The cold temperatures of winter can cause unnecessary damage to your concrete patio and other outdoor living pieces. If you have a concrete patio, it helps to know how to winterize it. But how do you ensure that your concrete patio can withstand the chilly winter weather?
Preparing your patio for the winter months saves you time and money. Trust our Armor Coatings Co team to help you winterize your patio so your concrete will last and serve you well for decades.
Effects of Winter on Concrete
Although salt works well to deice your concrete patio and create traction during winter, it can cause significant floor damage. Salt lowers the freezing point of water and attracts moisture, potentially causing your concrete to crack and need repair.
Also, when water hits unsealed concrete during winter, it seeps into the concrete surface. The trapped water eventually freezes and expands, causing cracks and other forms of deterioration.
Preventing Concrete Damage Caused by Cold Weather
The best way to prevent damage to your concrete floor caused by winter is to seal it. A high-quality sealer provides the extra protection your concrete patio needs from freezing temperatures, snow, water, chemicals, ice, salt, and other harsh substances.
Sealers also help bring out the natural beauty of your concrete surface and make it easier to clean. But a sealer requires a proper application to work effectively. Trust us at Armor Coatings Co for professional sealer application.
If you care for your floor and adequately winterize your patio, the concrete surface will stay visually appealing, strong, and durable for years to come.
Beyond Concrete
Winterizing your property involves more than just protecting your concrete surface. You also need to prepare other elements of your patio. The following tips will help keep everything on your patio safe from the harsh winter weather and ready for use during warmer weather:
Clean and Store Your Patio Furniture
Before you put away your patio furniture, clean it and give it ample time to dry before packing it up to prevent mold growth while in storage. Use a patio cover, if possible, to prevent the furniture from gathering dust.
Clean Patio Cushions
Manufacturers often make patio cushions from all-weather fabric that can handle moisture. However, your cushions can deteriorate faster when wet, so consider scrubbing them with a soapy sponge and water, then let them dry completely for a couple of days to make sure there’s no moisture.
Once dry, wrap them in a cover, garbage bag, or old sheet and store them indoors.
Clean the Grill
If your grill burns wood or charcoal, empty the ashes and use a metal brush to scrub the grates. If you have a gas grill, disconnect the gas line and safely store the tank in a shed or the garage.
Store Garden Tools and Accessories
Keep your garden tools and accessories out of the snow and moisture by storing them in a shed or garage.
Clean and Store Umbrellas
Clean your umbrellas thoroughly before storing them for the winter in a shed or garage, and ensure it is fully dry before packing them away.
Freshen Up the Patio
It always helps to get dirt and grime off your patio before winter arrives. Power washing or using a hose with an attachment nozzle will remove any dirt and debris, preventing this grime from building up over the winter months.
Keep Using the Patio
If you’re fortunate to live in an area with mild winters, you may still use your patio throughout the winter. Keep everything covered, and consider outdoor patio heaters to keep you warm during those chilly evenings outdoors.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
While string lights work well for outdoor spaces in the summer, you may want to take them down to prepare for winter. Heavy snow or wind may easily damage your lights.
Let Us Help You Winterize Your Patio
Armor Coatings Co has plenty of experience installing patio coatings and sealers. Our attention to detail and drive to exceed customer expectations sets us apart from other concrete coating contractors.
We have the training and experience to provide professional concrete coating services, and each of our technicians strives to deliver the best service possible.
Besides patio coatings, we offer several concrete coating services, including commercial coatings, concrete floor repair, spalling concrete repair, and salt pit removal.
Call us today at (715) 934-9037 to request a free quote and schedule a service to winterize your patio. We look forward to transforming your concrete patio and making it last.