Winterizing Your Concrete: A St. Louis Homeowner's Guide

Why Winterizing Your Concrete Is Important in St. Louis

The three threats that St. Louis winters have against concrete include:

• Free-thaw cycles
• De-icer products
• Moisture penetration

The humid environment surrounding the Mississippi River increases the potential for moisture-related damage. Preparation will help prevent expensive repairs when Spring arrives.

Winterizing Process: Step by Step

1. Cleaning

First, clean your concrete:

• Remove dirt, leaves, and debris
• Use a power washer to clean and remove stains
• Allow to dry thoroughly

Tip: Clean your concrete during late fall. A mild and sunny day is best for cleaning, as well as the following process.

2. Inspection and Repair

Examine for current damage:

• Fill small cracks (less than ¼ inch) with a flexible caulk.
• Larger cracks, contact us for professional service.
• Verify adequate drainage to eliminate puddling.

TIP: Correct minor issues now to avoid major problems later.

3. Seal Your Concrete

A quality sealant provides your concrete with a protective “winter coat”:

• Select a penetrating sealant for superior protection
• Apply when temperatures range from 50°F to 80°F
• Wait at least 24 hours for drying weather after applying the sealant

St. Louis Concrete Works Recommends: Our special formulation of winter-grade sealer has been developed specifically to provide maximum protection against our harsh free-thaw cycle.

4. Establish a Barrier

Protect the edges of your concrete where it connects to soil or grass:

• Install a concrete edging system
• Alternatively, create a gravel barrier to increase drainage

This last step is important, especially in areas such as South County, due to the clay soils that hold onto moisture.

5. Be Prepared Before Removing Snow

Prepare yourself before the first snow falls:

• Invest in a plastic shovel to prevent scratching the surface of your concrete.
• Have sand or kitty litter on hand for traction (do not use salt on new concrete).
• Consider a snow blower with rubber-tipped blades if you have large areas of concrete to clear.

Additional Considerations for St. Louis Concrete

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is popular throughout St. Louis suburbs such as Frontenac and Ladue:

• Apply a thicker layer of sealer to protect intricate designs
• Gently brush off the snow using a soft-bristle brush to maintain texture

Exposed Aggregate

Exposed aggregate is common in mid-century modern homes located throughout Crestwood and University City:

• Ensure that all loose aggregate stone is securely attached before sealing
• Utilize a slightly more flexible sealer to allow for slight movement

Concrete Driveways

From the hilly roads of Clayton to the expansive flat plains of St. Charles:

• Pay particular attention to the area where your driveway meets the road
• Consider installing heating cables forhigh-traffic areas

When to Hire the Professionals

There are times when the professionals need to be called in for help with certain aspects of winterizing your concrete:

• Significant cracking or unevenness
• Erosion of soil around the concrete
• Installation of complex drainage systems

At St. Louis Concrete Works, we provide a customized, professional winterization program to fit the unique requirements of each property.

Preserve Your Investment

Your quality concrete work is an investment in your property. Protect this investment and ensure your concrete driveways, patios, and walkways continue to function and look great through the years to come.

Get Started on Winter Proofing Your Concrete Today

Let’s work together to keep your concrete surfaces protected and intact through the harsh winters in St. Louis and whatever else Mother Nature may throw our way

Schedule Your Winter Concrete Check-up

We Don’t Just Prepare for Winter: We Welcome It

With your concrete properly prepared for winter, you can fully enjoy every season of the year.