Why Western New York Winters Wreck Concrete Floors
Clarence – October 12, 2026 -- Homeowners in Western New York can reduce winter damage to garage floors, entryways and patios by sealing concrete with a professionally installed coating before the cold arrives, according to a HelloNation article featuring Ray McDougall and Mitch Wilkinson of Executive Concrete Coatings.
Road salt and trapped moisture drive the damage
The article names road salt as one of the leading causes of winter concrete damage. Salt mixes with melting snow, and the moisture is carried into the naturally porous surface. When temperatures drop, that trapped water freezes and expands. The pressure can eventually cause cracking, scaling and surface deterioration.
Untreated concrete in the region commonly develops pitting, scaling and surface wear after repeated winter exposure, the article says.