Professional concrete installation experts

Concrete Care Guide for Minnesota Homeowners

Following a few simple maintenance steps will help protect your investment and extend the life of your concrete.

Sealing Your Concrete

Sealing concrete at the right intervals helps maintain both its appearance and durability. Sealers protect against moisture and contaminants like deicing chemicals and fertilizers that weaken the surface over time.

Because sealers wear down, regular reapplication is important. We recommend using a penetrating sealer, such as siloxanes or silanes.

Our recommended sealing schedule:

  • The first application should be 1 year after installation
  • Reapply every 3–5 years after that
  • Decorative or stamped concrete may require more frequent sealing

Need help? Contact us about our professional resealing services.

Modern gray house with triple garage and landscaped yard, home exterior design.
Shoveled sidewalk beside tall snowbank in winter

Preventing Winter Damage

Snow, ice, and deicing chemicals can wear down concrete surfaces and affect long-term durability. Because deicers lower the freezing point of water, they can increase freeze-thaw cycles and raise the risk of concrete becoming resaturated during thawing.

The drier you keep your concrete, the fewer problems you will have with it: 

  • Remove snow and ice promptly
  • Avoid using sharp tools that can scratch or chip the surface
  • Do not use salt or harsh deicers
  • Avoid products containing magnesium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and potassium acetate
  • Use sand or grit instead for traction
Concrete Care Guide

General Concrete Maintenance Tips

A little routine maintenance goes a long way in keeping your concrete in good condition.

Cleaning & Upkeep

  • Remove dirt and debris regularly using a broom, blower, or hose
  • Clean stains as soon as possible
  • Use cleaners specifically designed for concrete
  • Avoid harsh acids and household products like dish soap
  • We highly recommend caulking all saw cuts

Protect the Surface

  • Sweep off lawn fertilizers right away since they can damage concrete
  • Avoid leaving metal furniture or pots in one spot for long periods (can cause staining)
  • Be mindful of irrigation systems; hard water can leave rust stains

Water & Drainage

  • Make sure water drains properly away from the surface
  • Avoid letting water or deicing products sit for extended periods
  • Fill cracks larger than ½” with concrete caulk to prevent further damage

Stamped & Decorative Concrete

Stamped and decorative concrete requires a bit of extra attention to maintain its finish.

  • Reseal more frequently to preserve color and surface detail
  • Follow all standard maintenance practices listed above
  • Avoid harsh chemicals that can affect the finish

Schedule Your Concrete Flatwork Estimate 

Thinking about installing new concrete flatwork for your home? Our team makes it easy to get started. Reach out to request a free estimate, and we’ll contact you to schedule a home visit to review your project and discuss design options.

Start Planning Your Project

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