly, the sealant will function to prevent the absorption of moisture during wet weather. Secondly, the sealant will also ensure that salt does not penetrate the concrete, as this can lead to structural damage. You should bear in mind that this protective coating does eventually wear over time. Therefore, it should be applied routinely for the sealant to be effective.
Tip 2: Spread sand on your concrete kerbing
Some homeowners may be averse to the prospect of using sand on their kerbing as they assume it will cause a mess. Although the sand can make your kerbing appear dirty, it is beneficial to the concrete during the winter months. A mistake some individuals make when it begins to snow is using deicers to get rid of ice from their kerbing. What they are not considering is that the chemicals in the deicers, such as sulphates and nitrates, can steadily erode the surface of the concrete. As such, you may end up having to embark on concrete repairs once spring rolls around. The application of sand as an alternative to deicers provides traction on the concrete, which will prevent the risk of slipping and falling. Moreover, the sand prevents the snow from compacting into ice on your kerbing.
Tip 3: Eliminate excessive slush from the kerbing
When it comes to protecting your concrete kerbing during the winter, stopping the development of ice is just the first phase. You also have to ensure that the subsequent slush does not get the chance to linger on the concrete. Failure to eliminate the slush will not only compromise the sealant, but it can also pose the risk of concrete cancer developing due to water damage.
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