Snow Removal & Winter Maintenance on Decorative Concrete

When consumers choose decorative concrete, many don’t consider winter maintenance until the first snow. It’s then that the questions set in:

• Can shoveling damage decorative concrete?
• Can you use salt or chemicals to remove ice?
• How can you protect your decorative concrete from the elements?
• How do you know when it’s time to reseal?

R&M Concrete is eager to help you protect and maintain your decorative concrete with these tips and tricks.

Snow Removal

Never use a metal blade to remove snow on decorative concrete. Plastic shovels are effective and lightweight and can be used without causing damage to your concrete. Never use snow blowers or plows to clear your driveway or decorative sidewalk.

Ice Management

Salt and de-icing chemicals are typically not safe for use on decorative concrete. Using chemicals or salt can leave a residue and cause the surface to chip away, permanently damaging your concrete. However, you aren’t left without options. To promote safety and decrease the chance of slips and falls on icy days, consider using something else:

• Bird seed
• Kitty litter
• Sand

These can be safely sprinkled on your driveway to improve safety without causing damage.

Maintenance of Decorative Concrete

Decorative concrete needs to be resealed every two to three years on average. Seek expert assistance in choosing the right sealer for your concrete and the correction application method. Inspecting and resealing your concrete routinely can help protect it from the elements.

One of the best ways to protect your concrete is to install a snow-melting system when your concrete is being installed or redone. Snow melting systems take care of snow and ice continuously to protect and maintain your concrete long-term and prevent the damage caused by the freezing and thawing cycle that occurs throughout the fall, winter, and spring.

For guidance, repair, and new concrete projects, contact R&M Concrete, your Tulsa experts, today!