Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Concrete Walkways

Many homes in Michigan feature some type of concrete surface, whether it’s a driveway, patio, or walkway.

But…how much attention is given to these exterior elements?

Most homeowners are typically focused on interior maintenance (such as changing air filters and vacuuming) rather than exterior work, especially during extreme temperature seasons.

Although it’s easy to forget about your concrete, it’s not something that should be neglected. Concrete isn’t indestructible—it will degrade over time, especially if it’s not maintained.

The good news is that concrete doesn’t require a ton of maintenance, and when you stay on top of it, you’re extending its lifespan and maximizing your return on investment.

Here are the critical tasks you should be doing:

Clean Surfaces Once a Month

Cleaning concrete regularly does more than remove unsightly dirt, grime, moss, and mold; it also helps improve curb appeal, extends the lifespan of the concrete, and allows you to spot and correct damage sooner.

Cleaning your concrete walkway is as simple as manually sweeping or using a leaf blower to remove debris. Regular cleanings are even more crucial in the fall because most walkways are littered with leaves; if those leaves are still there when it rains, they’ll stick to the concrete and stain it.

For more thorough cleaning, consider using a pressure washer. Pressure washers can quickly and easily remove embedded dirt, mold, stains, and more.

Important Tip: Pressure washers are not recommended for paver walkways. The joints in between the pavers are filled in with (typically) polymeric sand. Pressure washers can easily dislodge this sand from the joints, which means you’ll have to undergo the labor-intensive process of re-jointing (adding more sand to the joints).

Deal With Stains Sooner Rather Than Later

Rust, oil, mold, mildew, and leaves can stain your concrete walkway over time. It’s best practice to remove these stains as soon as you notice them, or they risk causing permanent damage or discoloration.

Most organic stains can be adequately removed with a pressure washer (again—not recommended for paver walkways). However, rust and oil stains may accumulate at the points where your driveway and walkway intersect, and typically require specialty concrete stain removers. You can purchase degreasers at your local hardware or automotive supply store or seek professional removal services.

Protect Them With a Sealer

You should seal your concrete surfaces at least once every two to five years, although the exact frequency depends on various factors, such as the type of sealer used, the amount of traffic it endures, and other considerations. For instance, a walkway path that leads from your driveway up to your front door likely won’t need to be resealed as often as the sidewalk that intersects your driveway and endures more vehicle traffic.

Resealing your concrete helps enhance its aesthetics and also protects it from moisture, staining, and weathering.

If you’re not sure when or if your concrete was sealed, look out for these signs:

• Water no longer beads up on the surface.
• Color fading and discoloration.
• Spills are absorbed quickly, and staining is more prevalent.
• Cracking and pitting form on the surface.
• Weeds growing in cracks or joints.

The best time to reseal your concrete walkways in a Midwest climate is in either spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate and weather patterns are less extreme. Always plan to seal when there is no rain in the forecast, as you need to let it dry for at least 24 hours (or as per the manufacturer’s recommendations). Make sure to also rope off any area you’ve just sealed to ensure nobody walks on it as it is drying.

Take Caution in the Winter

Between the freeze-thaw cycle and Mother Nature, Midwest winters can be a real grind on your concrete. To help protect your concrete during the winter months:

• Use sand or concrete-safe deicers to reduce slip-and-falls. Never use rock salt to melt snow and ice.
• Use plastic shovels to remove snow. Metal shovels are more likely to damage concrete. The same goes for snowblowers—select one with plastic, not metal, blades.
• Remove snow and ice buildup from concrete surfaces as soon as possible.

Don’t Ignore Cracks

Concrete cracks are often the sign of a larger underlying problem. If left unaddressed, they are only likely to become more expensive and complicated to repair.

Cracks allow water and moisture to seep into the concrete, deteriorating it from the inside out. Water intrusion is especially problematic during the winter because when water seeps into the cracks, it can freeze in lower temperatures, causing the cracks to gradually expand.

Simply put—cracks aren’t going to repair themselves. While property owners may be able to repair some small, minor cracks on their own, larger and more significant cracks, as well as uneven sections of concrete, should always be fixed by a professional.

Schedule Walkway Repairs Today

If you’ve noticed discoloration, cracks, or other surface deterioration in your concrete, now’s the time to repair it. Fixing issues like cracks and uneven areas while they’re still minor can prevent these problems from escalating, which will result in more extensive and expensive repairs.

Detroit Concrete Leveling is proud to be southeast Michigan’s first choice for everything from concrete leveling to crack sealing.

Visit our website for more maintenance resources, or contact us today to schedule any needed repairs.