by Mazza Concrete | Nov 28, 2015 | Concrete, Driveways, Maintenance
Since winter is approaching, it is time to start preparing for winter maintenance of your concrete surfaces. Here are some helpful tips for the winter to take into consideration:
- Products containing ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate should never be used since these will break down even the most durable masonry materials.
- Concrete sidewalks and steps should be at least six months old, otherwise they can be severely damaged by deicing products.
- To provide better traction use sand in combination with a deicer or by itself.
- Applying deicers near areas of vegetation can potentially harm plant life if strong enough concentrations build up in the soil
Since repeated use of deicing products can cause damage, here are some suggestions to help speed melting and minimize damage to your concrete if you really must use them:
- Before applying, shovel and remove as much snow and ice as possible.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety.
- Apply the product away from the base of the building.
- Apply the product sparingly in the area of highest foot traffic.
- Assist the melting process by shoveling and removing snow and slush, especially away from the building.
- In the spring, wash down sidewalks, building bases, and areas near vegetation to help disperse the residue of the product.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about concrete maintenance in Rochester, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 16, 2015 | Concrete, Maintenance
Did you know that the use of salts and/or deicing products may damage your concrete surfaces?
The American Concrete Institute (ACI 302), the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA, CIP-2) and many product manufacturers issue warnings against the use of salt, calcium chloride, fertilizers, and/or commercially prepared de-icing chemicals on concrete surfaces. Use of these products can aggravate freeze-thaw damage, causing the concrete surface to flake, spall or peel off. Any product containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate will chemically destroy the concrete surface & should never be used on a concrete surface. The use of deicing products is not recommended in the first year of newly placed concrete slab(s) and should be used sparingly in subsequent years. For safety, the use of clean traction sand is recommended where icy conditions exist.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about concrete maintenance services in Bloomfield Township, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 13, 2015 | Concrete, Maintenance
The amount of cleaning you will need to do on your concrete surface will largely depend on the conditions the concrete is exposed to year around. After months of exposure to foot or vehicle traffic and the environment, all concrete surfaces can use a good cleaning.
Although small cracks in concrete may not seem like a big deal, they can become more problematic if water or deicing salts are allowed to enter and freeze-thaw expansion occurs. There are several great products available for fixing minor cracks.
Lastly, a fresh coat of the right sealer will improve concrete’s resistance to water, sun exposure, freezing temperatures and deicing salts. This is especially good because sometimes deicing agents can cause damage to your concrete. It will also make the concrete easier to clean the following year.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about residential concrete repair in Oakland County, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Dec 16, 2014 | Driveways, Maintenance, Sidewalks
If you must use a deicing product to clear snow or ice from your concrete surface, please take these tips into consideration:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety.
- Before applying, shovel and remove as much snow and ice as possible.
- Apply the product sparingly in the area of highest foot traffic.
If you would like more information about concrete maintenance in West Bloomfield Township, MI, and surrounding areas please contact Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Dec 13, 2014 | Maintenance
Here are a few more tips to help you avoid damaging your concrete surfaces (and surrounding areas) this winter:
- Applying deicers near areas of vegetation can potentially harm plant life if strong enough concentrations build up in the soil
- To provide better traction use sand in combination with a deicer or by itself.
If you would like more information about concrete surface winter maintenance in Oakland Township, MI, and surrounding areas please contact Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
