Wohlwend Concrete Blog

You May Be Ready for Spring…But is Your Patio?

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Spring is slowly making its first appearances and it seems like pretty much everyone is eager for the new season to begin. But when you walk out your back door and look around, is your patio ready for sunnier days? Think of your patio and patio stairs as an extension to your home. By renovating your backyard patio as you would your home you will be able to enjoy it more fully and more safely as well. Here at Wohlwend Concrete, we are the trusted name in concrete patios and concrete patio steps for St. Paul and the surrounding areas and can get your patio back in tip-top shape.

Spring Patio

Renovations & New Installations

We understand how important it is to have that backyard oasis for your home, especially now. Whether you want a new patio and concrete patio steps to create a beautiful area for your family to gather or if you need to update old crumbling pavers for a safer, more relaxing daily escape, we can do it all. We can take on any size project, no matter how big or small.

Customizations

And with a new patio or concrete patio steps from Wohlwend Concrete, you will also have the ability to customize them completely. We will work with you to plan something beautiful that works best for you. Together we can determine the size patio you need, the amount of steps you need, how high you want them and more. We can also offer stamped, stained and other decorative concrete to give your patio and steps that ‘wow’ factor. 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. Even in the face of fluctuating temperatures and precipitation, our concrete patio steps are built to last with the proper care and maintenance.

Benefits

There are so many benefits to choosing concrete for your patio and steps! 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 the classic light gray. It also offers permanence, durability and is fairly inexpensive.

Ready to get your patio and concrete patio steps ready for spring? When you call Wohlwend Concrete for new, beautiful concrete patio steps, you will love the end results. To learn more about concrete patio steps for your St. Paul area home, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or Contact Us to get a free quote.

Improving Your Entryway with Concrete Step Replacement

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The winter will soon be here and with it comes ice, snow and slippery surfaces. And with all the icy hazards, crumbling stairs and sidewalks only make your entryway all the more treacherous. Over time, the front stairs at your home or business may need to be replaced for a number of reasons including heavy foot traffic, natural events, age and accidents. When there comes a time for concrete step replacement, St. Paul residents trust Wohlwend Concrete for all of their concrete repair and replacement needs. 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 St Paul

One of the first things visitors notice as they’re walking up to the door is the look and stability of the steps they climb; this can be especially true in winter. Cracked, crumbling steps can even prevent or delay the sale of a property That is why it is so essential to repair or replace old, outdated or poorly constructed steps as soon as you notice wear.

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.

Speaking of the elements, it is important to keep your steps shoveled and clear to avoid any damage to them. It is also important to use safe ice melt alternatives to corrosive rock salt. There is a safe alternative to using salt that will not cause damage to your concrete surfaces; salt-free ice removal. Pet-safe snow removal products made of a core of crystalline amide infused with glycols provide a non-corrosive structure that’s safe enough for concrete.

So, if your property has old, crumbling steps, it is important to schedule concrete step replacement as soon as possible. You can even take this as an opportunity to install, new 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.

Let’s get started as soon as possible! For more information about concrete step replacement at your St. Paul property, call Wohlwend Concrete at 651-426-2610 or Request a Free Quote.

Dos & Don’ts of Protecting Your Driveway This Winter

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A concrete driveway is a great-looking and safe surface for traffic going in and out of the garage all year long. During the winter, however, ice can freeze on surfaces outside the home and create some slick situations.

concrete driveway Minneapolis

When it comes to maintaining a safe driveway this winter, there are some right ways and wrong ways to go about it. At Wohlwend Concrete, we know everything there is to know about the concrete driveway and concrete apron in Minneapolis and are here to give you the Dos and Don’ts of winter concrete care. 

  • Do keep your driveway clear. First, start winter with a clean driveway, cleared away of debris, leaves, and twigs from the driveway and concrete apron. This will make future driveway management easier.
  • Do check the condition of your driveway’s concrete apron. The concrete apron is there to help drain water away from your home’s foundation. So before the big snow hits, make sure your driveway’s concrete apron is in tip-top shape, so it can do its job. Need to replace your concrete apron? Many experts recommend concrete for its durability. For instance, if the apron will be exposed to traffic, or if you expect harsh weather, the concrete will hold up to these pressures more effectively.
  • Don’t use corrosive rock salt. Many people choose to apply rock salt to their driveways to melt the ice, but these salts can cause concrete to become damaged over time. Using salt to melt ice on a regular basis pits the cement used for our walkways, steps and other concreted areas. Once the cement pits, it will eventually crack or cause potholes. Additionally, the residue of salt that is left behind can damage concrete, pavers, lawns, wood, and decking. It can also be tracked inside to damage floor coverings and wooden floors.
  • Do shovel. The best way to remove ice and snow from your steps or driveway is to use a shovel. It’s a good idea to shovel or clear away snow after it falls and not wait for multiple snowfalls to build up on top of each other. 
  • Do use safe ice melt alternatives. Many times shoveling the snow just isn’t enough and an ice layer can be left behind. Therefore, you will need to use other methods to break up, melt or gain traction on the ice. There is a safe alternative to using salt that will not cause damage to your concrete surfaces; salt-free ice removal. Pet-safe snow removal products made of crystalline amide core infused with glycols provide a non-corrosive structure that’s safe enough for concrete. 

And these are just some of the dos and don’ts of winter concrete care. Are you interested in getting some more information about protecting your concrete driveway or concrete apron in Minneapolis? Give Wohlwend Concrete a call at 651-426-2610 or Request a Free Quote.

Why You Should Schedule Any Repairs for Concrete Stairs Before Winter

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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

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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!