Are you doing these 10 things to keep your concrete in great shape as long as possible?
Concrete is one of the biggest investments you can make on your property, and you’ve probably heard how important it is to keep up with the maintenance that comes with it.
But how exactly do you go about maintaining concrete?
Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve helped our customers maintain and repair their concrete for over 30 years. In this article, we outline 10 of the most essential steps you should take to maintain your concrete effectively.
1. Concrete Caulking
Concrete caulking involves applying a flexible polymer caulk to cracks and joints in your concrete, effectively sealing gaps and preventing further damage.
Concrete caulk is flexible, so it will expand and contract with the concrete’s natural movement rather than cracking off like rigid mortars.
Why Is Concrete Caulking Important?
Caulking protects your concrete by preventing water from seeping into cracks, which can lead to erosion, freeze-thaw damage, and weed growth.
Caulking gaps and cracks also prevents the material underneath the slab from washing away, reducing the risk of settling and additional cracking.
How Often Should Concrete Be Caulked?
How often you have to reapply caulk depends on the amount of freeze-thaw cycles in your area and how much traffic the caulk receives.
Generally, high-quality polymer caulk lasts between 3 to 8 years. However, you should inspect your concrete twice a year and apply more caulk as necessary.
2. Concrete Cleaning
To clean concrete, a high-powered pressure washer removes dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface. This process not only improves the appearance of your concrete but also prepares it for sealing.
Why Is Concrete Cleaning Important?
Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of grime, stains, discoloration, and mold/algae. It also ensures that sealers can adhere properly, providing better protection against the elements.
How Often Should Concrete Be Cleaned?
Concrete should be cleaned at least once a year, and before sealing it with a topical or penetrating sealer. In areas with high traffic or exposure to harsh elements, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
3. Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing involves applying a protective layer over the surface or embedded into the pores of your concrete to create a moisture barrier and protect it from stains and damage.
There are various types of sealers available, including topical and penetrating sealers, each offering different levels of protection.
Why Is Concrete Sealing Important?
Sealing your concrete prevents moisture from being absorbed into its pores. This is crucial during freeze-thaw cycles, as trapped moisture can freeze, expand, and cause surface spalling or cracking.
Sealing also shields your concrete from things like salt damage, oil stains, and mold growth.
How Often Should Concrete Be Sealed?
Topical sealers typically need to be reapplied every 1-3 years, while penetrating sealers can last 5-25 years, depending on the specific sealer used and where it’s applied.
Read More: Penetrating vs. Topical Concrete Sealers
4. Void-Filling
Void-filling is the process of injecting a stabilizing material into empty spaces that form beneath concrete slabs. These voids occur when the supporting soil settles or erodes, leaving the concrete unsupported.
Why Is Void-Filling Important?
Ignoring voids can lead to serious issues, such as cracking, settling, or even collapse of the concrete slab. Void-filling stabilizes the slab, preventing further damage and ensuring the concrete stays supported.
How Often Should You Void-Fill Concrete?
Regularly inspect your concrete for signs of voids, such as uneven surfaces or visible gaps beneath the slab.
Small voids on the sides can be filled with topsoil as part of routine maintenance, but larger voids require professional attention. Address voids as soon as they are detected to prevent more extensive damage.
5. Clean Gutters and Redirect Downspouts
Cleaning your gutters involves removing leaves, debris, and other blockages to ensure proper water flow. Downspout redirection refers to adjusting downspouts so that they direct water away from your concrete surfaces.
Why Is Gutter Cleaning and Downspout Redirection Important?
Clogged gutters and improperly directed downspouts can cause water to pool around or leak onto your concrete or nearby soil, leading to erosion and an increased risk of settling and cracking.
By keeping gutters clean and ensuring downspouts are correctly positioned, you reduce the likelihood of damage to your concrete.
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned and Downspouts Redirected?
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. Downspouts should be checked regularly to ensure they are directing water at least 3-4 feet down and away from your concrete.
Read More: How To Clean Your Gutters
6. Add Soil Around Concrete
Placing additional soil around the edges of concrete slabs helps divert water away from the slab and prevent erosion that eventually causes concrete to settle.
Why Is Adding Soil Around Concrete Important?
Soil around concrete helps direct water away from the slab, preventing erosion of the supporting material. This reduces the likelihood of voids forming and helps maintain a stable foundation.
How Often Should You Add Soil Around Concrete?
Inspect the soil around your concrete slabs at least once a year. Add soil as needed to ensure proper drainage and to maintain the integrity of the slab’s foundation.
Read More: How To Grade Around Concrete and Build Up Soil Levels
7. Check for Pests
Inspect your concrete and surrounding areas for signs of pests, such as chipmunks or other burrowing animals, that can undermine the stability of the slab.
Why Is Checking for Pests Important?
Pests can cause significant damage by creating voids or eroding the supporting material beneath your concrete. Regular inspections and prompt treatment help prevent long-term damage and settling.
How Often Should You Check for Pests?
Inspect your concrete for signs of pests at least once per season. If you notice any issues, take immediate action to eliminate the pests and repair any damage they may have caused.
8. Keep Snow Off of Concrete
Promptly clearing snow from your concrete surfaces helps prevent moisture buildup and reduces the risk of freeze-thaw damage.
Why Is Snow Removal Important?
Allowing snow to sit on your concrete increases the risk of moisture absorption, which can lead to cracking and surface spalling during freeze-thaw cycles.
Removing snow promptly helps protect your concrete from these issues.
How Often Should You Remove Snow from Concrete?
Clear snow from your concrete as soon as possible after each snowfall. Regular snow removal is especially important during periods of frequent freezing and thawing.
Read More: 4 Essential Winter Concrete Maintenance Tips
9. Keep Fall Leaves Off of Concrete
Regularly clearing fallen leaves from your concrete surfaces helps prevent moisture accumulation and staining.
Why Is Leaf Removal Important?
Leaves can trap moisture against your concrete, leading to stains and potential surface deterioration during freeze-thaw cycles. Clearing leaves helps maintain the appearance and longevity of your concrete.
How Often Should You Remove Leaves from Concrete?
During the fall, remove leaves from your concrete at least once a week. This practice will prevent moisture-related issues and keep your concrete looking its best.
10. Avoid Using Salt as a Deicer
Avoid putting salt on your concrete and use alternative methods, such as sand or kitty litter, to improve traction on icy surfaces without causing damage to the concrete.
Why Is Avoiding Salt Important?
Salt can cause significant damage to concrete as it gets absorbed into the pores and breaks it down from the inside. It can also increase the damage done by freeze-thaw cycles and lead to surface spalling.
Using alternatives like sand helps maintain traction without the harmful effects of salt.
How Often Should You Use Alternative Deicers?
Use alternative deicers whenever icy conditions arise. Consistently avoiding salt will help preserve the integrity of your concrete during the winter months.
Maintaining Your Concrete Is Crucial
Regular concrete maintenance is an essential part of making sure your big investment stays in great shape for many decades.
By following these best maintenance practices, you can protect your concrete from preventable damage and extend its lifespan.
Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve been in the concrete repair and maintenance industry for over 30 years. If you’d like to learn more about professional concrete maintenance services, request a free cost estimate with an A-1 location near you!
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