Tips for Maintaining a Concrete Surface

So you finally have that purposeful driveway of your dreams. Or maybe you just had a new patio installed. Both are going to need some attention in order to last a long time which is why the concrete experts in Texas bring you some sound advice for maintaining your concrete surface and prolonging its life.

Discover Tips for Easy and Effective Care

Cleaning and Moisture Management

Keeping the surface clean is the first line of defense against wear and tear. This means sweeping on a weekly basis and washing stains off quickly. If you use a power washer to rinse off dirt and debris, then remember to push off standing water with a sturdy push broom or a squeegee. Leaving puddles behind leads to cracking or the formation of mold or mildew stains. Other measures that help with cleanliness and mitigating moisture is to stain or seal the surface.

Sealing and Protecting the Surface

As mentioned, an important step toward maintaining a concrete surface is to seal it properly. Not only does this treatment protect the surface, but it also adds to its visual appeal. In fact, sealants prevent mold from accumulating on top of the slab since it locks out moisture. Plus, some sealants come in various shades that add to your driveway’s aesthetic. Whether you opt for a topical or integral sealant, you’re increasing the chances of the concrete lasting for 30 years.

Repairing and Resurfacing

Another tried-and-true method of prolonging the life of a concrete surface is to repair all damage and then resurface the area. Along with a power wash to remove all stains, this process starts with repairing cracks. From there, you can mix and apply the resurfacer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During the curing period, you’ll need to spray the surface with water to prevent cracking. Once the process is complete, you’ll have a whole new surface in half the time and with less expense than a new concrete slab.

Avoiding Stains and Discoloration

While sealing the surface protects from some types of stains, you still have to make sure to clean any spills or discolorations right away. Concrete tends to absorb anything that’s a liquid, so if you don’t want rust or oil stains to become permanent, you’ll need to remove them immediately. For this task, you can utilize an acid-based cleaner to effectively remove scale, rust, paint, mildew, and mineral accumulation.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Just like the rest of your home, a concrete driveway or patio requires regular maintenance to prolong its longevity and keep it looking great. Whether you call a professional or prefer to DIY, thorough cleaning and removal of debris along with periodic sealing and resurfacing ensure that the concrete surface lasts for decades.

Moreover, you can opt to get an annual inspection to check the slab’s structural integrity and to find out what repairs are needed. For the most part, an engineer will conduct a visual inspection for cracks, scaling, spalling, and other signs of degradation. From there, the inspector can recommend any further, non-destructive testing to check for more serious issues and to make suggestions for repair or replacement.

Proper Use and Handling

An additional bit of advice is to use your concrete slab, whether it’s a patio or a driveway, for its intended use only. Avoiding the placement of excess weight on the surface wards off cracks and deterioration. So you have to place several heavy objects on the surface, and be sure to even out the weight across the area. Likewise, don’t leave heavy items in one place for an extended period.

Also, you might be mindful of what you drag across a concrete surface as repeated scratching can adversely affect the seal and bring on water damage. If your driveway or patio is not sealed, then the scratches become permanent and difficult to remove.

Dealing with Weather and Environmental Factors

Avoiding Physical Damage and Wear and Tear

As mentioned, regular inspections once or twice a year help to catch problems early. Even if you do a weekly or monthly visual overview, you’ll be able to detect and address any cracks or spalling. Plus, as mentioned, if you respect the weight limits and avoid deicing chemicals, your driveway or patio should last a very long time.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products and Tools

Furthermore, giving your concrete surface some TLC requires specific tools and chemicals. For instance, a coarse broom would suffice for sweeping, but don’t opt for steel bristles or any other type that would damage the surface–especially if it’s been sealed and/or stained. The scratching would defeat the whole purpose of those protective coatings.

Also, remember to use products that are specifically formulated for concrete surfaces. This means avoiding any spillage of gardening solutions, like fertilizer, and washing your vehicle on the driveway. In this situation, you would be better off taking your car to a self-serve car wash than exposing the concrete to household products that could damage the surface while leaving standing water.

Working with Professional Contractors and Service Providers

Naturally, the safest alternative to DIY is to consult with a licensed and highly trained professional who’s accustomed to working with concrete surfaces. This expert can offer helpful insight into the maintenance process and even recommend some products and the proper gear for keeping your concrete surface solid, clean, and looking awesome.

Finally, the installation process makes all the difference in the structural integrity of your concrete slab. Would you like to find out more? Contact Pura Vida, the best concrete contractor in San Antonio. We can take your project to the next level and give you long-lasting, functional, and appealing results that add genuine value to your property.

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