Top 5 Tools Every Homeowner Needs for DIY Concrete Care

From pressure washers to plastic shovels, learn about essential gear for concrete repair and maintenance.

Concrete isn’t just a surface – it's a big investment and the unsung hero of your home’s curb appeal. Whether it's your driveway, patio, or walkway, keeping it in tip-top shape protects its aesthetic and your wallet.

Replacing concrete is expensive and disruptive, so why not give your existing concrete a second chance? In this article, we’ll explore the tools every homeowner or DIY enthusiast needs for concrete care, as well as the professional-grade equipment that can tackle bigger challenges.

**Editor’s Note: Many of the tools we share in this article are generally safe. Regardless, we highly recommend reading the instructions that accompany each to ensure you’re using it and any necessary personal protective equipment properly.** 

DIY Concrete Care Tools Every Homeowner Should Have

1. Caulk Gun & Concrete Caulk

Your concrete’s worst enemy? Cracks and joints that let water sneak in and erode the soil underneath, causing the slabs to settle and cracks to widen.

A caulk gun loaded with flexible, concrete-specific caulk is your best friend for sealing those gaps. We recommend purchasing a caulk gun that is more than $20 – you’ll regret going with a cheaper option like the one pictured above.

Pro Tip: Pair the caulk gun with a sturdy wire brush to clean debris out of the crack before caulking for proper adhesion.

2. Pressure Washer

Dirt, grime, and moss don’t just look bad, they can cause your concrete to become a slip hazard. The slimy film over dirty concrete is a big fall risk that only gets worse over time.

Having a pressure washer at home helps remove build-up whenever you need it, giving your concrete a fresh, clean, and safe slate.

Bonus: Cleaning your concrete preps the surface for sealing, which is an important part of concrete maintenance to help extend its life!

3. Leaf Blower, Rake, & Push Broom

Fall leaves and other plant debris may seem harmless, but your neighborhood dog-walker may disagree. They also trap moisture on your concrete and cause dark, dirty stains.

A leaf blower, rake, and push broom help keep your concrete clear of leaves throughout the season, making your concrete cleaning easier in the spring.

4. Landscaping Gloves & Garden Trowel

If you notice gaps or voids forming along the edges of your concrete, grab your gloves and trowel to add topsoil all around.

Adding soil around the perimeter of concrete slabs helps redirect water away from the slabs, rather than under them. This helps reduce erosion and settling.

5. Plastic Shovel & Kitty Litter

Snow and ice can severely damage concrete, but when using the wrong tools to clear it, you can make the situation worse.

Using a plastic shovel (vs. a metal one) avoids scratches or pits in the concrete surface. Traction enhancers, like kitty litter, add traction naturally without damaging the surface, like salt.

Professional Power: When DIY Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, the cracks are too severe, or the grimy build-up too bad. That’s when professional tools come into play. Here’s what the pros might use:

1. Concrete Leveling Units

If you’re battling sunken slabs, DIY concrete leveling is possible, but not recommended.

From foam injection (polyjacking) to stone slurry grout leveling, these professional units lift and stabilize sunken slabs with precision. They're ideal for fixing trip hazards or significant settlement issues, whether it’s for your own home, a home you’re remodeling, or a property you manage.

2. High-PSI Pressure Washers

For tough stains or prepping large areas for sealing, pros use industrial-grade washers with higher PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute) ratings. These make light work of the dirtiest concrete.

3. Sealant Sprayers

Applying sealant evenly is critical for long-lasting protection. Professional sprayers coat large areas quickly and evenly, ensuring your concrete can properly absorb the sealer and be shielded from moisture, salt, and stains.

4. Electric Caulk Guns

Perfect for big jobs, electric caulk guns hold tubes of caulk and dispense the product automatically at a consistent rate, saving time, providing an even finish, and preventing hand and forearm pain from squeezing the trigger of their manual counterparts.

Care for Your Concrete

Your concrete is a cornerstone of your home. With a few essential DIY tools and an understanding of when to call in the pros, you can protect this valuable asset for years to come.

So grab your caulk gun and gloves – it’s time to show your concrete some love! 
But if your concrete needs more than DIY limits call for, request a free estimate with a member of the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you!