Things to Consider for Concrete Sidewalks in Minnesota

Concrete steps and sidewalks add an eye-catching charm to your building’s exterior. Attract customers and stand out from the surrounding homes and businesses with an inviting concrete sidewalk design. Besides being attractive, it is also easy to maintain, weather-resistant and affordable. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to have the best concrete sidewalks in Minnesota.

Tips for Concrete Sidewalks in Cold Climates

Minneapolis endures harsh, cold winters. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your sidewalks during winter.

• Keep cars away: Your concrete sidewalk may take several months to fully cure and harden. For your sidewalk’s first winter, it’s best to avoid heavy traffic while it’s setting. A freeze-thaw cycle occurs beneath your concrete during the winter, leading to more chemical and water absorption. For this reason, cars should not park on top of your new concrete during the winter. Chemicals can leak from the vehicles, weakening your concrete and causing it to crack underneath the surface.
• Shovel carefully: When shoveling snow, use a plastic shovel with a smooth edge to avoid scratching or chipping the concrete. Shovel gently to prevent excessive force on the surface.
• Don’t use heavy equipment: Refrain from using equipment like snowplows or snow blowers, which can cause cracks or other damage. Instead, use manual tools or lightweight snow removal equipment specifically designed for concrete surfaces.
• Prevent water seepage: Water can seep into joints and cracks, freeze and expand, harming your concrete. You can apply a suitable sealant or protective coating before cold weather arrives to prevent this problem.
• Avoid harmful chemicals on new concrete: De-icing is crucial for winter concrete sidewalk maintenance. While de-icing chemicals are perfect for established concrete, newly set concrete will absorb these chemicals and cause severe damage. Don’t apply magnesium chloride, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate on concrete that is still setting.
• De-ice your concrete sidewalk: Here’s how to de-ice concrete without damaging it. Mix chemicals with sand to provide better traction. Spread the mix in even layers before snow arrives. Apply a second thin layer after the storm, too. Sweep up excess sand once the ice has melted. Do not use rock salt, which can deteriorate concrete walkways, steps and driveways.

The Life Span of Concrete Sidewalks in Minnesota

A concrete sidewalk will last anywhere between 10 to 25 years before it needs fixing or replacing. Maintenance will help with re-leveling, filling in or sealing cracks. Replacing sections of concrete is the only solution for other problems. When too many potholes and cracks appear, your sidewalk becomes a safety hazard. Look for these signs of damage to know when it’s time to replace or repair your sidewalk.

• Fading color: Repair your concrete sidewalk if its original colors are starting to fade. Add sealant and patch any cracks to restore your sidewalk’s integrity and appearance.
• Potholes: A single pothole in your sidewalk is not a sign of weak pavement. You can fix it yourself or hire professionals to do the work for you. You need to replace your sidewalk if multiple potholes have developed.
• Small unconnected cracks: Repair small cracks before they worsen. Small, unattended cracks will hold water that expands when it freezes, deepening and widening the cracks.

These are the signs that your concrete sidewalk is beyond repair and needs a total replacement.

• Age: It’s best to replace a sidewalk that has existed for two decades or more. At this point in its life, it will show significant wear and tear like chipping, flaking and unevenness.
• Drainage problems: Your concrete sidewalk needs replacing when it can’t drain water correctly. Water that reaches your building’s foundation can lead to several other severe issues and requires immediate attention.
• Alligator cracks: Alligator cracks give your sidewalk a rough, patchy look. These small bumps result from heavy vehicles regularly passing over the concrete.
• Spiderweb cracks: Spiderweb cracks have impact points at their centers. Cracks radiate from that spot, resembling a spiderweb. 
• Frequent repairs: Replace your sidewalk if it constantly needs repairs. The cumulative costs of making multiple minor fixes will add up quickly with time, so it’s much more practical and affordable to install a new concrete sidewalk instead.

Cost-Effective Decisions for Sidewalks in Minnesota

Most property owners pay an average of $9 per square foot to install a concrete sidewalk, so a 200-square-foot walkway can cost around $1,800. Many factors influence the cost of a concrete sidewalk installation, and you should account for these when deciding on your next project.

• Design and shape: Straight concrete sidewalks tend to cost less. However, sidewalks that bend to suit various shapes have delightful designs, which cost more but add character to your property.
• Finish: The finish you apply can significantly impact your concrete sidewalk costs. A finish that enhances your sidewalk’s aesthetic is a worthwhile investment for businesses in particular. Available finishes include polished, stained, epoxy and stamped concrete. Each has different benefits and price points.
• Depth and thickness: Concrete sidewalks are typically four inches thick — more if vehicles drive on them. The thicker and deeper your concrete needs to be, the more it will cost.
• Grade: Grade indicates your concrete’s strength. The ratio of sand, water and cement used will affect its grade. Lower-grade concrete is more cost-effective but less durable.

Choose idcAutomatic for Reliable and Stylish Concrete Sidewalks

At idcAutomatic, we are masters of concrete work. We proudly serve Minneapolis’ concrete needs with our expertise and top-quality products. Our concrete services can give you inviting walkways, stamped sidewalks, attractive entryways and much more.

When constructing or maintaining your concrete sidewalk in Minneapolis, you need to know the company you’re working with is the perfect match for you. idcAutomatic provides excellent customer service and the highest-quality work. We’ve built a reputation for excellence with our garage door services, and we bring that same attention to detail to our concrete projects.

Contact us online or call us at 763-786-4730 to discuss your dream concrete sidewalk.