Maintenance Tips – Concrete
Even for a low maintenance product such as concrete, regular attention is key to getting maximum life from your investment. Take the time to follow these helpful tips and you will benefit from many years of service from your concrete driveway, parking lot or walkway.
1. Use a quality sealant on your concrete – Whether you have paved with
standard concrete or chosen a specialty, such as stamped, stenciled or colored concrete, sealant will protect it from stains and lengthen its life. Be sure to power wash first to remove embedded dirt or oils, then seal every 2 to 3 years.
2. Clean your concrete annually to keep it looking new – Basic detergents in a pressure washer and approved degreasers with a stiff- bristled brush are best for standard concrete. Follow manufacturers recommendations for cleaning and maintaining decorative concrete.
3. Use rock salt or calcium chloride for ice and snow – Deicers that contain ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates will damage your concrete, leaving stains and pits. You may also consider using a plastic bladed shovel to avoid causing scratches and chips when shoveling snow.
4. Address chips, cracks and sinking quickly to avoid further damage – While cracking over time is normal with concrete paving, sinking or a premature crack could be an indication there is erosion or root systems compromising the base of your pavement. If you aren’t sure what has caused damage to your driveway, contact our professionals for help. A crack in your aging concrete can be repaired by careful chiseling to create a backward angle, application of a bonding adhesive and use of a vinyl reinforced patch. Feathering the repaired area with a trowel will create a smooth surface that should resist chipping.
5. Never drive heavy trucks or construction equipment on your driveway – Custom concrete mixes are available for paving that will be subjected to heavy loads on a regular basis. Pavement that is not designed for this use will crack under excessive weight. For driveways constructed for residential use, consider keeping cranes and moving trucks parked on the street.