Concrete Patio Coatings That Last All Winter Long
Residents of Raleigh, NC, don’t normally have to contend with severe winters like their neighbors further North, but the region still experiences its share of cold weather, sleet, and occasional snowfalls. So, now that winter is once again on the horizon, homeowners in the City of Oaks must prepare their outdoor spaces for whatever this season may bring this year. If not well-protected, concrete patios can undergo serious wear and tear throughout winter from biting winds, snow, sleet, hail, falling icicles, temperature fluctuations, and more. Investing in concrete coatings is one way to protect this material from the elements, but not all floor coating systems are created equal. With that in mind, here’s what to look for when seeking concrete patio coatings that will last all winter long and beyond.
Endurance Throughout Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Winter temperatures can be quite variable. In Raleigh, highs can linger between the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit), while lows can dip down into the 10s and 20s. These fluctuations can happen quickly, too, especially as day turns to night (and vice versa). All of this activity contributes to the freeze-thaw cycle, which occurs when temperatures regularly reach the freezing point and then rise above it. This cycle can do serious damage to your concrete patio, especially if it’s vulnerable to moisture intrusion from rain and snow. If you want your patio to withstand winter, invest in a patio floor coating specifically designed to mitigate the negative effects of moisture intrusion, freezing, and thawing.
Strong UV Resistance
We tend to associate summer with sunshine – not winter – but winter is actually when the sun is closest to us. And just as people should continue wearing sunscreen during the winter, your outdoor patio should maintain strong sun protection all winter long. Over time, UV radiation can weaken concrete and cause it to fade. Investing in a UV-stable topcoat (which can be found in Penntek polyurea coatings), will bounce these damaging rays back into the sky so your patio retains its appearance and strength throughout the cold season.
Abrasion- and Chemical-Resistant Qualities
Winter is filled with abrasive hazards, from falling icicles to windswept debris to corrosive rock salt – the list goes on. Even if your patio is relatively secluded from these threats, you can never be too careful. To keep your patio protected during winter, apply concrete coatings that actively resist corrosive chemicals, impact, and abrasion.
Anti-Slip Surface
The winter months are nothing if not slippery. Rain, snow, ice, and certain types of salt can all make for slick surfaces. You probably won’t get much use out of your patio during winter, but you don’t want it to become a hazardous zone for anyone who might walk upon it. This is why it’s important to choose slip-resistant concrete floor coatings. To achieve this, you might choose an inherently anti-slip coating such as Penntek’s polyurea chip system or include high-friction additives to epoxy concrete floor paint.
The Verdict
The best concrete patio coatings for winter are built to withstand the freeze-thaw cycle, harsh UV rays, chemicals, impact, and abrasion, all while providing a high-traction surface for maximum safety. Anderson Painting uses Penntek coatings for residential and commercial projects because they meet all of the above criteria and then some. Penntek polyurea floor coatings offer superior durability, convenience, ease of maintenance, safety, and style, and they’re perfect for any space with concrete floors, including patios, garages, basements, and more.
To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
