Winter weather can be tough on your home—and your concrete driveway is no exception. Between freezing temperatures, snow, and the temptation to throw down rock salt, many homeowners unknowingly damage their concrete every year. At JMR Concrete, we want your investment to last, so we’ve put together this guide to help you protect your concrete driveway all season long.
1. Avoid Harmful Deicing Products
It might be convenient to grab the cheapest bag of salt at the hardware store, but using the wrong deicer can ruin your driveway. Here’s what to steer clear of:
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Rock salt (sodium chloride): Common but corrosive. It can cause surface scaling and damage over time.
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Calcium chloride: Less corrosive than rock salt but can still damage concrete, especially if newly poured.
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Ammonium-based products: These are the most damaging and should never be used on concrete.
Better alternatives:
Use sand for traction or consider eco-friendly, concrete-safe deicers labeled for use on driveways and walkways.
2. Seal Your Driveway Before Winter
One of the best ways to protect your concrete is to apply a high-quality sealer before the freeze-thaw cycles begin.
Why seal your concrete?
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It creates a protective barrier against moisture, salt, and snow.
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Reduces the chance of cracks from expanding ice.
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Helps maintain your driveway’s appearance and durability.
For best results, sealing should be done every 2–3 years. If you didn’t seal this fall, schedule it for spring, but take extra precautions in the meantime.
3. Shovel Regularly—But Gently
Snow and ice left sitting on your driveway melt during the day and refreeze at night, putting pressure on the concrete and causing cracks. Shovel often, and:
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Use plastic shovels instead of metal ones to avoid surface scratches.
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Avoid snow blowers with metal augers unless the concrete is fully cured and sealed.
4. Address Cracks and Drainage Now
If your driveway already has small cracks or poor drainage, winter will only make it worse. Water seeps into cracks and freezes, expanding and causing more damage. Before the next big freeze:
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Fill small cracks with a concrete crack filler or patching compound.
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Redirect downspouts so water doesn’t pool on your driveway.
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Regrade edges to improve runoff.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your driveway, we can inspect it for free and recommend preventative solutions.
Protect Your Investment with JMR Concrete
Whether you’re maintaining an older driveway or planning a new one, JMR Concrete is here to help you through the seasons. We specialize in high-quality residential concrete services across the Maryland area and offer expert advice every step of the way.
📞 Call us at (240) 299-4639
📧 Email: drewmcginnis@jmrconcrete.com
Don’t let winter sneak up on your driveway—protect it now and extend its life for years to come.