Preparing Your Patio for Winter

Preparing Your Patio for Winter: Complete Protection Guide

Winter's freeze-thaw cycles and moisture can damage concrete patios. Proper preparation prevents costly damage and keeps your patio in good condition. This guide covers the exact steps to protect your patio before winter arrives.

Step 1: Seal Cracks to Prevent Water Entry

Cracks allow water to enter, which freezes and expands, causing further damage. Sealing cracks prevents this cycle.

Why It Matters

• Water enters cracks: Rain and snow melt seep into cracks
• Freezes and expands: Frozen water expands, widening cracks
• Cycle repeats: Each freeze-thaw cycle makes cracks worse
• Prevention stops the cycle: Sealed cracks prevent water entry

How to Seal Cracks

1. Clean cracks thoroughly: Remove all dirt, debris, and loose material
2. Use wire brush: Scrub to ensure clean surfaces
3. For wide cracks (1/4 inch+): Insert backer rod first
4. Apply flexible sealant: Use self-leveling polyurethane sealant (like Sikaflex)
5. Smooth surface: Create even surface with tool or putty knife
6. Allow to cure: Let sealant cure completely before winter

What NOT to Use

• Rigid mortar: Will crack and fail
• Concrete patch: Doesn't expand/contract with temperature
• Caulk: Not durable enough for this application

Step 2: Move Planters (They Trap Moisture)

Planters sitting on concrete trap moisture underneath, which causes problems.

Why Planters Cause Problems

• Trap moisture: Prevent concrete from drying
• Create freeze-thaw cycles: Trapped water freezes and expands
• Cause discoloration: Moisture creates stains and discoloration
• Lead to spalling: Can cause surface flaking

What to Do

1. Remove all planters: Move them off the patio
2. Clean underneath: Remove any dirt or debris left behind
3. Allow to dry: Let the area dry completely
4. Store planters: Store in garage, shed, or protected area

If You Must Leave Planters

If planters must stay on patio:

• Elevate them: Use pot feet or bricks to lift them off surface
• Ensure drainage: Make sure water can drain away
• Check regularly: Ensure no moisture is trapped

Step 3: Don't Use Metal Shovels

Metal shovels damage concrete surfaces during snow removal.

Why Metal Shovels Damage Concrete

• Scrape surface: Metal edges scrape and scratch concrete
• Remove protective layer: Can damage sealer or surface finish
• Create grooves: Repeated scraping creates visible marks
• Weaken surface: Removes the protective "cream" layer

Use Plastic Shovels Instead

• Plastic or poly shovels: Won't scratch or damage surface
• Safe for concrete: Designed to be gentle on surfaces
• Effective: Still remove snow effectively
• Won't damage sealer: Preserves protective coatings

Snow Removal Best Practices

1. Remove snow promptly: Don't let it accumulate
2. Use plastic shovel: Avoid metal at all costs
3. Don't chip ice: Use safe de-icer instead of chipping
4. Push, don't scrape: Push snow rather than scraping surface

Additional Winter Preparation Steps

Clean Before Winter

• Remove all debris: Leaves, dirt, and organic matter
• Clean stains: Address any stains before they set over winter
• Pressure wash if needed: Start winter with a clean surface

Ensure Proper Drainage

• Clear drains: Ensure water can drain away
• Check slope: Make sure water flows away from patio
• Remove blockages: Clear anything blocking drainage

Inspect Before Winter

• Check for damage: Inspect for cracks or problems
• Repair issues: Fix problems before winter makes them worse
• Document condition: Take photos for insurance if needed

The Bottom Line

Preparing your patio for winter requires: sealing cracks to prevent water entry (use flexible polyurethane sealant), moving planters that trap moisture, and using plastic shovels instead of metal (metal damages the surface). These steps prevent freeze-thaw damage and keep your patio in good condition. Don't skip winter preparation—the damage from freeze-thaw cycles compounds each year if not prevented.

Take time in fall to properly prepare your patio. The investment in preparation prevents costly repairs in spring.

Need help preparing your patio for winter? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We can seal cracks, assess condition, and ensure your patio is properly protected for winter.