CONCRETE CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Concrete  is an investment that will add value and  aesthetics to your project for years to come. Like any building material, concrete requires  some maintenance to maximize its service life.  Concrete Impressions recommends the following practices:

Avoid driving on your new concrete for a minimum of 7 days after completion. Damage or discoloration may occur from landscaping/drainage/downspouts if water is not allowed a means to dry. AVOID using deicing chemicals on the concrete for the first winter. Instead, sand can be used for traction.  Keep concrete areas clean of snow and ice at all times during the winter months. This can help prevent cracking caused by extreme temperatures. Keep plows from direct contact with the concrete surface. This machine can gouge, scratch and accelerate wear on your concrete.

Concrete doesn’t require a lot of maintenance if you keep it clean. Cleaning your plain concrete surface mostly requires keeping it clear of debris and dirt, either with a broom or a leaf blower. You can rinse it with a hose or a power washer to remove stubborn dirt. Cleaning instructions will vary based on the type of concrete surface you have. Here are a few examples: Stamped concrete: Rinse this concrete well with a garden hose on high pressure, scrub with a push broom and a small amount of dish soap, and rinse to remove all soap residue. Stained concrete: If indoors, dry dust mopping and occasional wet mopping with a neutral-pH cleaner will do the trick. If outdoors, follow the instructions for stamped concrete. Always avoid harsh acid based products for stain removal.

Concrete sealers are chemical compounds that are applied to the concrete surface. These products work by water proofing the concrete surface and preventing the penetration of water and harmful substances. Sealers are clear liquids that soak into the concrete and dry providing a protective coating to the surface. These are typically sprayed on or applied with a paint roller. Typically, sealers will need to be reapplied every three to five years. You can spot check portions of your concrete to determine when sealers need to be reapplied. When water no longer beads on the surface of the concrete, it is time to reapply a sealer.