Concrete Maintenance – 6 Easy Tips for Taking Care of Your Concrete

As a property owner, it’s likely you have concrete surfaces at your home or business. And just like your landscaping, lawn, and the exterior of your home or business, your concrete needs a little TLC, too.

Concrete is known as a versatile building material that is used for a variety of construction projects, ranging from sidewalks and driveways to buildings and parking lots. It’s durable, long-lasting, and can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions.

But, just like any material, concrete requires maintenance to ensure its longevity and durability.

Why is taking care of concrete important?
As one of your biggest assets, you want your home or business to be well-cared for, and aesthetically pleasing. 

Although concrete is a strong material, the truth is, it won’t last forever. Not only will taking care of your concrete improve its longevity, but it’s also important for:

• Safety 
  Cracks, spalls, and other forms of damage to concrete surfaces can pose safety hazards to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Uneven surfaces can cause tripping, falling, and accidents, while loose debris can damage vehicles and cause collisions. It’s important your home or business is safe for guests or customers.

• Aesthetics
  Concrete is often used for decorative purposes, and its appearance can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of a property. Cracked and damaged concrete can detract from the curb appeal of a building and reduce its value. As a property owner, you want to ensure you’re maximizing your investment’s value.

• Longevity
  Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of concrete structures. This can prevent the need for costly repairs and replacements down the line.

• Cost Savings
  In addition to adding length to the life of your concrete, regular maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before they become major problems. This avoids costly repairs or replacements down the line.

• Environmental Impact
  Maintaining concrete reduces the environmental impact of producing and disposing of new concrete.

It’s clear there are many benefits to maintaining your concrete, so now let’s take a look at how to best care for your patios, walkways, driveways, parking lots and other concrete surfaces.

How to Maintain Residential & Commercial Concrete
Maintaining concrete requires a combination of preventative measures and repair strategies. Here are 6 easy tips on how to maintain your commercial and residential concrete:

1. Clean Regularly
   Regular cleaning can help remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants that can cause surface damage to concrete. The best way to clean your concrete is to use a pressure washer or scrub brush to remove dirt and stains. But, be careful not to use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface of your concrete. Not only will cleaning add to the life of your concrete, but it will also add to the curb appeal of your home or business. 

2. Seal the Surface With Concrete Sealant
   Sealing the surface of your concrete protects it from water, chemicals, and other environmental factors that cause damage. A concrete sealant helps fill in small cracks and prevents moisture from penetrating the surface of the concrete.  A sealant will extend the life of your concrete and make it easier to clean and maintain.

3. Repair Cracks and Spalls
   Small cracks and spalls can be easily repaired using a variety of products, including epoxy resins, acrylics, and cement-based fillers. Repairing cracks and spalls when they’re small keeps them from growing into larger, more expensive problems. For larger cracks and spalls it may be necessary to call in professionals to assess the damage and recommend a repair strategy. If you’re finding yourself in need of a larger fix, contact Lymm for a free estimate.

4. Prevent Standing Water on Your Concrete
   Water can cause significant damage to concrete, especially if it penetrates the surface and gets into the underlying structure. To prevent water damage, make sure your gutters and downspouts are functioning properly, and that water is draining away from your concrete surfaces.

5. Avoid De-Icers
   De-icing salts and chemicals can cause significant damage to concrete surfaces, especially if they’re applied in large quantities or left on the surface for an extended period. If you need to use de-icing agents, use them sparingly, and make sure to rinse the surface with warm water as soon as possible.

6. Monitor for Signs of Damage
   Regular inspections help identify signs of damage early on. This allows for prompt repairs and preventative maintenance. Regularly check your sidewalks, patios, driveways, parking lots, and other concrete surfaces for cracks, spalls, and other forms of damage, and address them as soon as possible.

Maintaining concrete is an important aspect of property maintenance that will help ensure the longevity and durability of your concrete structures. Regular cleaning, sealing, and repair will help prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your concrete surfaces. Preventative measures, like avoiding de-icers and monitoring for signs of damage help prevent problems before they arise.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure the concrete structures on your property remain safe, functional, and attractive for years to come. 

If you need a professional opinion on your concrete maintenance or repairs, contact Lymm today for your free inspection. We’ve been serving the Omaha community as trusted concrete professionals for over 30 years.