Commercial Concrete Ready for Winter
As summer winds down in Minnesota, business owners and facility managers know the next season is right around the corner: winter. With snow, ice, freeze-thaw cycles, and road salt all in the forecast, your concrete surfaces will be put to the test. Parking lots, sidewalks, loading docks, and warehouse floors are some of the hardest-working parts of your property—and they’re also the most vulnerable to harsh weather.
The good news? With some proactive planning and attention in the fall, you can extend the life of your commercial concrete, minimize safety risks, and save money on costly repairs come spring. Evenson Concrete Systems, your trusted concrete contractor in MN, has put together these five essential tips for fall concrete maintenance so your surfaces are ready to withstand winter.
Inside the Blog:
Why Fall Is the Best Time for Commercial Concrete Winter Prep
Why Fall Is the Best Time for Commercial Concrete Winter Prep
Fall is the sweet spot for maintenance. The weather is still mild enough for repairs and sealants to cure properly, but cool enough that you’re not battling summer heat. By addressing cracks, drainage, and surface protection now, you’ll safeguard your investment before freezing temperatures and de-icing salts arrive. Waiting until spring often means dealing with expanded cracks, spalling, and water damage that could have been prevented.
At Evenson Concrete Systems, we’ve seen firsthand how commercial concrete winter prep can make the difference between minor upkeep and major reconstruction. Here are five ways to get your concrete ready this season.
1. Inspect and Repair Cracks Early
Concrete naturally develops small cracks over time due to heavy traffic, weight loads, or shifting soil. Left untreated, these cracks allow water to seep in. When winter temperatures drop, that trapped moisture freezes and expands, widening the cracks and causing further deterioration.
Fall action step:
Conduct a thorough inspection of your parking lots, sidewalks, ramps, and interior slabs.
Look for hairline fractures, surface scaling, or joint separation.
Schedule a concrete contractor in MN to seal or repair these areas before the first freeze.
Even minor repairs now can prevent large-scale issues that impact safety and require costly reconstruction later.
2. Check Drainage Around Concrete Surfaces
Pooling water is one of the biggest enemies of concrete in winter. If water sits on the surface or collects near edges, it’s more likely to freeze, expand, and break down your slab. Poor drainage also accelerates erosion underneath the concrete, creating uneven settling and trip hazards.
Fall action step:
Inspect gutters, downspouts, and surrounding landscaping to ensure water flows away from the concrete.
Clear storm drains and catch basins of leaves and debris before snowfall.
If you notice areas where water consistently pools, consult with a contractor to evaluate re-grading or adding drainage solutions.
Good drainage is one of the simplest, most effective steps in fall concrete maintenance.
3. Apply Sealants or Protective Coatings
Concrete is porous, meaning it naturally absorbs water, chemicals, and salts. In Minnesota winters, de-icing products are necessary for safety, but they’re also extremely harsh on untreated surfaces. Sealants act as a barrier, keeping moisture and chemicals from penetrating deep into the slab.
Fall action step:
Schedule professional sealing in the fall so the coating cures in optimal weather.
Choose a high-quality, commercial-grade sealer designed for freeze-thaw conditions.
Consider specialized coatings for high-traffic areas like warehouse floors, loading docks, and entryways.
When applied correctly, sealants can significantly extend the lifespan of your commercial concrete and make it easier to maintain through the winter months.
4. Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal
Your winter maintenance plan should include more than just plowing. Snow and ice removal practices can directly impact the health of your concrete. Using the wrong tools or chemicals can accelerate surface damage, leaving you with repairs in the spring.
Fall action step:
Review your snow removal contract to ensure your provider uses equipment with rubber blades instead of metal that can scrape surfaces.
Stock up on concrete-safe de-icers. Avoid rock salt (sodium chloride), which is especially harsh. Safer alternatives include calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or sand for traction.
Train staff on proper shoveling techniques to avoid chipping or gouging the surface.
Proactive planning ensures you’re not scrambling when the first snow hits—and keeps your surfaces safe for employees, tenants, and customers.
5. Schedule a Professional Concrete Inspection
Even with your best efforts, some issues aren’t always visible to the untrained eye. A professional concrete contractor can identify structural concerns, assess expansion joints, and recommend specific treatments based on your facility’s unique needs.
Fall action step:
Book a fall inspection with a trusted contractor in MN.
Use the inspection to plan a maintenance schedule, address priority repairs, and budget for upcoming work.
Remember: investing in an inspection is far more affordable than dealing with unplanned downtime caused by unsafe or unusable surfaces.
At Evenson Concrete Systems, we pride ourselves on being a proactive partner to business owners and facility managers across Minnesota. Our team is here to evaluate, repair, and protect your surfaces so they remain strong all winter long.
The Cost of Neglecting Fall Concrete Maintenance
If fall prep gets overlooked, the consequences can add up quickly. Here’s what we often see in the spring when surfaces go unmaintained:
Spalling and Scaling: Surface layers flake or chip away due to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Large Cracks: Small cracks expand into wide fractures, allowing more moisture to penetrate.
Uneven Surfaces: Water infiltration and soil movement cause slabs to heave or settle unevenly.
Safety Hazards: Uneven or deteriorated surfaces increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Increased Costs: What could have been a minor repair in the fall becomes a major replacement project in the spring.
Protecting your concrete now is not just about aesthetics—it’s about safety, durability, and financial responsibility.
Partner with a Trusted Concrete Contractor in MN
When it comes to commercial concrete winter prep, experience matters. Evenson Concrete Systems has decades of expertise in helping Minnesota businesses prepare for seasonal challenges. We specialize in:
Parking lot and sidewalk inspections
Crack sealing and joint repair
Concrete sealing and protective coatings
Drainage assessments and solutions
Customized maintenance programs for commercial facilities
Our team understands the unique climate challenges of Minnesota and brings the right solutions to extend the life of your concrete.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Minnesota is tough, but your concrete doesn’t have to suffer. By taking steps now—inspecting, repairing, sealing, planning for snow removal, and scheduling a professional inspection—you’ll be ready for whatever the season brings. Proactive fall concrete maintenance is the best way to protect your investment, keep your property safe, and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Don’t wait until the first freeze to think about your concrete. Book a fall inspection or repair consultation with Evenson Concrete Systems today. Let’s make sure your surfaces are ready to withstand the harsh Minnesota winter.