Learn how a little love today can help revitalize your concrete and prevent big repairs tomorrow.
Concrete doesn’t ask for much – no flowers, no chocolate… not even a candy heart with a vague expression of gratitude. But with everything it does to support your home, your driveway, and your walkways, doesn’t it deserve a little love?
Concrete is a silent, but essential, supporter that provides a literal foundation for your cook-outs, birthday parties, and chalk arts year-round. It’s time to repay the favor with a little tender loving care.
Here’s how to keep your concrete in great shape, ensuring it remains a strong and steady foundation for years to come.
Idea #1: Pressure Washing (A Spa Day for Your Slabs)
Over time, dirt, grime, and mold can accumulate on your concrete, leaving it dull and slippery.
Concrete cleaning removes algae and mold build-up, which can be slippery when wet and look bad. It also helps clear away stains and discoloration and preps the surface for protective sealant.
To clean concrete, use a high-powered pressure washer to remove dirt and stains. Start on the lowest setting and gradually increase pressure to avoid damaging the concrete. Or if you’re not up for the DIY route, request a free estimate for professional cleaning services.
Related Resource: How to Clean Concrete [Step-by-Step Guide]
Idea #2: Lock-In Beauty with a Sealing Touch
Sealing your concrete is like giving it a protective layer against the elements. Whether it’s rain, snow, or leaking oil, a high-quality sealer helps keep your concrete looking pristine.
Concrete sealer works by stopping water from seeping into pores, reducing freeze-thaw cycles and surface spalling. It also helps resist oil, salt, and UV damage.
Who doesn’t like to feel protected?
Related Resource: What Does Concrete Sealing Protect From?
Pro Tip: Be sure to choose the right sealer for your application. Penetrating sealers are best for long-lasting protection, while topical sealers need to be reapplied more frequently.
Idea #3: Raise the Bar (By Raising Your Concrete)
Plenty of love stories revolve around a beauty and a beast… In this case, the beauty is your home’s curb appeal and the beast is the number of trip hazards caused by settled slabs.
Concrete leveling – whether through stone slurry grout, foam leveling, or mudjacking – is a cost-effective way to restore safety and aesthetics.
Concrete leveling repairs are typically up to 70% less expensive than replacement, and far more convenient. Small holes are drilled into the affected slabs and stone slurry grout, expanding foam, or a mud mixture is pumped beneath the slab to lift and stabilize it.
The drill holes are then sealed and the surface is cleaned off, leaving you with even, safe concrete.
Idea #4: Seal the Deal by Caulking Cracks and Joints
Trust me on this one – it’s worth getting down on one knee. Cracks and joints are more than just cosmetic concerns. They’re invitations for water intrusion, erosion, and settling.
Caulking cracks in concrete helps prevent water damage by reducing erosion under the slab and the effect of freeze-thaw cycles. When blended into the surrounding concrete, caulking can help improve the appearance of the slab, too.
To seal gaps and cracks in concrete, remove debris, apply a concrete-specific caulk, and add sand, stone, or another blending agent after smoothing with soapy water.
Related Resource: How to Fix Concrete Cracks
Idea #5: Pay Attention! Stay Ahead of Damage With Regular Inspections
Sometimes, the best ideas come from taking a closer look before it’s too late. A proactive approach is the best defense against costly repairs. Walking your property regularly can help catch issues early. Look for settling or uneven slabs, cracks or gaps in the surface, or signs of pooling water.
Don’t forget interior spaces like basement or garage floors. These areas are prone to settling and cracking over time.
Idea #6: Keep the Love Afloat and Give Water Somewhere Else to Go
Water is one of concrete’s biggest enemies. Proper drainage prevents erosion and keeps your slabs in the right place.
Redirect downspouts and use extensions to channel water away from slabs. Also, repair leaky gutters to avoid pooling water around concrete slabs or your home’s foundation.
Adding soil around the edges of the concrete will help maintain a gentle slope away from the slabs and prevent water from running directly underneath and eroding the base material.
Related Resource: How To Maintain Your Concrete
Why Loving Your Concrete Pays Off
Concrete may not ask for Hershey’s Kisses or serenades, but a little “love” (i.e. any or all of the ideas in this article) can do a lot more than extend your concrete’s life. Here’s what else you gain:
- Safety: Clean, level surfaces eliminate hazards.
- Curb Appeal: Well-maintained concrete enhances your home’s appearance and property value.
- Savings: Addressing minor issues now prevents costly repairs later.
This season, commit to loving the concrete that keeps your home grounded. Whether you’re cleaning, sealing, or leveling, these steps help ensure your concrete stands strong for years to come.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll love yourself a little more in the process.
Ready to get started? Request a free estimate for professional care and maintenance services with a member of the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you!
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Find out how much safe, beautiful concrete will cost you with a free onsite estimate from an A-1 franchise near you.
