Concrete is a low-maintenance paving product that can undergo several heavy uses per day, making it a widely used residential and commercial material. It is prevalent for concrete to last for decades, as it is well known for its durability. This means you don’t have to worry about your patio or driveway for a while.
Having such longevity in your home is a precious gift and will save you from repeatedly spending money on the same thing. However, even though concrete is solid and durable, it can still crack and wear out over time. Thankfully, you can delay such developments with adequate maintenance. Several steps can be taken to properly maintain your concrete floor and have it look as good as new. These steps are:
- Keep It Clean
Erosion is a natural occurrence in which entities like water and soil, specifically those with high mineral content, wear away stone and natural metals. If your concrete is dirty, erosion can wash it away, leaving the concrete with holes that would further crumble.
It would be best if you used a pressure washer or garden hose with a spray attachment to wash off dirt and other foreign contaminants weekly or bi-weekly. You can also use liquid soap and a broom to scrub off any spill or animal poop on the concrete, then rinse it with the hose.
If food, grease, or any other contaminant stains your concrete, you should clean it immediately. Using a pressure washer combined with stain removers will do the job.
- Apply Sealer
Concrete sealers are used to protect your concrete from premature corrosion. It also helps maintain the colour and glow of the concrete. The best way to apply the sealer is once every two or three years. However, if the colours on your concrete start to fade, you must use the sealer as soon as possible.
Before applying the sealer, you need to ensure the area has been thoroughly cleaned and dried off because wet surfaces can break off the sealant. You can also use a second coat to guarantee full coverage.
- Use Rugs
Most people love using concrete because furniture hardly causes damage to it. However, this furniture can scratch off the sealant over time, leaving the concrete exposed. To avoid such situations, you can use rugs to protect the surface.
Rugs serve as protection from stains and spills and also help beautify the surface they are covering. Using rugs on your concrete will save you from spending money on concrete floor repair services frequently.
- Revive Your Old Concrete
Even if your concrete is old, you can still get the most from it with concrete floor repair. It is pretty easy to transform your concrete without spending too much time getting a new one. Concrete floor repair methods often include filling or injecting the surface with epoxy or polyurethane. The restoration method depends mainly on the ECP concrete floor repair, which will seal and bond the slab together, giving it that new look.
- Avoid The Use of Destructive Chemicals
Although it can be tempting to use certain chemicals on the concrete to get that new look, certain heavy-duty chemicals should be avoided. Yes, the sealant on concrete patios is designed to resist certain chemicals. However, products containing ammonium nitrates and sulphates can corrode this and harm the concrete.
It is also essential to avoid putting deicing salts on treated or newly installed concrete. This is because the concrete sealant is more vulnerable, and applying it to them can cause damage to the surfaces.
- Polish Or Wax Stamped Concrete
You should polish or wax the concrete during summer for a bright shine. It doesn’t hurt to polish your concrete as this helps combat the prints of feet on your patio, and this also reduces the risk of wear patterns. Polishing or waxing your concrete adds an extra layer of protection against scratches, wear, grime, and scuffs, and this makes them quite effective in keeping your concrete looking good as new.
- Provide Overhead Cover
You can extend the life and look of your concrete by enabling less interaction between it and specific elements. This can be done by using a canvas patio cover or pergola. The prospects attached to an overhead cover make it a worthwhile investment as it not only protects the shine of the concrete but also improves its appearance as it serves as protection.
- Manage Plant Growth
Trees and bushes are capable of compromising the integrity of the concrete. However, this can be avoided through some preventive measures. Roots can grow beneath concrete, and if not managed properly, can result in a big problem like the concrete cracking up. Therefore, you should ensure that roots are trimmed regularly and remove trees with extensive roots.
Conclusion
Maintaining concrete can make a big difference to your concrete driveway or patio. These methods not only make the concrete look good for a long time but also extend the life of the flatwork. Fortunately, keeping your concrete looking as good as new is a simple task that can be handled easily; you can go ahead and maintain an attention-grabbing concrete with the tips given.