Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Maintenance in Kansas City

Did you know you need to worry about concrete maintenance?  Most of us think that concrete is tough and durable, and once we install it, we can just forget about it.

But we need to take care of it so it will last as long as it is intended to. If you have decorative concrete, then you want it to remain so for many years. There are a few easy ways you can keep your concrete looking great and extend the life of it, too.

Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Maintenance in Kansas City

Concrete is a long-term investment in your property. Keep it in great shape for many years.

Cleaning

It’s a great idea to regularly clean your concrete surfaces around your home. Driveways, patios, and sidewalks can get dirty, stained, and marked from all sorts of things.

Give it a good hosing off a few times a year, depending on what your situation is. Using your garden hose should be enough to remove dirt, mud, grass, and other debris that is on it.

Use a mild soap, like dishwashing liquid and a broom to scrub off any stuck-on dirt or stains. Things like leaves, grass, or garbage can bleed into the concrete and leave stains.

Power washing will remove hard stains but can compromise the integrity of the concrete. Use a mild cleanser on grease or oil spots, or other stains that can occur like grass or animal droppings. Some fertilizers contain chemicals that can eat into the surface of your concrete.

Sealing

When you first pour the concrete, you should have it sealed. It helps keep the moisture away, it helps keep stains from forming, and it helps with regular wear and tears.

You can renew the sealant as part of your regular concrete maintenance regime. Replace it after you have properly cleaned your concrete, at least once a year, to stay current with your concrete maintenance.

Deicing

When the driveway and sidewalk are covered with ice and snow, avoid using harsh chemicals to remove them. Avoid the use of salt and never use deicing products that contain ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate.

Concrete is porous and moisture can seep into it. With the winter weather shifting, the melt/freeze cycle can be very hard on your concrete. Shovel the snow off manually with your shovel and use sand if you need traction.

Check for Damages

Regularly check your driveway, patio, sidewalk, and anything other concrete for cracks, holes, erosion, or broken or crumbling areas. If a portion of your concrete is lifting or sinking, call in a professional.

Concrete maintenance needs to include regular inspections, by you or a professional. Small damages become bigger ones if they are not taken care of right away.

Concrete Maintenance

Keeping your concrete in great shape keeps your entire property looking great. You want the concrete to last and remain safe for your family and your community.

If you need help or information about concrete maintenance, please contact a professional concrete company with any questions you might have or to book an inspection.