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The Kansas City winter is now in full swing! The thaw and freeze cycle continues… 50º one day, 10º and ice/snow the next. This is definitely the perfect mix of worsening cracks in commercial and residential concrete surfaces, specifically driveways, sidewalks, stairs, garage approaches, and porches. Let’s explore 3 Tips for Reducing Damage to Driveway Cracking.

While concrete may seem like a dense material, it is actually quite porous. Similar to KC’s weather, snow and ice are frequently hitting your driveway, melting and thawing over and over…. the water from this cycle seeps down inside the concrete surface. 

Consequently, when the temperature drops below freezing, the said water that seeps down inside the concrete surface freezes, causing the concrete to expand. The stress this process causes will eventually worsen and causing hazardous uneven concrete surfaces. 

To prevent driveway damage this winter to worsen follow these expert Tips for Reducing Damage to Driveway Cracking: 

Tip #1: Shovel, shovel, and shovel! 

Over the past month, KC has seen its share of snow, so we’re all probably used to getting out the snow shovel. It’s important to get the entire driveway, not just a pathway to the front door, or two tire paths. Any snow left on the concrete driveway will eventually melt and seep into the concrete, as discussed above. 

Each time it snows, take the extra time to clear away the snow from the entire driveway. This will allow for less damage on your concrete driveway. If cracks are already present, it will reduce the worsening stage; and if you haven’t seen cracks yet, this will help prevent them. Another helpful shoveling tip… be sure to always use a plastic shovel, as a metal snow shovel can scratch and your driveway, especially when the temperatures dip below 30º. 

Tip 2: Avoid Using Deicing Salts on Driveways

Yep, we all see the snow plows dropping tons of deicing salt each time the weather channel murmurs the word snow, however you should not follow this same protocol on your driveway. Obviously deicers work for the purpose of public roadways and parking lots, as they turn ice into slush which is easier to remove. However the salty slush water produced by a deicer can actually cause more harm to the concrete.

The quick reaction time of melting the ice with deicing salts gives water more of an opportunity to infiltrate the concrete. Plus, since salt attracts water, using a deicer can cause your driveway to become even more saturated than it would otherwise be. You have other options for deicing, including: 

• Spreading sand or fine gravel on your driveway won’t melt the snow or ice, but it will help provide traction and halt the water from seeping into the concrete. This is an easy and relatively inexpensive alternative to deicer salt. 
• Protecting your driveway with a salt-resistant sealer. Sealers are a solid solution because they prevent further damage to your concrete by minimizing the amount of water that can seep into the surface after the snow and ice melt.  There are several options for this even at your local hardware store. Here’s an option from Home Depot… 

Tip #3: Repair Uneven and Cracking Concrete

There are times when the damage to your concrete is already causing trip hazards, so the final tip is repairing the cracks. Just how can you find the right concrete repair company within the KC area? PolyMagic has over 70 5-star reviews for their polyjacking services. See additional information on the difference in mudjacking and polyjacking and know how PolyMagic can help you! 

When considering companies to repair your uneven concrete, it’s important to be aware of the lingo. Do you know the difference between mudjacking and the newest and most efficient process on the market – polyjacking? It’s important to at least know the basics so you can better interact with your potential concrete repair company. Companies like PolyMagic take the time to actually speak with you and explain the process that will best suit your needs. They respect your time and will only offer the best solution. Let’s check out the Top 3 Reasons Why Polyjacking is Most Effective:

#1: Cost Effective – Concrete raising is typically about 33% less than replacing the same concrete. Ultimately, the cost of raising or stabilizing concrete is a direct reflection of how much leveling material the project will require. The experienced team at PolyMagic is equipped to offer a free estimate and walk you through each step of the process for the most cost effective solution that fits your needs.

#2: Time – Polyjacking has very little ‘rest’ time compared to other processes, such as mudjacking. You will experience little to no down time. This is great for the high traffic areas around your house – concrete stairs, driveway, sidewalks, porches, and patios. Less of a construction site to deal with around your house! 

#3: Lightweight – The polyurethane mixture will never lose density. It is permanent and weighs only about 2 pounds per cubic foot. Compared to traditional mudjacking that weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot.

Ready for a quote on our concrete issues? Get started here – free estimates available as soon as next week!