Concrete Maintenance and Care

Concrete is an extremely durable building material. It is often used for constructing patios and other types of hardscaped areas for outdoor living entertaining, including the areas around swimming pools. Proper concrete maintenance will ensure that these areas last for many years.

Keep Concrete Clean

You should thoroughly clean concrete at least once, if not twice, a year. Use a pressure washer to rinse away any dirt that may have settled into the surface. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can use a garden hose instead. After rinsing, apply a little liquid dish detergent to the concrete and use a push broom to scrub the surface. Rinse the surface again with a pressure washer or garden hose.

It is important to clean messes on concrete areas as they occur instead of waiting for your annual or semi-annual cleaning. Clean any spills or rust marks from metal patio furniture right away.

Repair Cracks When Found

Concrete is normally very impact resistant and can withstand a lot of abuse. However, cracks can occur because of ground settlement. Inspect your patio and other concrete surfaces for cracks and crevices. It is important to repair cracks as soon as you see them to prevent damage that could threaten the structural integrity of the area. Cracks allow water to seep underneath the concrete and disturb the subgrade.

Seal Joints in the Concrete

Make sure that all joints in the concrete are properly sealed. This includes any access covers for pool filtration or sprinkler systems. Weeds can grow and dirt can accumulate in the joints and diminish the look of your concrete surfaces. Compromised joints can also allow water to seep underneath your concrete and cause damage.

Seal Concrete Surfaces

An important part of concrete maintenance is sealing the surface every two to three years. Sealing should happen when the air temperature is between 55 and 90 degrees for the best results. Concrete surfaces that have been sealed will:

• Repel water better
• Be more resistant to dust and scratches
• Reduce damage from UV rays

Concrete maintenance steps are still the same if you have decorative concrete, including concrete that has a stamped, colored, or sprayed-on finish. It is always a good idea to check with your contractor or the material’s manufacturer to see what cleaning products they recommend. Regular concrete maintenance will help protect your investment, keep your concrete looking great throughout the year, and extend the useful life of your concrete.