With winter on the way, you might be getting your driveway and sidewalks prepared for the freezing temperatures. Winter can really wreak havoc on those surfaces. However, there's another concrete surface that can suffer damage this winter, and you might not have even thought about it. It's your garage floor. With all the wear and tear your garage floor is subjected to each winter, it's no wonder it's susceptible to damage. Before winter arrives and ruins your garage floor, here are four steps you should take to protect it.

Give It a Deep Cleaning

If you've never cleaned your garage floor, now's a good time to get started. Even if your garage floor looks clean, it could be hiding a greasy residue. The first thing you want to do is get everything out of the garage. This will give you a clear view of the entire garage floor. Second, use a shop vac to pick up all the loose dirt and debris off the floor. Third, fill a bucket with hot water, and add one cup each of vinegar and grease-cutting detergent. Mop the entire floor and allow it to dry thoroughly. The floor is now clean and ready to be winterized.

Have the Cracks Repaired

While you were cleaning your garage floor, you might have noticed cracks in the concrete. Those cracks can form as a result of natural settling, or they could be a result of foundation damage. Either way, you'll need to have them repaired before winter arrives. The cold weather can make cracks expand. Contact a contractor who offers concrete services to take care of the repairs for you. They'll be able to determine whether the cracks were caused by natural settling or damage to your foundation. If your foundation is damaged, they'll be able to help you make the necessary repairs.

Get It Sealed

Once the cracks in your garage floor have been repaired, you should have it sealed with a waterproof sealant. You can do this as a do-it-yourself project, or you can have it professionally done. If you decided to leave it to the professionals, have your concrete contractor apply the sealant while they're taking care of the repairs. The sealant will protect against stains, and water damage.

Install a Garage Mat

If you want to keep your garage floor looking brand new and avoid damage this winter, you'll want to have a garage mat installed. Garage mats can be custom-made to cover your entire floor. One benefit of garage floor mats is that they can be pulled out of the garage and cleaned whenever needed.