Wohlwend Concrete Blog

Garage Apron Repairs & Replacement: A Lesser Known Essential

Published May 18, 2020 | Wohlwend Concrete

Here at Wohlwend Concrete, we are experts in all things concrete. We have experience in a wide variety of masonry and concrete projects for both residential and commercial clients. And, one of the most common, not to mention important repairs, has got to be the joint between the garage and the driveway; the garage apron. If you’ve ever experienced issues with yours, you know it isn’t exactly a pleasant experience. That’s why, here at Wohlwend Concrete, we are here to make the professional, lasting repairs needed for a dependable concrete garage apron for your Twin Cities home.

Why do damages to the garage apron occur in the first place? The garage apron can be susceptible to damage if it has not been constructed correctly in the first place or if it does not seal properly. That’s why we take this project so seriously and ensure the best possible construction for every concrete garage apron we install.

When driveways are installed up to the edge of the garage floor, settling occurs due to water drainage between the floor and the driveway. This over time, causes deterioration of the foundation support blocks under the floor which can lead to a more serious problem. So, when you notice the absence of an apron or an issue with your existing concrete garage apron, it is important to schedule the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

What do damages to the concrete garage apron look like? Have you noticed cracks, gaps, erosion, sinkholes, or heaving around your old driveway joint? If so, then it may be time for concrete garage apron repair or replacement.

Who should you hire to make these repairs? Your garage apron is a delicate part of your driveway that should only be repaired by the experts. Don’t fall into the trap of hiring a repair company that has minimal experience tackling these difficult repair jobs. Instead, partner with the professionals at Wohlwend Concrete with the experience necessary to install for you a dependable concrete garage apron.

Concrete is the perfect material for a variety of projects and is especially great for outdoor applications like these. As the weather warms up, it increasingly becomes a great time of year to install a new long lasting concrete garage apron. So, don’t put off this essential service any longer! If there is noticeable damage to where your driveway and garage floor come together, give us a call for concrete garage apron repair.

Would you like to learn more about a concrete garage apron for your Twin Cities area home? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or Contact Us.

Outdoor Concrete Projects to Consider this Spring

Published April 15, 2020 | Wohlwend Concrete

While this spring may be a little different than most, it can still be a good time to tackle some much-needed home improvement projects. After all, the safety of your property is still essential. And, new concrete construction including concrete porch steps, sidewalks and other projects not only provide a better looking walkway but a safer one as well. We have been itching all winter long to install concrete steps, walkways and driveways. When you’re ready to install a project on your property, contact our team; we are the trusted name in concrete including concrete porch steps for Minneapolis and the entire Twin Cities area.

Are your current front or back porch steps cracked or crumbling? Concrete porch steps could be an ideal project for you this spring. There are many reasons why concrete is a superior choice for your home’s porch steps. Here are just a few of the benefits of installing them:

Concrete steps are visually appealing, and can be made more so with the addition of embellishments.
One of the most durable types of steps you can add to the outside of your home are concrete steps.
Concrete steps are easy to maintain and repair, if need be.
Concrete steps give you quality at an affordable price. Concrete is more affordable than other materials used in steps construction, making it a budget-friendly choice.
And more.

New, improved and safer sidewalks are another project you can tackle. If your concrete steps or sidewalk is in really bad shape, you should definitely call us as soon as possible to get them fully replaced. You don’t want anyone to be walking in or out of your home, step on them and have them give away.

Concrete is the perfect material for a variety of projects and is especially great for outdoor applications. As the weather warms up, it increasingly becomes a great time of year to install long lasting, beautiful concrete. Some other great concrete projects include:

Patios
Pool decks
Poured walls
Garage aprons
Driveways
Curbs
And more

We can’t wait to improve the Twin Cities, one concrete project at a time! Are you interested in starting one of these exciting concrete construction projects? For more information on concrete construction including concrete porch steps for your Minneapolis home, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us to set up a Free Estimate.

Solutions in Concrete Step Repair

Published March 11, 2020 | Wohlwend Concrete

Uneven concrete steps can be unsightly and can pose a danger to your family, neighbors, and visiting friends. The experts here at Wohlwend Concrete can restore your uneven steps. We are the experts in concrete step repair for the Twin Cities and whatever the level of damage, we have the perfect solution to solve your specific problem. Here is some more information about common issues with concrete steps and how we can fix them.

When it comes to outdoor steps, concrete is a great choice in terms of both function and durability. Concrete steps look good and they are solid and strong, allowing them to support all kinds of weight. But after some time, there are issues that can arise. They are often laid after the foundation of the home, making it possible for your concrete steps to settle differently than the foundation. Without concrete step repair, the hazards are more than just ugly cracks; it can become dangerous as well. Ignoring concrete step repairs only leads to quicker deterioration of surfaces. Sudden trauma can create large damages, but usually, damages start out small and then grow into something more. Some common causes for concrete step repair include:

Cracking
Discoloration
Stains
Flaking
Crazing
Structural damage
And more

Do you have concrete steps that are cracked or crumbling? We can repair them! Depending on the extent of damage, we can let you know if small repairs can be made to problem areas or if a full replacement is necessary. Either way, we will get your steps looking and functioning much better! They will also be safer to go up and down.

You will probably be surprised how affordable concrete steps leveling and repair can be. There really is no other more cost-effective way to fix the steps. We take great care to pay attention to the smallest of details when we repair or install your concrete steps. We keep our prices fair and reasonable, and we treat all of our clients with the utmost respect and courtesy.

Don’t live with hazardous steps, let our team perform professional concrete step repair and fix them for you! For concrete step repair, you definitely want to rely on professionals. Concrete construction, especially steps, is no simple do-it-yourself job. Concrete work performed by inexperienced hands can lead to uneven steps, cracks and other issues.

To learn more about concrete step repair for your Twin Cities home or business, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for a free quote.

Damages to Concrete Steps in Winter

Published January 30, 2020 | Wohlwend Concrete

During winter, salts and de-icing products hurt walkways, driveways, steps and even tread their way onto floors. Snow-blowers, plows and shovels scrape concrete steps and walkways at our homes and places of business. With all of this winter activity, cracks, chips and crumbling are far too common occurrences to see as the snow melts. As the trusted name in concrete steps for Golden Valley and the surrounding areas, we would like to provide some of the primary culprits that attack and weaken concrete in winter.

Cracking

The below freezing temperatures, ice and snow of winter can all wreak havoc on exterior concrete and concrete steps. 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 water thaws. This expansion and contraction over the fall and winter will cause the concrete to flake or even crack.

The proper installation of your concrete steps by trusted professionals like those at Wohlwend Concrete can help prevent cracks and damage. 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.

Scaling

Scaling is the world’s single-most common form of damage that affects exterior concrete slabs and concrete steps. It is the delamination of a thin layer of the concrete’s surface. At times, this can look like peeling of thin sheets or small scales.

Salt Damage

Salt can contribute to both the cracking and scaling of concrete steps 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.

Some alternatives to salt include sand or calcium chloride. It will quickly melt the ice off of your steps without destroying the concrete itself, and it’s actually more environmentally-friendly than sodium chloride, so Mother Earth will thank you too.

The most important thing to remember when de-icing your concrete steps is that once you put the de-icer on, you should take the time to completely remove all of the slushy ice. 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. This important step can help to preserve your concrete steps and extend their life span.

When you need repairs or information on concrete steps in the Golden Valley area, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for a Free Quote Request.

Masonry Repair & Installation In 2020

Published December 29, 2019 | Wohlwend Concrete

Cold weather has arrived and you may have noticed some areas of your old masonry construction that could use some work. Or, you may be dreaming of beautiful interior or exterior masonry projects to enhance your home. But with cold weather, it also becomes more and more difficult to work with masonry. Working on masonry projects during the winter is still possible, but there are more considerations to keep in mind. So now is a great time start imagining or begin planning exciting masonry repair or installation projects for 2020! As the expert masonry contractor for Oakdale and the surrounding areas, we would like to discuss some projects to consider in the New Year.

Due to its durability and availability, masonry has been used in homes for centuries. From early times till now, masonry has been an integral element of the construction scene and it will likely stick around for centuries more. As one of the most dependable construction materials available, masonry is also a versatile choice that can be crafted to work for a variety of home styles and applications. Some great ideas in masonry that will be popular in the next decade include:

Chimneys, exterior fire pits and fireplaces. Masonry goes hand-in-hand with fireplaces and fire pits and fits perfectly with the warm ambiance that sitting around a fire creates.
Stonework patios. One of the more traditional ways in which masonry is used, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting than the other options. Each patio can have a completely different feel due to the materials used.
Additions. For those who are looking for the ultimate outdoor living space, masonry is beautiful and on-trend choice that will last! From adding on a complete home addition to adding a bar or outdoor kitchen, masonry really makes an impact!
Walls. Masonry to create retaining walls for your landscaping or around your patio can really add a stunning practical, but visual element.
Columns. Columns built of stone or other sturdy masonry materials can pair nicely with other elements such as patios or walkways.
And more.

Notice some masonry on your property that is in need of repair? Tuck pointing is the process of repairing mortar joints in stone or brick walls. An experienced masonry contractor, like Wohlwend Concrete, can perform this task for you. First, we will determine if tuck pointing is needed. And then we will grind or rake out the old mortar and refill it with new mortar.

Ready to get started planning your masonry construction project for 2020? Contact our masonry contractor for your Oakdale home or business today! Call us at Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610, or you can contact us and set up a Free Estimate.