Although snow looks harmless, when it sits on concrete for too long it can cause serious damage. Between freezing temperatures, salt exposure, and Winnipeg’s unpredictable weather, snow is often concrete’s worst enemy.
Is it bad to leave snow on concrete? In short, yes. It can weaken, crack, and shorten the lifespan of your pavement.
At The Whiteout Group, we’ve seen how leaving snow untreated leads to major repair bills. That’s why we help Winnipeg businesses and municipalities protect their surfaces with professional snow-removal services in Winnipeg.
How Snow Affects Concrete
Concrete might seem solid and durable; however, it’s porous and absorbs moisture. As temperatures drop, water refreezes and expands, widening small cracks and creating surface flakes or “spalling.”
The freeze-thaw cycle weakens the surface. Over time, this can result in pitting, crumbling, and even deeper structural fractures.
To make matters worse, salt and de-icing chemicals commonly used in winter can accelerate damage. Because salt lowers the freezing point of water, it can increase the number of freeze-thaw cycles your concrete experiences. Chemical reactions with the surface can also lead to scaling and corrosion.
Leaving snow on concrete doesn’t just look bad, it can eat away at its foundation over time.
Risks of Leaving Snow on Concrete
Leaving snow on concrete has its risks and can lead to requiring emergency snow management in Winnipeg. You have to be careful and hire snow removal services ahead of time. Letting snow sit on concrete can have the following consequences:
Structural Damage
The biggest risk is long-term damage. Repeated freezing and thawing can cause cracks to spread and surfaces to flake, leaving your concrete vulnerable to water infiltration. As the seasons pass, you might have to deal with costly resurfacing or a full replacement.
Safety Hazards
Snow and ice buildup creates dangerous slip-and-fall conditions. Even if the snow melts during the day, it tends to refreeze overnight. This can form thin, invisible layers of ice that pose serious liability risks for property owners.
Costly Repairs
Ignoring snow removal can save time now, but you’ll have to pay for it later. Small cracks can turn into costly repairs. However, replacing damaged concrete can cost thousands more than preventative maintenance ever would.
How to Protect Your Concrete This Winter
You have to take care of your concrete year-round, winter is no exception. Take these proactive steps:
Prompt Snow Removal
Clear snow with proper guidelines as soon as possible after each snowfall. The longer it sits, the more moisture it absorbs into your concrete.
Avoid Salt-Based De-Icers
While salt melts ice quickly, it can corrode the surface. Gentle alternatives like calcium magnesium, sand or kitty litter can offer traction without the chemical damage.
Seal Your Concrete
Before winter arrives, apply a quality concrete sealer to prevent moisture from wreaking havoc. It’s a small investment that can make your pavement last that much longer.
Professional Maintenance
Opting for professional snow removal is the proper and safe way to clear your lot without damaging the concrete underneath. Trained crews can use the right snow removing equipment and techniques to protect your property even during the harshest storms.
When your parking lot or sidewalks are starting to wear out, don’t wait until spring to fix them. The Whiteout Group offers professional snow removal and winter maintenance services to keep Winnipeg properties safe all season long. Let us keep your concrete safe while you focus on your business.
Deciding if Snow Removal is Worth It
Many property owners are hesitant to invest in professional snow removal. However, the numbers speak for themselves. Routine snow clearing is more affordable than replacing cracked concrete or paying for slip-and-fall claims.
Snow removal is convenient, but is also a form of preventative maintenance that protects your investment and property’s reputation.
Protect Your Concrete Before It’s Too Late
Is it bad to leave snow on concrete? Yes! The longer snow sits, the greater the risk of cracking, corrosion and costly repairs. Winnipeg winters are tough and at The Whiteout Group, we get that. Choose our property maintenance and professional removal services to keep your concrete strong, safe and looking its best for years to come.
Don’t wait for damage to appear. Contact us today to winterize your property!
