Concrete is a long-lasting product that requires minimal maintenance to look and feel its best. However, improper care can cause a major decrease in its life and beauty. Here are a few reasons why hiring local Concrete Company is the best option for your project.
Outdoor structures such as driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks rely on proper concrete maintenance to preserve their strength and durability. Fortunately, there are a few concrete maintenance tips that you can follow to help your concrete last longer.
Clean It Regularly
Whether you have stamped or unsealed concrete, it needs routine cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best. The amount of maintenance required varies depending on the type of surface and the amount of traffic that it gets.
Clean the concrete with a broom or shop vac to remove debris. This helps you prevent abrasion and damage to the concrete, which could result in staining or chipping.
Then, use a diluted white vinegar solution (equal parts water and vinegar) to scrub stains or mildew off the concrete. Vinegar also works well as a spot treatment and rust remover for concrete surfaces. When you hire Venture Concrete Charleston for your project, you can rest assured that your home or business will get the best of the best.
Besides using all-purpose cleaners and degreasers, you can also try muriatic acid for tough stains or efflorescence. But be careful with this acid, since it’s toxic and should only be used outdoors. If you have to use it, be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves. And, be sure to rinse thoroughly before you apply it to the concrete.
Seal It Regularly
Concrete needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from stains, damage and UV rays. Sealers are easy to apply, and they also help prevent mold growth and mildew.
Depending on how often you use your concrete, you may need to apply a new coat of sealer every year or so. If you do this, be sure to clean the surface first with a pressure washer and stain remover.
Another good idea is to check your sealer to see if it is starting to turn yellow or brown. If it has, you need to reseal it with a non-yellowing sealer. When hiring Concrete Contractor Charleston for your project, you can rest assured that they will get the job done right.
Aside from preventing damage and stains, sealing your concrete can also keep it looking beautiful. Whether it’s a driveway, patio or finished basement floor, you want to make sure your concrete stays as beautiful as possible for years to come.
Repair Cracks and Cracked Surfaces
There are a number of ways to repair cracks and cracked surfaces, depending on the type of damage. Knowing the cause of the damage and its significance will help you choose the best method to fix the issue.
For example, if the cracks are caused by design or construction errors, they may require structural strengthening repairs. On the other hand, if they’re simply a result of intrinsic volume changes like drying shrinkage or thermal expansion, then you can use a crack filler to remedy the problem.
Another popular repair technique involves injecting concrete with a moisture-tolerant epoxy. However, this can only be done on active cracks or cracks acting as contraction or expansion joints if the concrete is dry. If there are contaminants in the crack (like silt and water), they can interfere with the strength of the epoxy.
Keep It Dry
One of the most important concrete maintenance tips is to keep your concrete dry. A dry surface won’t allow moisture, which can cause cracks and delamination, to develop.
It also won’t be able to absorb water-based substances such as deicing chemicals. This is especially important in the winter.
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your concrete looking its best.
For example, consider using a pressure washer to clean it. It’s a great way to get a deeper cleaner that won’t scratch or discolor the concrete.
You can also spray it with a special waterproof sealer. This isn’t a requirement, but it can help protect your concrete against moisture penetration and freezing-thawing conditions. It will also make it look more attractive and increase its lifespan. You can find many types of sealers on the market. You can even find ones that are specifically designed for concrete. It’s a good idea to check the label for specific instructions.
