Concrete is often viewed as a set-and-forget material: pour the slab, walk away, everything’s done. But it is more than that. Over time, weather cycles, moisture, freeze-thaw conditions, UV exposure, and wear & tear slowly expand even the strongest concrete. Without regular seasonal maintenance, what started as an investment in durability can turn into a liability.
At Potrykus Construction, we see this frequently. Local climate shifts from winter snow & salt to summer heat, and fall leaves create unique stresses on your concrete surfaces. By maintaining a seasonal maintenance plan, you can protect your investment, maintain curb appeal, and avoid costly repairs in the future
Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters
Mean it’s maintenance-free. Over time, exposure to changing weather, moisture, temperature extremes, and daily use takes a toll on even the strongest concrete. Seasonal maintenance helps prevent small issues from becoming big, expensive problems while keeping your concrete strong, safe, and looking its best all year long.
- Protects against weather damage
- Prevents thaw cracking
- Maintains safety and appearance
- Protects long-term investments
Seasonal Breakdown: What You Should Do:
Winter:
- Make sure to clear the snow with a plastic shovel or snow blower; this will avoid scratching the surface. VS metal shovel can damage the concrete
- Avoid any harsh chemicals, avoid using rock salt or de-icing chemicals containing nitrate or ammonium sulfate
Spring:
- After the snow melts, be sure to inspect the concrete for any new damage, such as cracks or spalling
- Wash off any of the remaining salt or debris, and at this time, you can reapply sealer if it is needed
- Ensure the drainage is functioning like the gutters/downspouts, and no pooling on slabs
Summer:
- Check for signs of heat stress: discoloration, surface scaling, and expansion joint gaps.
- Apply or inspect UV-resistant sealers for decorative or high-traffic concrete.
- Recommend shading or cooling measures for outdoor slabs that may otherwise overheat.
- Avoid parking heavy machinery or vehicles on newly installed or poorly cured slabs during extreme heat.
Fall:
- Remove all leaves, debris, and clean the slab surfaces
- Check for any cracks or damage that may have formed over the summer, and be sure to patch them before winter as the ground freezes. This will help prevent water from coming in and expanding it
- Re-seal the concrete surfaces if needed. Fall’s moderate temperature and lower humidity make it ideal.
The Benefits of Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal maintenance can be beneficial for many reasons, which include:
- Protect the value and appearance: Keeping up with maintenance during the seasons can significantly help the property’s value for the future
- Reduces future costs: Keeping up to date with the concrete will save you money in the long run
- Increases safety: Cleaning and repairing uneven or slippery surfaces, such as those caused by moss, algae, or cracks, reduces trip hazards and improves pedestrian safety.
- Easier cleaning: Keeping it clean throughout all seasons will make it less of a hassle in the future and prevent as much cleaning
Potrykus Construction Can Help
Don’t wait until your concrete shows major signs of damage; keeping up with seasonal maintenance will help benefit everything overall. Fill out our form to get in touch about your concrete surfaces and build a maintenance plan tailored to your needs. Let us help you protect it so you can enjoy it.