Your driveway is exposed to the elements all year long. While the concrete may feel like it is baking in the summer, it can get dangerously cold in the winter. That is why you need to make sure that you are working to protect your concrete driveway this winter.

Protect Your Driveway This Winter By Sealing It

Start by protecting your driveway before the winter even starts. You can take measures in the fall before the first snow. Various concrete seals can be applied. These seals can give your driveway an added layer of necessary protection from the cold, snow and ice.

Keep Your Calgary Driveway Safe By Removing Snow Promptly

You should also work hard to protect your concrete driveway with fast snow removal. You should never leave snow and ice on your driveway for very long. The weight of snow and ice can be problematic and lead to cracking and shifting. If possible, snow should be cleared from the edges of the driveway as well. This can prevent too much moisture from seeping beneath your concrete.

Your Driveway Will Be Safer With The Right Tools

Snow removal should always be completed with the best tools for the job. It is important to have a good shovel or snowblower that will not damage the concrete while clearing the snow. Moreover, be careful when using sand or salt. These substances can cause degradation in your driveway.

Hire a Professional to Keep Your Driveway Pristine This Winter

There are a lot of considerations for protecting your driveway this winter. If you really want to see the best results, you should think about hiring a professional. A professional can apply the right seals and employ the best tools for your driveway.

Apex Concrete is ready to take your outdoor space to the next level. As a professional concrete company in Calgary, we know how to customize our services to suit your style and taste. All year round, Apex Concrete is here to help you. Call us today at 403-333-6633.

Are you looking for a decorative finish for your driveway? Consider exposed aggregate. This type of concrete is durable and adds a “wow” factor to your home or business. Here’s what you need to know about exposed aggregate concrete.

What is Exposed Aggregate?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a type of finish that involves pouring concrete with aggregate added. The outer layer is then sanded back to reveal the beautiful natural texture of the stones, pebbles, shells, slate, or other material embedded in the concrete.

What Surfaces are Ideal for Exposed Aggregate?

With its durable and skid-resistant nature, exposed aggregate is an ideal choice for just about any part of your home or business. Pathways, driveways, pool areas, patios, polished internal floors, and alfresco areas are some of the great places to incorporate this material. It also works well for vertical applications, such as architectural building facades, decorative retaining walls, and sound barrier walls.

Advantages of Exposed Aggregate from Concrete Companies

Exposed aggregate concrete offers many benefits for residential and commercial properties. There is a huge selection of styles to choose from when you visit a concrete company.

If you need a specific pattern, colour, or texture to complement your existing building, you’ll probably find it. Exposed aggregate is also durable and strong, with little maintenance required. It can handle foot and vehicle traffic as well as extreme weather conditions.

It’s also slip-resistant which makes it a great choice for any area where people or vehicles are prone to slips or skids, such as around a pool.

Finally, exposed aggregate from a concrete company is visually appealing. It makes a surface highly distinctive with its striking effect and can give your space a modern, luxurious feel.

Now that you know the basics, a concrete company can help you learn more or take advantage of exposed aggregate for yourself.

Concrete doesn’t demand a lot; it’s a low-maintenance option that’s ideal for all kinds of applications. Even so, proper care helps maximize the lifespan of concrete. Here’s how to protect your concrete investment for the long haul.

5 Ways To Protecting Your Concrete Investment

Clean Your Concrete

Regular cleaning helps keep concrete looking its best and removes debris from the surface that can cause unnecessary wear. Use a power washer to get rid of build up and debris. Make slow, even passes, and avoid holding the spray in one spot for too long. It’s also important to avoid harsh chemicals which are often unnecessary for cleaning and can damage the concrete.

Remove Stains Promptly

Gasoline, oil, grease, and other spills can leave nasty marks on concrete, so clean spills as quickly as possible. If a stain does set, try using a power washer to remove it or a cleaner designed for concrete. Concrete companies in Calgary can recommend cleaners that are safe for use on concrete.

Get Seal Concrete From Calgary Concrete Contractors

Applying sealer creates a barrier to protect the concrete from spills, chemicals, and the elements. Plan to apply sealer every two to three years. You can seal concrete yourself or have concrete companies in Calgary seal the concrete for you.

Remove Snow from Concrete Properly

Many chemicals for de-icing can break down concrete, even salt is hard on the material. Sand is the safest thing to use when snow hits. Take care when shovelling as well to avoid chipping the surface.

Deal with Cracks with Concrete Contractors

Even with proper care, sometimes cracks occur. Deal with them promptly to avoid further damage. Concrete contractors in Calgary can provide effective crack repair.

Concrete contractors in Calgary can give you a durable surface that requires minimal maintenance, which makes protecting your investment easy.

Patios are a beloved part of summer living, the perfect spot to enjoy dinner, gather with friends, or sit and read. Concrete is the traditional choice for patios, and it’s easy to see why. This versatile material is smooth, clean, and available with a variety of tints and finishes. Plus, you can make it just about any shape you want. If you don’t already have a patio or are ready for an upgrade, check out these ideas for creative concrete patio slabs for inspiration.

Continue reading “Creative Concrete Patios Ideas for Summer”

Decorative and practical, a concrete pathway is a great addition to your property. One benefit of concrete is how little maintenance it requires. Keep your concrete pathways looking great with these simple maintenance tips.

Continue reading “Maintaining Your Concrete Pathways”

One of the favoured choices for driveways, a concrete driveway will give you a strong and durable surface that looks great when done by the right company. In addition, you don’t have to worry too much about the maintenance of the driveway. Calgary concrete driveways typically require maintenance once a year for the best results.

Continue reading “The Pros and Cons of Having a Concrete Driveway in Calgary”

When it comes to décor in the backyard, you have many projects where you could throw out the welcome mat and make your backyard an even more inviting space. Wouldn’t it be cool to have the yard that everyone covets? Since the backyard has become a space where everyone goes to sit, read a book and throw a party with their guests, the importance of making it look cool should come as no surprise.

Continue reading “DIY Concrete Projects To Try in Your Calgary Home”

Before wooden decks became a trendy project 10 years ago, most patios consisted of either stone, brick or concrete patio slabs. Today, many of the homeowners who installed those products years ago have had to replace them because of warped or rotting wood. Either that or they grew tired of the hassle of sealing and staining their deck every couple of years. Here are some reasons to make the upgrade.

Continue reading “3 Reasons Why You Need to Upgrade Your Deck Patio to Concrete This Summer”

Investing in the exterior surroundings of your home is a great way to enhance the style and beauty of your property. Adding driveways, walkways, and patios can accent and tie together your home and yard. Both pavers and concrete slabs have benefits as affordable and attractive outdoor options. Continue reading “Pavers vs. Concrete Slabs: Which is Better?”

Concrete Driveway Calgary One of the benefits of concrete driveways is how little maintenance they require. However, even concrete is not maintenance free, so taking a little time to care for your concrete driveway helps it continue to look great year round.

Continue reading “Tips to Keep Your Concrete Driveway in Mint Condition”