Wohlwend Concrete Blog

Why You Should Schedule Any Repairs for Concrete Stairs Before Winter

Have you noticed any weaknesses in your home or business’ outdoor steps? If so, it is essential to schedule any repairs or replacements before the cold weather hits. Cracks and scaling can become even worse with cold weather, snow, and ice and could even create unsafe conditions. Here at Wohlwend Concrete, we are the experts in concrete stairs for Vadnais Heights and the surrounding areas and can prepare your concrete for the months ahead.

concrete stairs Vadnais Heights

First of all, when it comes to heavily trafficked areas of your home or business, like steps, it is essential to enlist the help of experts. The ones here at Wohlwend Concrete are here to help with all your concrete construction and repair needs. We specialize in concrete stairs for both residential and commercial clients in the Twin Cities area, and we are dedicated to supplying the best possible workmanship and reliability.

Below freezing temperatures, ice and snow can all potentially damage exterior concrete and concrete stairs. The most popular explanation for the concrete cracking is the freeze-thaw cycle in the winter. Because concrete can be porous, water from rain or snow can seep below the surface, freeze, expand, and then contract when the water thaws. This expansion and contraction over the fall and winter will cause the concrete to flake or even crack. 

And what do you do when the first snowflake falls on your front steps? Spread salt of course. Salt can contribute to cracking and scaling of concrete stairs and walkways. So, when it’s time to de-ice your concrete steps, you want to make sure you don’t use the old standbys like rock salt or sodium chloride. Rock salt itself won’t damage your concrete steps, but the rapid heating and then refreezing can. Taking a few minutes to shovel your concrete steps and fully clear them of slush and ice could save you a world of hassle and money in the long run. It is also important to make sure your steps are in good condition in the first place prior to the first snowfall. Have any cracks or scaling taken care of before winter in order to ensure safer, more predictable conditions.

The proper installation and repair of your concrete stairs by trusted professionals like those at Wohlwend Concrete is essential to preventing any cracks and damage this winter. While there is no way to guarantee concrete won’t crack, there are measures that can be taken such as contraction joints, sealing and more.

In need of new steps? Concrete stairs are durable, affordable, and long-lasting. They require little maintenance and can stand up to fluctuating temperatures throughout the seasons if installed correctly.

Ready to schedule repairs or replacement of your concrete stairs before winter? For professional repairs or information on concrete stairs in the Vadnais Heights area, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for a Free Quote Request.


The Versatile Beauty of Concrete Porch Steps

Most steps are built for function rather than beauty. But it doesn’t have to be that way. What if your porch steps were designed specifically to complement your home and to add to its curb appeal? The professionals at Wohlwend Concrete can do just that. We specialize in concrete porch steps for St. Paul area homes and businesses and can create beautiful steps that will fit your aesthetic and last for years to come. 

Some may not conjure the word ‘beauty’ when they think of concrete steps. But it’s true! Concrete porch steps can be built to make a statement, to make accessibility easier, to add visual appeal or to simply make a small porch appear larger. All of this can be done with the right design, quality materials and experienced concrete professionals. 

Concrete Steps & Sidewalk Staining MN

Steps don’t have to be ordinary! 

Porch staircase embellishments can add extra appeal that won’t go unnoticed. Unique techniques like stamping and staining can not only look beautiful but last almost indefinitely with little maintenance. Concrete porch steps can be stained in colors to suit your own style and decor to add lots of curb appeal.

Concrete can add a touch of elegance. 

Choose front porch steps that are as wide as possible for added elegance and grandeur. This can make a small porch seem larger, a large porch more grand, and will often enhance the look of any home. 

Ready to get started? 

Give us a call and we can help design the perfect concrete porch steps to match a specific design or specific needs. The process is a quick and easy one! We will talk to you about what you want and your desired time frame and budget. We will then come to your home and remove the damaged area. From there, we will prepare the area for construction and take all of the necessary measures to ensure you are getting the highest quality concrete steps, such as compacting the soil and putting in steel reinforcements. Finally, we will pour the concrete and perform any finishing touches that are needed.

Enhance your home’s curb appeal or the appearance of your business property by hiring us for concrete porch step repair or installation today! For more information about concrete porch steps in St. Paul and the surrounding areas, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or Contact Us to get a free quote. We look forward to working with you!


Top Signs You Need Masonry Work Done

If your house or commercial building has brick or stone walls, you’ll need to hire a masonry contractor at some point in its lifetime. Especially here in Minnesota, where exposure to the elements can significantly damage the brick or stone wall structure over time, this can be especially true. Most masonry-related issues are caused by a concept known as “settlement.” This is when the soil surrounding your home experiences shrinking. In Minnesota, this is very common because of the freezing and thawing cycle we experience. The thaw causes settling to happen much faster as soil turns to mud in the spring before the summer heat has a chance to dry it out.

Masonry Contractor Roseville

Issues like settling can lead to disastrous consequences for you as a homeowner or business owner. Anything from water infiltration, to extreme loss of heat, to foundation problems can make your house or commercial building unsafe. That is why it is so important to know the signs of masonry wear and tear. Here at Wohlwend Concrete, we are the trusted masonry contractor for Roseville and the surrounding areas and can address any masonry issues: old or new. So, when you see any of the following signs, don’t hesitate to give us a call. 

Vertical cracks. This kind of crack can be normal and is a function of natural expansion. However, the problem with vertical cracks is that they’ll let water seep in during heavy rains, leading to bulging brick or, if left unfixed, damage to the inner wall. This is a fairly simple fix for an experienced masonry contractor.

Bulging brick. This is when the bricks in the outer wall either jut out or cave in around a certain area. This is caused by moisture that has seeped in behind it. That moisture either warps the concrete and the bricks and forces them to push out or sink in. A masonry contractor like ours can remove the affected bricks, assess and fix the damage behind them and then replace the masonry to rebuild that section of the outer wall.

Mortar deterioration. This is when the mortar between bricks starts to buckle or disintegrate. With no healthy buffer between bricks, they start to loosen up and rub against each other causing damage and warping. A masonry contractor can simply replace or reinforce the mortar, known as tuck pointing.

These are just some of the major signs your building could be in need of a masonry contractor. To learn more about hiring our masonry contractor for your Roseville area home or business, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610, or you can contact us and request a Free Estimate.


Getting the Facts About Concrete Step Repair

With increased time spent at home, you may have noticed a few projects around the house that need to be addressed. One popular project, especially this time of year, is concrete step repair. Are your steps an eyesore? Have you noticed cracked or uneven concrete? Is it a dangerous feat getting up and down your back or front steps? Then it is likely time for concrete step repair. Roseville area residents and business owners have trusted Wohlwend Concrete for all of their concrete construction and repair projects for years and we are here to help you get the concrete repairs you need. 

concrete step repair Roseville

For any home or business owner, curb appeal is important. While landscaping or paint can help freshen up the exterior, crumbling concrete steps, a cracked sidewalk or driveway can minimize the property’s safety and aesthetic appeal. Luckily, these don’t always require full replacement; simple repairs can often help get your home back in tip top shape. By contacting the experts at Wohlwend Concrete you can ask what can be done with a specific concrete issue and determine if you can resurface or patch a trouble spot, versus the expense of ripping up and replacing an area. Have some problem steps? Here is some more information about concrete step repair and when you’re ready, give us a call and we can get your concrete step repair project underway!

Although concrete steps are durable, the corners are vulnerable to chipping and breakage. One of the most common concrete repair problems is broken edges or corners of concrete steps. For professionals like those at Wohlwend Concrete, this can be an easy fix. 

Concrete step repair is such a simple part of maintenance, and it can have serious payoff potential. Not only will your stairs be safer, but they will look like new. Without concrete step repair, the hazards are more than just those of tripping or ugly cracks. Often, crumbling, cracking or separating concrete steps make an entrance for water and rainfall to start eating away at the soil surrounding your foundation, creating pockets of water and shifting soil. Combined, those issues can cause your foundation to slip or settle in ways that crack or damage your foundation.

So don’t delay on even the most minor concrete step repairs! Contact the experts at Wohlwend Concrete and we can let you know what your steps will need to get them back looking and functioning the way they should.

Are you interested in getting some more information about concrete step repair on your Roseville area property? Give Wohlwend Concrete a call at 651-426-2610 or Request a Free Quote.


Why You Should Choose Concrete Patio Stairs for Your Backyard Oasis

Looking to take your outdoor oasis to the next level? Then concrete patio stairs are an essential! If long lasting, good looking steps are what you’re looking for, concrete is the way to go. When you work with Wohlwend Concrete we can even customize your new concrete patio steps to ensure they work beautifully with your patio and overall landscape design. They are also very durable, so you will be able to rely on these sturdy steps for years to come. 

concrete patio stairs golden valley

Wohlwend Concrete is the trusted name in concrete patio stairs for Golden Valley and the surrounding areas and we are here to tell you more about why they will make such an excellent addition to your home and patio.

First of all, your concrete patio stairs will be relatively low-maintenance. They can be cleaned off with a broom or a hose. They won’t rot or be home to little critters, like wood steps can be. Also, concrete is a durable, long-lasting product. Concrete can stay intact for 30 to 40 years or longer. It is the ideal choice for constructing steps. As a professional Minneapolis concrete steps expert, Wohlwend Concrete will be able to provide you with these low-maintenance steps usually within a day.

And with concrete patio stairs from Wohlwend Concrete you will also have the ability to customize them completely. We will work with you plan a set of steps that works best for you. You will be able to determine the amount of steps you need, how high you want them and more.

Some patios may only need a few steps to get up to the landing, and others may need a full staircase; whichever it is we can create the perfect set of stairs for you. You will also be able to determine the look of your concrete steps. You can get them embellished with stone, brick, stamped or other custom options to create a unique look for your home. Wohlwend Concrete is able to stain and seal the concrete addition to your home, giving it longevity and added protection. 

At Wohlwend Concrete we understand how important it is to have concrete patio stairs that can stand up to the test of time. Even in the face of fluctuating temperatures and precipitation, our steps are built to last with the proper care and maintenance. So increase your curb appeal and rest easy knowing you chose the absolute best product for your new stairs. 

To learn more about concrete patio stairs for your Golden Valley area home, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or Contact Us to get a free quote.