Concrete Contractors, Olathe, KS
HOW TO MAINTAIN CONCRETE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
One of the main reasons decorative concrete is so popular is that it is extremely low-maintenance and long-lasting. While it is one of the most durable building materials, it still requires maintenance to keep it clean and in good condition for the coming years. Properly cleaning and maintaining your concrete surfaces will not only keep them looking good but will also save you money in the long run by preventing dirt, debris, and other materials from accumulating and making your concrete a potentially dangerous surface. Follow these tips to keep your concrete in good condition for years to come: TREAT YOUR CONCRETE WITH CARE While concrete is a very durable material, it is not indestructible. It is still necessary to take the necessary precautions to prevent concrete from cracking and ensure that it is not subjected to unnecessary pressure. To avoid this, avoid subjecting your concrete surfaces to very heavy vehicles and machinery to prevent cracking. It is also critical to take precautions and be as cautious as possible when shoveling or plowing your concrete surfaces after a snowfall. This is because metal tools, especially when used repeatedly, can cause damage to the concrete surface over time. RESEAL STAINS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE While concrete sealant does an excellent job of preventing stains on concrete surfaces, it is still critical to remove oil, grease, gasoline, or any other difficult-to-remove materials as soon as possible. If you need to remove oil or grease, alkaline degreasers are effective. Dishwasher detergent is also an excellent choice because it quickly prevents them from absorbing into your concrete. AVOID HARMFUL CHEMICALS While concrete is a very tough material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear and chemicals that other materials cannot, there are some chemicals that you should avoid exposing your concrete surfaces too. This is important if your concrete has a lot of texture or crevices where chemicals can accumulate. Even deicers, believe it or not, can cause surface damage to concrete by causing moisture to thaw and refreeze repeatedly. Some of the most dangerous deicers contain: • Ammonium sulfate • Ammonium nitrate • Calcium chloride • Sodium chloride (rock salt) • Magnesium nitrate • Magnesium acetate • Magnesium chloride It is also important to remember that newer concrete is much more likely to be damaged by deicers than older concrete, so it is best to avoid all potentially harmful chemicals, such as those listed above, for the first year after the concrete is poured. REGULARLY CLEAN YOUR CONCRETE. By cleaning your concrete regularly, you can keep it looking new for years to come by preventing dirt, algae, moss, and other debris from accumulating. Fortunately, as long as you keep up with it on a regular basis, cleaning does not require much effort. While sweeping or spraying your concrete with a garden hose will get the job done, keep in mind that debris build-up is more likely at certain times of the year. When the leaves fall in autumn, for example, concrete services are much more likely to accumulate debris and may be more difficult to clean with wet leaves piled up. Another effective method for preventing moss and algae growth is to increase the amount of sunlight that your concrete receives by trimming back plants and tree limbs that cast shade on concrete surfaces such as driveways and patios. RESEAL YOUR CONCRETE PERIODICALLY Debris accumulation is unavoidable over time, and while regular maintenance and cleaning will undoubtedly help keep problems at bay, it is still recommended that you have your concrete pressure washed and resealed regularly. This is a quick procedure that will help preserve your concrete surfaces' appearance and durability while protecting them from stains, cracking, and other damage. We have years of experience working with decorative concrete at Olathe Concrete Contractors in Olathe, KS. We have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to safely and effectively restore your concrete to its former glory, and we can help make your concrete surfaces easier to clean and maintain in the future. Contact us today for a free estimate if your concrete needs to be repaired. |
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