Pro Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Concrete

Patios, driveways, walkways, sidewalks and pool decks are outdoor concrete surfaces you’ll find on residential and commercial properties. They are an investment, and therefore need protecting—especially from the elements. The good news is that concrete is not all that difficult to maintain. In fact, proper curing, sealing and maintenance can prevent problems later on and help your concrete surface last many years. If you don’t know where to start or what tools to get, then the following information is for you!

Here are six tips from a concrete contractor in Crivitz, WI for maintaining your outdoor concrete:

• Consider seasonal weather: First things first, take an assessment of your environment, namely the weather and temperature changes throughout the year. Outdoor concrete surfaces can endure a lot of environmental stresses, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay in good condition. Spring rain showers and snow runoff that sits on top of concrete for a long period of time can cause damage, and the summer heat can dry it out and make it brittle. To avoid water damage to concrete surfaces and foundations, be sure to slope concrete away from your home or building.
• Spend appropriate time pouring and curing: Concrete surfaces must cure properly to reach maximum durability, but the elements can affect concrete curing times. That said, the pros recommend pouring and curing concrete in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees. An extreme temperature difference up or down may compromise the final product. For example, a freeze-thaw cycle can make concrete expand and contract to the point where it cracks or breaks, while high heat will cause the concrete to set faster, which may compromise its strength.
• Seal concrete: You must choose the right sealer for your specific type of concrete surface. The sealer is a layer of protection that guards against moisture, oil, dirt, excess water and stains. Sealing can also enhance the look of decorative concrete.
• Perform basic maintenance: Of all the steps on your basic maintenance list, keeping the concrete surface clean is the most important. When you clean up spills and debris immediately—from food, drinks, candy, oil, grass clippings, tire marks and more—you’re minimizing the chances for set-in stains and other types of damage. Clean frequently to help your concrete look its best at all times.
• Apply a finish: Another time to clean your concrete thoroughly is before applying a finish. This finish might be a top coat, stain, paint or decorative concrete. Be sure to sweep the surface, then use a pressure washer on it. Apply a fresh finish every three to five years for uninterrupted protection.
• Inspect: You should periodically check concrete surfaces for cracks, shifting, deterioration and other damage, especially concrete floors, slabs and foundation walls. Minor cracks can be repaired, but anything wider or bigger than a nickel should be looked at by a professional.

When you need to hire a concrete contractor in Crivitz, WI, look no further than Kwiatkowski Construction Co., Inc. Call us for more information about our concrete services!

Categorised in: Concrete Contractors

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