Six Tips for Extending the Life of Your Stamped Concrete Patio

Patios can be made of solid concrete slabs, brick, stone pavers or manufactured concrete pavers. Stamped concrete is another option. Many homeowners choose stamped concrete because it’s environmentally friendly, low maintenance and long lasting, and it offers a high-end decorative look.

If you’re thinking about installing a stamped concrete patio, read on. Here are six tips to keep you on track with stamped concrete care in Crivitz, WI:

• Clean it: Outdoor surfaces, including concrete patios, are at risk for erosion, a natural process in which elements like soil and water with high mineral content wear away at stone and certain metals. Affected surfaces will develop holes and become brittle over time. To stave off erosion, you need to keep your concrete patio clean. Use a garden hose with a spray attachment or a pressure washer a couple times a week to wash away dirt, dust and other debris. Use liquid dish soap and a scrub brush to remove spills or bird droppings, then rinse with water.
• Seal it: A concrete sealer will protect your concrete patio from early corrosion, but it’s also used to preserve the color and shine of stamped concrete. The industry recommends reapplying the sealer once every two or three years for the best results, or sooner if you notice accelerated color fading.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Concrete is relatively easy to maintain. All you need is a broom, a garden hose or pressure washer and sometimes a mild dishwashing soap to keep it clean. If you use destructive chemicals on a sealed stamped concrete patio, you risk opening it up to corrosion and premature dullness. This happens because heavy-duty chemicals strip away the sealant on the concrete—the seal is designed to resist strong elements and normal wear and tear. Chemicals to avoid include ammonium nitrates, sulfates and deicing salts.
• Wax or polish it: You can polish or wax your concrete, but it’s not necessary if you applied a sealer. However, this may be a good idea for patios that get heavy foot traffic.
• Protect the surface: Cleaning, sealing and polishing your stamped concrete patio are all ways to protect the concrete’s surface and prevent permanent stains, as is wiping up food, grease and drink spills as soon as possible. Then there’s the damage caused by scratches and weather. Use rugs or soft tabs under patio furniture to prevent scratch marks. You might also consider an overhead cover to block out the elements—sunshine and rain, in particular—like a large umbrella, canvas cover or pergola.
• Manage nearby plants: It’s common for plants to be growing near patios, but untamed tree and bush roots can compromise your concrete. With this in mind, you need to manage plant growth properly. Don’t let roots grow underneath the concrete, because they can push it up and cause cracks and other damage. Concrete that is cracked through cannot be repaired, only replaced.

Stamped concrete care in Crivitz, WI is important for the integrity, longevity and appearance of these types of patios. Call Kwiatkowski Construction Co., Inc. today for information about recommended residential concrete services!

Categorised in: Stamped Concrete

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