Top Summer Concrete Maintenance Tips for Canadian Homeowners

One of Canada’s most durable and widely used building materials is concrete. It holds up against snow, rain, and even heavy loads, but summer brings its own set of challenges. High temperatures, UV rays, and rapid drying can cause cracks, discoloration, or even early deterioration if not addressed properly. That’s why many Canadian homeowners rely on trusted concrete contractors to help maintain and repair surfaces like driveways, walkways, patios, and foundations during the warmer months. Using quality materials, like ready-mix, self-consolidating, rapid-setting, flowable-fill, or standard mix concrete, can help prevent long-term damage. Here are the top concrete maintenance tips for the summer season that will help extend the life and appearance of your surfaces.

10 Must-Know Summer Concrete Care Tips for Homeowners

1. Inspect for Cracks Early in the Season

Start your summer maintenance by thoroughly inspecting all your concrete surfaces. Look for:

Small cracks
Surface flaking
Signs of unevenness
Water pooling

Even hairline cracks can allow water to seep in. During colder seasons, this water may freeze and expand, worsening the damage. By identifying issues early in the summer, you have time to seal or repair them before they grow.

Tip: Use a flashlight during inspection to spot hard-to-see surface flaws, especially in shaded areas or beneath parked vehicles.

2. Clean Thoroughly with the Right Tools

Dirt, oil stains, and mildew not only make concrete look bad but can also degrade its surface. Summer is a great time to clean up:

Use a pressure washer or garden hose with a concrete cleaner.
To treat oil stains, sprinkle baking soda or cat litter to soak up the excess oil, then clean the area thoroughly using a degreasing solution.
Mould or mildew? Use a mix of water and white vinegar or a specialized cleaner to kill spores.

Note: Be sure to clean all joints and expansion lines, where dirt and weeds often settle. Steer clear of acidic cleaners, as they can wear down the surface of the concrete. Instead, choose pH-neutral or alkaline-based cleaners to ensure safe and effective cleaning.

3. Seal the Surface to Prevent Moisture Intrusion

Concrete sealing is one of the most effective summer maintenance tasks. A good quality sealer can:

Protect against UV damage
Prevent moisture penetration
Reduce the chances of cracking and scaling
Make cleaning easier

Depending on your region in Canada and the concrete’s exposure (e.g., driveway vs. covered patio), sealing should be done every 2–3 years. For high-traffic areas or places with harsh winters, sealing every 12–18 months may be ideal.

Here’s how to apply:

Step 1: Wait for a dry, non-humid day with temperatures between 10°C to 30°C.
Step 2: Clean and dry the surface.
Step 3: Use a roller or sprayer to apply the sealer in a smooth, even layer.
Step 4: Let it cure undisturbed for 24–48 hours.

4. Water the Concrete During Heatwaves

Sounds strange? It’s not. On extremely hot days, concrete may dry too fast, which can cause the surface to shrink and develop cracks. If you’ve recently poured a slab or resurfaced an area, keeping it moist for a few days will help it cure evenly. Even older concrete can benefit from occasional light watering during extended dry spells, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight all day.

Tip: Don’t overwater or flood the area. A light mist or gentle hose spray for a few minutes is enough.

5. Protect Edges and Joints from Plant Growth

Summer is prime time for weeds and grass to invade joints, cracks, and edges. Roots can gradually push through concrete, widen gaps, or cause surface lifting. To prevent this:

Use a commercial weed killer or boiling water to kill unwanted growth.
Apply a polymeric sand or joint filler in gaps to deter future growth.
Edge your concrete regularly with a trimmer or hand tool.

Note: Keeping the edges tidy also helps in spotting early signs of damage from soil erosion or root movement.

6. Avoid Overloading Driveways and Walkways

Summer means home renovations, landscaping projects, or parking extra vehicles—often on your concrete surfaces. But not all slabs are designed to hold excessive weight.

Heavy machinery, moving vans, or even consistent use of very heavy trucks can:

Cause surface cracks
Lead to sinking or uneven patches
Shorten the overall lifespan of the slab

Best Practice: If heavy equipment needs to park or operate on concrete, place plywood sheets underneath to help distribute weight evenly.

7. Monitor Water Drainage

Poor water drainage can damage even the best-poured concrete. In summer, thunderstorms and sprinkler overuse can lead to water collecting around the foundation or pooling on patios and driveways. Ensure:

Your property is graded correctly, so water flows away from concrete surfaces.
Gutters and downspouts are directing water at least 3–5 feet away.
Drains around patios and driveways are clear of debris.

Note: Trapped water under or near concrete can erode the sub-base, leading to cracks or sinking later.

8. Watch Out for Discoloration

Direct sun, spilled drinks, and summer activities can lead to patchy or stained concrete. Common causes include:

BBQ grease
Tire marks
Pool chemicals
Rust from outdoor furniture

To prevent this:

Place mats or rugs under grills and patio furniture.
Use rust-resistant furniture and planters.
Clean any spills immediately with appropriate cleaners.

DIY tip: A mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide can help remove organic stains effectively.

9. Resurface Worn Concrete for a Fresh Look

If your concrete is structurally sound but looks old or faded, resurfacing is a great summer project. Concrete resurfacing:

Adds a new layer of finish
Covers minor imperfections
Improves traction
Can be customized with colours or patterns

Remember: Resurfacing requires surface preparation and dry conditions for 48–72 hours, so plan ahead.

10. Plan for Fall and Winter Now

Summer offers the best opportunity to prepare your concrete for the colder months ahead. Don’t wait until autumn:

Re-seal now while conditions are ideal.
Fill all cracks before water can get in and freeze during winter.
Store de-icing products that are safe for concrete (avoid salt-based ones).

Final Thoughts

Concrete might look tough, but it needs regular summer maintenance to stay that way. From sealing cracks early to managing drainage and cleaning away surface buildup, small steps today can prevent costly repairs in the future. Summer offers the ideal weather to inspect, clean, and protect your concrete surfaces before Canada’s harsher seasons return.

Need high-quality concrete for your next repair or resurfacing project? Speedy Concrete supplies a wide range of reliable concrete mixes, including standard mix, self-consolidating concrete, rapid-setting, and flowable fill, suited for everything from small patches to major projects. You can even use our Ready Mix Concrete Calculator to estimate exactly what you need.