Are you worried about your concrete floors getting damaged by the harsh winter weather in Waukesha? As temperatures drop and snow piles up, your floors are vulnerable to salt, moisture, and freezing conditions.
At Excel Concrete Coatings, we understand how important it is to protect your concrete surfaces during the colder months. There are steps you can take to maintain their appearance and durability throughout the season. In this article, we’ll share expert tips to safeguard your floors this winter.
After coating their garage floor with a polyaspartic finish, one of our clients noticed a significant reduction in damage from salt and moisture during the harsh winter months. Their floors not only looked great year-round, but they also experienced less cracking and wear, saving them on costly repairs.
Apply a Durable Concrete Coating
One of the most effective ways to protect your concrete floors during the winter months is by applying a high-quality concrete coating.
We recommend using epoxy or polyaspartic coatings for their durability and resistance to moisture. These coatings create a strong, protective barrier that can withstand freezing temperatures, snow, and the damaging effects of road salt.
- Epoxy Coatings: Ideal for heavy-duty areas like garages, epoxy coatings provide excellent protection against moisture and wear.
- Polyaspartic Coatings: These coatings cure quickly, even in low temperatures, and offer superior resistance to moisture, making them perfect for cold winters like those in Waukesha.
Polyaspartic coatings are particularly effective for Waukesha’s cold winters. They cure quickly, even in lower temperatures, and provide a robust shield against moisture. Applying a professional-grade coating helps prevent water penetration, which can lead to cracks and surface damage.
Sarah applied polyaspartic coatings to their garage floor before the first snowfall. After a season of freezing temperatures and road salt, their floors showed no signs of damage or wear.
They were able to maintain the aesthetic and structural integrity of their concrete floors, saving them from costly repairs and additional maintenance.
Seal Your Concrete Floors
- Sealing your concrete floors is a critical step in winterizing your surfaces. A high-quality concrete sealer prevents moisture and salt from being absorbed, which can cause cracking and deterioration. According to expert contractor John Smith, “A properly sealed floor can withstand the harshest winter conditions, keeping it intact for years to come.”
- Sealed floors are much easier to clean when snow or salt is tracked in. The sealer prevents staining and ensures that your floors remain in top condition despite the elements.
- Sealing your floors enhances their durability and extends their lifespan. It helps prevent surface wear, reducing the need for costly repairs in the future.
- We offers sealing services specifically designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial properties in Waukesha. Our team uses industry-leading products to ensure your floors are sealed effectively, keeping them protected all winter long.
Use Rugs or Mats in High-Traffic Areas
During winter, high-traffic areas like entrances, garages, and driveways are exposed to more salt, snow, and moisture.
Placing rugs or mats at doorways helps reduce the amount of debris that enters your home or business, preventing salt and dirt from damaging your floors. Mats also provide extra traction, minimizing the risk of slipping.
Ensure that any mats you use are moisture-resistant and easy to clean. This simple precaution can significantly reduce the wear and tear on your concrete floors.
A local restaurant in Waukesha placed moisture-resistant mats at all their entryways during the winter.
As a result, their floors showed no signs of damage from salt or moisture buildup, and they experienced fewer incidents of slipping near doorways, keeping their customers safe and their floors in great shape.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While it’s tempting to use harsh deicing chemicals to remove ice from your driveway or garage floor, these substances can be harmful to concrete surfaces.
Many deicers contain calcium chloride or other chemicals that can cause surface etching and accelerate wear on untreated concrete. Instead, consider using a gentler ice melt product that is less damaging to your floors.
- Use ice melt products specifically designed for concrete that won’t harm the surface. Magnesium chloride and potassium acetate are gentler on concrete than traditional calcium chloride.
- Overuse of deicing chemicals can cause damage over time. Use them sparingly to prevent unnecessary wear.
One of our clients in Waukesha used magnesium chloride on their driveway instead of calcium chloride. After a harsh winter, their concrete surface showed no signs of etching or damage. The floors remained intact, and they saved on costly repairs.
Pro tip: Consider applying a thin layer of sand or gravel in addition to your ice melt to provide traction without the harsh chemicals. This can help you avoid damaging your concrete while still keeping your surfaces safe.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to preserving the appearance and durability of your concrete floors.
Periodically inspect your floors for signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. If any damage is detected, address it promptly to prevent further deterioration. Scheduling an annual inspection \ ensures that your floors stay in top condition year-round.
- Look for any cracks or chips in the surface. These can allow moisture to seep in, causing further damage during freezing temperatures.
- Small repairs can prevent bigger issues later. It’s easier and cheaper to fix minor cracks than to replace entire sections of flooring.
A commercial client of ours noticed a small crack forming in their garage floor. By scheduling a maintenance inspection, we were able to fix it before it turned into a major issue. The floor remained strong through the winter without further damage.
At Excel Concrete Coatings, we specialize in concrete floor coatings that stand up to Waukesha’s cold winters. Our team has the expertise to help you choose the right solution to protect your floors from winter damage. Whether you’re looking to apply a durable coating, seal your concrete, or get expert advice, we’re here to help you protect your investment and keep your floors looking great all season long.
Call us today at (262)-683-5381 to schedule your consultation and ensure your floors stay protected through the winter!
Greg Beebe owns Excel Concrete Coating, a concrete coating company based outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
