Damage From Scraping Concrete With a Shovel

Sealant

• Whether decorative or standard, exterior concrete requires a top coat of sealer, particularly in areas with freeze and thaw cycles. A sealant will protect from moisture problems and grease or oil stains on standard concrete and enhance the look of decorative pieces. When scrapes and scratches occur, it is most often this coating that is the problem and not the concrete itself. Minor scrapes are hidden with an application of wax over the surface. This is a temporary repair, as the wax will wear off over time. A more permanent solution is to apply a new coat of sealer to fill in scratches. The resealing process must be done carefully for the repair to blend well.

Concrete Hairline Cracks

• Frequent snow shoveling has the potential to create hairline cracks directly on the concrete. These cracks, though not normally serious, should be repaired to prevent further cracking later. The process includes creating a grout of Portland cement and water. The consistency should be similar to that of a thick paste, and the existing concrete must be wet before application. The grout is applied over the cracks using a putty knife or trowel to force the grout into the cracks. Between one and two hours is required for the grout to dry.

Larger Cracks

• If a concrete crack is larger than hairline, it must be enlarged before a repair is made. Increasing the size is done with a cold chisel and hammer, and the crack should be undercut -- wider at the bottom than at the top. The edges should be coated with a concrete adhesive so the new material will bond strongly. The concrete patch material will fill this undercut crack completely and is smoothed as it begins to set with a metal trowel or wooden float. Once the crack is filled and allowed to set for one to two hours, it must be covered with boards or plastic sheeting for as long as five days. Sidewalks are treated using a sand-based mix, while driveways, because they bear more weight, should be repaired using a gravel-based mix.

Snow Shovels

• Snow shovels are made from aluminum, steel, plastic or polycarbonate materials, each of which has the potential to cause scratches in concrete or sealers. This risk increases as the shovel ages and becomes dull or begins to crack and chip. A few simple maintenance procedures, including keeping the scoop straight and even and spraying with WD-40 to prevent rusting, will help protect against scratching driveways and sidewalks.