Wohlwend Concrete Blog

Now is the Time for Concrete Step Repair

Have you tackled all of your planned home improvement projects this summer? Is there perhaps one you’ve missed? Consider your exterior steps. Are they as safe as they could be? Are they creating an eyesore with crumbling corners? If so, it is important to schedule any repairs before the cold weather hits. September is just a few days away; so, the time is now! Cracks and scaling can become even worse with cold weather, snow and ice, which could even create unsafe conditions. Here at Wohlwend Concrete, we are the experts in concrete step repair for Minneapolis and the surrounding areas and can prepare your concrete for the months ahead.

concrete step repair Minneapolis

Slippery leaves, below-freezing temperatures, ice and snow can all potentially cause damage to exterior concrete and concrete steps. The most popular explanation for 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. So, if there are already weak spots, their condition will only get worse this fall and winter. 

Concrete step repair or replacement performed 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. 

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

Do you need new steps entirely? 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 concrete step repair before the cold weather arrives? For professional concrete step repair in the Minneapolis area, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us for a Free Quote Request.


How to Tell if You Need a New Concrete Apron

Concrete aprons are not a common household term, but it doesn’t change how important they are to maintaining the foundation of your home. For those of you who aren’t sure what a concrete apron is, it’s a slab of concrete that is placed in front of the garage door. They are most often used to create a smooth transition between grades of concrete, allowing for a smoother drive into your garage. Wohlwend Concrete is the place to go for concrete aprons in the St. Paul area!

Concrete Apron St Paul

Concrete aprons not only aid in a smoother transition for driving into your garage, but they also have another important task: diverting rainfall away from your garage, therefore minimizing damage to your garage and foundation that could be caused by flooding. They also add aesthetic value to your home, which can increase your property’s value.

If you don’t have a concrete apron, then now is the perfect time to have one installed! They can help save you from further expenses due to unexpected damages in the future. Or maybe you have an apron currently, but it’s made of asphalt. Now is still the perfect time to have that removed and replaced with one made of concrete. Concrete aprons are more durable, both when exposed to heavy amounts of traffic and harsh weather. Concrete is also environmentally friendly, and requires less maintenance than asphalt.

If you already have a concrete apron – great! But keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. Common signs of damage caused by incorrect installation or wear over time are cracks, gaps or any other major differences in appearance after its initial installation. Old or damaged concrete aprons can cause erosion, sinkholes or heaving – things you can avoid by maintaining your concrete apron well and replacing it at the first sign of damage.

At Wohlwend Concrete, we have many years of experience with concrete aprons, so we know how to install one that looks great and lasts a long time. We are locally owned and operated, and we care about our customers – which is why we remain one of the most reliable and trusted names in concrete construction in the Twin Cities area! Once it’s time for you to invest in a concrete apron for your St. Paul home, contact us at 651-426-2610 or contact us to request a free estimate!


The Best Outdoor Concrete Projects to Tackle this Season

Summer is almost here, and you’ve likely already started tackling some much-needed home improvement projects. The entranceway and overall exterior of your home could likely use some sprucing up after a long winter of neglect and quarantine. After all, the safety of your property is still essential. New concrete projects including concrete steps, sidewalks and others can not only provide a better-looking property but a safer one as well. Currently, we are installing concrete steps, walkways and driveways all over the area! So, when you’re ready to start a new concrete project at your home or business, contact our team; we are the trusted name in concrete including residential concrete steps for Oakdale and the entire Twin Cities area.

fresh poured concrete steps

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

  • They are easy to maintain and repair, if need be.
  • Durable. 
  • Quality at an affordable price. Concrete is more affordable than other materials used in steps construction, making it a budget-friendly choice.
  • They look great! Residential concrete steps are visually appealing and can be made more so with the addition of embellishments.
  • And more.

In addition to residential concrete steps, safer walkways, driveways and sidewalks are some other great projects to tackle. If your concrete driveway or sidewalk is in really bad shape, you should definitely call us as soon as possible to get them fully replaced.

Have you been daydreaming of finally installing that backyard pool? A beautiful, easy-to-maintain concrete pool deck is in order! In fact, concrete is the perfect material for a variety of projects and is especially great for outdoor applications.

How about a new patio for your summer get-togethers? There are so many benefits to choosing concrete for your patio. Of all the materials available to build patios, concrete is the most traditional yet versatile choice. It’s smooth, clean, can be cast and formed into curvilinear or geometric shapes, and, with the addition of tints, can become anything other than basic.

As the weather warms up, it increasingly becomes a great time of year to install long lasting concrete. Consider other exciting projects like a poured wall, garage apron, curb; the possibilities are endless!

Are you interested in starting one of these exciting summer projects? For more information on concrete construction including residential concrete steps for your Oakdale area home, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or contact us to set up a Free Estimate.


Make Your Property a Safer One with Concrete Step Replacement

Summer is almost here, and your property is likely already seeing an uptick in foot traffic. Whether your children are getting outside to play more often, or an increased number of visitors are coming to your business property, now is the time to think of the safety of your steps. Do you cringe every time someone walks up your old crumbling steps? Do you worry about a trip or accident occurring constantly because they are no longer level and safe? The experts at Wohlwend Concrete are here to help. We specialize in concrete step replacement for Oakdale and the surrounding areas and can help make your property a safer one. We have years of experience replacing and repairing concrete stairs and can get you new, beautiful and safer steps for your home or business. 

concrete step replacement Oakdale

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to replace old, outdated or poorly constructed steps as soon as you notice a problem. Unsafe steps can pose a variety of dangers and cause unwanted accidents. If you notice exterior damage, there’s likely more lurking. And uneven steps not only pose a danger to those walking on them but can even prevent your home from passing inspection when it’s time to sell.

So, if your property has old, crumbling steps, it is important to schedule concrete step replacement as soon as possible. Take this as an opportunity to install new, beautiful, customized steps. Concrete can be molded into different, interesting textures, giving personality to the area. You’ll find that there are various designs available, so you can choose steps that will go with the current design of your home or business’ exterior.

If you are looking for a material for your steps that looks great and is also easy to maintain, then concrete is your best bet. Your new steps need to be tough and able to stand up to regular foot traffic and concrete offers that durability. Concrete is a tough material, and you’ll find it offers some of the most durable steps possible. Your concrete step replacement will also hold up for years to come, even after being exposed to the elements.

Don’t delay on essential concrete step replacement any longer! Let’s get started as soon as possible! For more information about concrete step replacement at your Oakdale area property, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or Request a Free Quote.


Prepping for a Patio? Consider these Decorative Concrete Techniques

With warmer weather on the horizon, many homeowners are looking for ways to enhance their outdoor living space. And not surprisingly, one of the most popular places to start is the patio. Whether you’re looking to replace an old patio or build an entirely new one, concrete offers a variety of styles and techniques to achieve what you’re looking for. Don’t settle for crumbling pavers when you could install a lasting patio with classic looks. How do we do it? The answer is decorative concrete! Decorative concrete has evolved over the years, offering many products and methods that seem to continually improve over time. And, decorative concrete won’t sacrifice the sustainability and resilience you require. It’s as durable as it is beautiful!

Decorative Concrete

The trends in decorative concrete that we are seeing now include a variety of beautiful designs suited for both commercial and residential applications. As experts in decorative concrete for the Vadnais Heights area, we would like to tell you more about the current, extraordinary techniques available in concrete and help you find the perfect look for your unique home or business.

Staining. Over the last decade or so, stained concrete has made a huge difference in the world of concrete. Stained concrete offers a unique, high end look for both outdoor and indoor applications and offers a variety of options that elevates concrete and resonates with homeowners. It makes a fantastic option for patios and can instantly transform the look of a backyard.

Stamped concrete. Offering a variety of surfaces and styles for a charming, professional and unique finish, stamped concrete can offer the look of cobblestone without the major expense and strenuous upkeep. It can even offer different patterns including European fan, flaming sun, weathered wood, English Yorkstone and so much more. Match your stamped decorative concrete with the style of your home, from classic to modern. Have a classic farmhouse? Cobblestone is the way to go. Have a French Tudor? European fan may be the choice for you.

Sealing. Your decorative concrete should be sealed regularly to help it stand out and last. Colors will be intensified, and the overall design will be far more pleasing to any eyes laid upon it. You can also add sheen to the surface of the concrete. The sheens range from satin to high gloss and everything in between.

Interested in decorative concrete for your Vadnais Heights area home? Call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or you can contact us for a Free Quote.