Category: Steve’s Q&A
Understanding Concrete Damage: Is It the Ice Melt, the Seal, or the Concrete Itself?
When concrete starts showing signs of wear—such as scaling, pitting, or surface flaking—it’s natural to look for something to blame. Often, ice melters are the first suspect. But determining whether...
Understanding Scored Concrete: Safety and Durability in Freeze-Thaw Conditions
Scoring or texturing concrete steps is often recommended to reduce the risk of slipping, especially in icy or wet conditions. It’s a practical safety measure, but it raises an important...
Can Safe Paw or Safe Thaw Damage Precast Concrete?
Precast concrete is popular for steps, walls, walkways, and other installations due to its durability and ease of manufacturing. But when winter arrives, homeowners and property managers often ask: Can...
How Does the Age of Concrete Affect Its Resistance to Freeze-Thaw Damage?
Concrete is known for its durability—but like everything else, it ages. And with age comes vulnerability. Over time, even the strongest concrete begins to lose its ability to resist freeze-thaw...
What Is the Typical Lifespan of Exterior Concrete Like Stairs?
When you look at a concrete staircase, especially one exposed to outdoor conditions, you might assume it’s built to last forever. But even the toughest materials have limits. For exterior...
What Factors Determine Whether Damaged Concrete Needs Resurfacing or Full Replacement?
When concrete shows signs of surface damage—like pitting, popping, or scaling—it’s easy to panic and assume a complete replacement is needed. But in many cases, especially when freeze-thaw cycles are...
If Concrete Is Well Maintained, Yet It Was Damaged—Was the Product at Fault?
When concrete damage appears after winter, it’s natural to search for the cause. And if a contractor claims the concrete was well maintained, it might seem like the ice melt...
Why Resurfacing is Often Better Than Replacing Scaled Concrete
Not all concrete damage is created equal. When winter weather and freeze-thaw cycles expose weaknesses in concrete surfaces, the result is often scaling—a condition where the top quarter-inch or so...
Why Test Safe Paw on a Small, Inconspicuous Area First, Even on Sealed or Older Concrete?
The Importance of Testing Ice Melt Products on Concrete Surfaces Even when using products like Safe Paw and Safe Thaw, which are designed to be safe for concrete, it’s advisable...