5 Essential Concrete Maintenance Steps for Spring

Posted on 3/28/2025

Plus Expert Tips from Suzio York Hill

As winter comes to a close and the warmth of spring begins to melt the cold, now is the ideal time to evaluate/inspect your property’s outdoor concrete surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, slabs, and retaining walls. Winter can be tough on concrete, with the freeze-thaw cycle, salt, and heavy moisture taking a toll. As temperatures rise, it's important to focus on concrete maintenance to ensure your concrete surfaces remain in good condition and continue to perform well for years to come.

Here are some essential steps and insider tips for concrete care as spring arrives:

1. Clean Your Concrete Surfaces

After a long, harsh winter, your concrete surfaces may have accumulated dirt, grime, salt, and other residues. Salt-based products used to melt ice (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride) are especially damaging to concrete, leading to surface deterioration. This salt scaling erodes the surface of the concrete over time, weakening the concrete’s structure and leaving it vulnerable to chipping and staining.

Suzio York Hill Tip: Use a pressure washer or scrub the surface with a mild detergent solution to remove dirt and stains. For tougher stains, a specialized concrete cleaner might be necessary. Make sure to rinse the surface well after cleaning to remove any leftover chemicals.

2. Inspect for Cracks and Damage

Winter’s freeze-thaw cycle can cause small cracks to appear in your concrete surfaces. These cracks allow moisture to seep into the concrete, which can lead to further deterioration, especially as temperatures fluctuate. Inspect driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other concrete surfaces for visible cracks or holes.

Suzio York Hill Tip: Fill small cracks, typically between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch wide, with a high-quality concrete filler. Small cracks that are left untreated can become larger over time, which may lead to costly repairs. If cracks are large or extensive, consider consulting a professional to assess and repair the damage.

3. Seal Your Concrete

Once your concrete surface is clean and dry, apply a high-quality concrete sealer to the surface. This is one of the most effective ways to protect concrete from seasonal damage, creating a protective layer that prevents water, dirt, stains, and UV rays from penetrating the concrete’s surface. This is especially important after winter, when concrete may have absorbed moisture during the colder months.

Suzio York Hill Tip: For added protection, consider using a penetrating sealer that soaks into the concrete’s surface to provide deeper protection.

4. Prevent Future Damage with Proper Drainage

Poor drainage can cause water to pool, freeze, and damage concrete surfaces over time. Ensure that your concrete surfaces are sloped correctly and that gutters and downspouts direct water away from the surface as part of your regular concrete maintenance.

Suzio York Hill Tip: Check the grading around your concrete surfaces to make sure water flows away from them. Adding a bit of extra crushed stone or re-grading the surface may help prevent future water damage.

5. Choose High-Quality Concrete from Suzio York Hill

One of the best ways to ensure your concrete surfaces are durable and long-lasting is by starting with the highest-quality concrete materials and installation. At Suzio York Hill, we offer premium concrete products that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and perform exceptionally well for years. Our ready-mix concrete is made with the finest materials, ensuring consistent quality and superior strength, which can make a huge difference in the long-term durability of your concrete surfaces.

Proper concrete maintenance post-winter is essential to preserving the longevity and appearance of your concrete surfaces. Cleaning, repairing cracks, sealing, and ensuring proper drainage are key steps in protecting your concrete as the seasons change. Set yourself up for easier concrete maintenance and long-lasting, durable concrete surfaces by using high-quality concrete from Suzio York Hill.

Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, taking these concrete care steps now can save you time and money in the future. For all your concrete needs, trust Suzio York Hill to deliver top-tier materials that will stand the test of time.