Concrete is a durable and highly manipulative material that can be used in a number of different areas of your home. Concrete can be used for driveways, walkways, and patios, but it can also be used for borders around your home. Although concrete is durable, it can get damaged if not maintained properly. See below for some maintenance and repair tips for your concrete.
Maintenance
- Clean . Keep your concrete clean by blowing or sweeping leaves, grass clippings and dirt off of it at least once per week. If left on your concrete, grass and weeds can begin to take root, growing through fine cracks in your concrete, eventually causing larger cracks or other damage.
- Remove stains . Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains on your concrete. Concrete is very porous, so a spill can stain it almost immediately. For grease spills, use kitty litter to soak up the spill, and then use a gentle cleanser such as dish soap and water along with a soft bristle brush to clean the area. A pressure washer can help remove stains as well.
- Apply sealer . You should apply a sealer every few years to hold the color and to protect your concrete to keep it looking new and beautiful. To apply the sealer, you first need to give it a deep clean and then apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly to cure. Be sure to apply the sealer on a warm day to help with the drying process.
Repair
Concrete is durable, but over time it can crack or chip. Be sure to take care of your concrete, by using it properly. A residential driveway is not the place for heavy vehicles such as construction equipment. Also avoid running over the edges of the driveway or patio, as these areas are usually the weakest and can break off easier.
- Small crack repair . If you have small spider cracks, you can repair them easily with concrete caulking or an injection. Look for either of these at your local hardware store.
- Large crack repair . Larger cracks can also be repaired by filling in the crack with a concrete patch kit. Prepare the mixture as directed, then use a putty knife to spread the mixture over the crack evenly.
- Chips and indentations . For smaller chips or indentations, you can use the caulk to fill in these areas to even them out and prevent dirt and other debris from settling in and damaging the concrete further.
- Color stain . To help cover and hide the cracks that have been repaired, you can have a color stain applied to the concrete. It will give the concrete a whole new look and a one-of-a-kind design.
- Resurfacing . If your concrete is beginning to look a little more patched than flat, you can have the concrete resurfaced to make it look brand new again. Add color to the resurfaced concrete and you’ll have an entirely new concrete patio or driveway.
- Slabjacking . Concrete that is sinking, causing it to be unlevel can cause a lot of damage to your patio or driveway. Having the slab of concrete jacked up and the soil beneath leveled again is the best solution.
Maintaining your concrete is important to help protect your driveway, patio or walkways from stains and other damage. If your concrete is in need of repair, or it is beyond repair, call Diamond Concrete Supply for help. We have the tools and know-how to make necessary repairs and give you advice on what can be done to your existing concrete to make it look like new again.
