You’ve just finished a new concrete project and you want to maintain it as best you can. You may be wondering what is the best way to care for your new or existing concrete work? In this article, we’ll go over some of the top FAQ’s on how to keep your newly poured or existing concrete looking its best.
Apply a Sealant
The first line of defense for your concrete is a sealant applied to the entire surface area you’re aiming to protect. When applied properly and regularly (every 1-3 years), a sealant will keep out water and stains more effectively. By repelling and preventing water from intruding into the concrete, you can extend your concretes life and prevent small cracks from popping up prematurely.
Avoid De-icing Products
De-icing products can be very harsh and leave lasting effects when used often on concrete surfaces. For example, a rock salt can be damaging to your concrete in as little as one season; read more about that here.
Act Quickly When Damage Appears
Cracks, chips, and breaks are the most common damage that people notice on their concrete. When first noticing your damage, try not to wait too long before attempting to repair. The longer you wait, the more time water and moisture has to seep deep into the concrete causing more damage, leading to more cracks. This can be especially damaging in colder months when the freeze/thaw pattern can wreak havoc on already damaged concrete.
Clean Regularly
If your concrete has been sealed, most spills, or materials that would otherwise stain the concretes surface will have little effect. Materials such as gasoline, oil, and grease may leave light discoloring, but these can be cleaned as well if dealt with quickly. If you’re regularly cleaning your concrete using a power washer for example, you should expect to keep your concrete, clean, looking fresh, brighter in appearance, and have little to no discoloration.
Get In Touch
Small concrete jobs can be done by yourself in most cases, but if you’d like help from a contractor, Almand Bros should be your one-stop destination. We have been delivering high-quality construction projects in New Jersey since 1985.
Our services include concrete and masonry installation and repair, custom stonework, basement waterproofing, grading and watershed, and snow removal services. You can call us at (856) 310-1390 to get a free estimate. You can also fill our online contact form to get in touch.