Wohlwend Concrete Blog

Get Ready for Spring Concrete Projects 2023

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Spring is just around the corner and with it comes warmer weather! Here in the Twin Cities area, after a harsh Minnesota winter, many are looking forward to time spent outdoors in the sun. As many homeowners are preparing to both spend time enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of their own home and also host friends and loved ones, there are many things being added to spring to-do lists.

While making your lists, don’t forget to consider any concrete or masonry projects you’ve been pushing off! Here at Wohlwend Concrete we can perform a range of concrete and masonry projects to ensure that your hardscaping is everything you want it to be. When considering what projects to add to your list, don’t forget the following projects!

Front Concrete Steps

Concrete Steps

Do you have concrete steps? Be sure to check your concrete steps for these 4 signs that it’s time for repair! If you notice any of the tell-tale signs that it’s time for repair, give us a call!

Or if you’ve been considering replacing your old wood stairs with concrete steps that are sure to hold their own against the harsh climate of Minnesota, we can install new concrete steps!

Concrete Sidewalks

Did your concrete sidewalks become cracked or sustain damage throughout the winter? Cracked and damaged sidewalks are more than just an eyesore; they also increase the risk of you or a guest tripping and becoming injured. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to watching your steps and warning each guest about the cracks. Instead, you can add concrete sidewalks to your spring project list! We can come out and repair or replace your sidewalks depending on the extent of damage.

concrete sidewalks twin cities
stamped concrete twin cities

Stamped Concrete

Have you been looking for a way to elevate the design of your patio? Stamped concrete can pull together any patio design, leaving it sure to impress any guests you host. We offer the following patterns!

  • European Fan
  • Random Boardwalk
  • English Yorkstone
  • Flaming Sun
  • Weathered Wood
  • Random Cobblestone
  • And more!

We can also incorporate colors and stains into your project, so let us know exactly what you dream of for your patio! We will work with you to create the patio of your dreams.

Masonry

While not concrete, we also offer masonry work and can complete any related projects on your list! If you are looking for someone to complete any of the following projects, give us a call!

  • Chimney repairs
  • Brick and block work
  • Tuck pointing
  • Trash enclosures
  • Additions
  • And more!

Whatever masonry project you have on your spring list, we can help.

masonry project twin cities

Do you have concrete or masonry projects on your spring home to-do list? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us!

Winter Concrete Driveway Care

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Winter weather is rough on many things, including your concrete driveway. We want to provide some tips to protect your concrete this winter season.

Keep Driveway Clear

It’s important to remove any debris, leaves, twigs, etc. from your driveway regularly. This will keep any debris from causing damage to the concrete.

Shovel Snow

Keep snow cleared off the driveway. You should shovel immediately after it snows to prevent ice and water buildup.

Avoid Rock Salt

Salt can damage concrete driveways over time, causing pits and cracks. It’s best for your concrete to avoid it.

Use Ice Melt Alternatives

There are salt-free ice removal products that won’t damage your concrete. You can also use gravel or sand to provide traction.

Winter Driveway Care

If you have questions on how to best care for your concrete driveway this winter, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us.

Holiday Decorating and Decorative Concrete

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The holiday season is here and for many that means events and decorating are in full swing! While you are already decorating your home, inside and outside – are you reconsidering the look of your plain concrete? If you want something a little more exciting to match your style, consider decorative concrete in the Twin Cities area!

With everything else in your home available for personalization, from wall colors to flooring to decorative choices – why shouldn’t you be able to incorporate your personal style into your concrete as well? At Wohlwend Concrete we offer a wide range of decorative concrete! From classic styles like weathered wood and random cobblestone to some of the latest trends like English Yorkstone and flaming sun patterns – we can customize the look of your concrete to match your aesthetics!

Plus, we can stain your concrete in different colors as well. If traditional gray isn’t your style, talk to us about what color you desire and we will work with you to find the best option!

No longer does decorating have to exclude your concrete. We can install decorative concrete for your patios, walkways, driveways and more!

While you are out hanging lights or adding decorations to your lawn, take a good look at your concrete. Is there a style that you have seen somewhere else that you would prefer? Or maybe the color doesn’t match your color scheme anymore? No matter what changes you want, we can remove your old concrete and replace it with new, decorative concrete to match your taste.

Or, if you don’t already have concrete, we can install a concrete patio, walkway, driveway, steps or more! Concrete is a great choice for Minnesota, as it is durable and reasonably priced. Plus, as trusted experts in concrete, we understand how to best install your new decorative concrete to last for years. And, we perform repairs and sealings – so you never have to trust a different company to maintain your dream concrete.

No matter what design or color combination you have dreamt of – we at Wohlwend Concrete can make it a reality. So this holiday season, consider concrete as another piece of your decorations. Let your concrete show off your style just as the paint on your home and decorations do!

Are you ready to expand your decorations to include your concrete? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for decorative concrete in the Twin Cities area this winter!

4 Signs You Need Concrete Step Repair

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concrete step repair st Paul

In Minnesota, where winters can take their toll, concrete is an ideal material for outdoor steps. However, concrete steps still need repairs from time to time. If you need concrete step repair in Vadnais Heights, call Wohlwend Concrete as soon as possible to take care of this safety issue. If you aren’t sure how to tell when your concrete steps are in need of repair, keep reading! We’ve outlined four main signs that your concrete steps need repaired.

1. Visible Sinking

If your concrete steps have sunk enough to be visibly noticeable, it is time to think about getting repairs scheduled as soon as possible. Concrete steps that have started sinking rarely stop sinking on their own and require repairs to reverse and stop any further damage.

2. Cracks

Concrete, while durable, can still crack over time. Especially concrete that has begun sinking. If your steps have begun sinking, but aren’t bad enough to be visibly noticeable yet, there are still signs that they are in need of repair. Specifically, sunken concrete steps often exhibit cracks on one side of the steps. Keeping an eye out for this sign can help you identify a problem before the repairs become more costly.

3. Visible Separation

Additionally, if your concrete steps have started pulling away from the house, or there is any visible separation where it used to attach to your home, call us right away. Visible separation from the house is a good indicator that there is something wrong that requires a professional to repair.

4. Routine Puddles

Have you noticed puddles forming in the middle of your concrete steps each time it rains? This can be an early warning sign that your steps have begun to sink. While the sinking may not have advanced far enough for other indicators, routine puddles can still indicate that there is a problem forming. Check for puddles forming in the same spot every time it rains, this can indicate where your steps are sinking and how far they have already sunk.

Have you noticed any of these tell-tale signs that it is time for you to schedule repairs for your concrete steps? Don’t delay scheduling repairs, as further damage to your concrete steps could cause more expensive and extensive damage. Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for concrete step repairs in Vadnais Heights and the surrounding Twin Cities area this fall!

Schedule Your Concrete Garage Apron Repair Before Winter

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Minnesota is home to some harsh winter weather. If your concrete isn’t protected, water can seep into cracks. The freeze/thaw cycle of water can cause even further damage to your concrete throughout the winter. That’s part of why it is so imperative that you make sure your concrete garage apron in Minneapolis is protected before winter hits.

A concrete garage apron is an important feature of a driveway and garage as it provides a gradual slope into the garage, allowing your car to enter without damage and providing visual distinction between the driveway and garage. Your concrete garage apron is a great way to show off your aesthetics before anyone even steps foot in your home.

concrete garage apron Minneapolis

This important driveway feature is subject to the harsh conditions all winter long, so it’s best to make sure that any repairs are taken care of prior to the first snowfall. Once winter begins, outdoor concrete repairs become more difficult as the temperature impacts concrete’s ability to cure and settle properly.

If repairs have been pushed off for too long, it may even be time to completely replace your concrete garage apron. Don’t worry though! Wohlwend Concrete can help with full replacements or repairs of your concrete garage apron.

Beyond just providing a gradual slope into the garage to protect your car, the concrete garage apron serves as a ramp away from your home and foundation for rainwater and snowmelt. A damaged concrete garage apron could let water seep into your foundation, causing much bigger issues as this year’s accumulation of snowfall melts.

Additionally, your concrete garage apron can help to protect both your garage floor and driveway. As the two surfaces likely have different subgrades, the transition of a concrete garage apron can keep them apart, allowing them to each experience their own freeze-thaw cycles without damaging the other.

The best way to prepare for this winter is to call Wohlwend Concrete to make sure your concrete is ready for the harsh conditions. From resealing to repairing, replacements to new installations – Wohlwend Concrete can handle all of your concrete work. Concrete garage aprons assist in protecting your car, your property, your garage and your driveway. Don’t ignore such an important feature this fall while preparing your home for winter.

Has your Minneapolis concrete garage apron seen better days? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for concrete garage apron repairs and replacements this fall!