Concrete Care Tips

Concrete can easily begin to deteriorate or discolor under certain conditions due to a variety of factors such as material limitations and severe exposure conditions. Concrete is a strong and durable material, but it is not indestructible and over time concrete can suffer from deterioration due to a variety of causes, including scaling, disintegration, erosion, reinforcement corrosion, delaminating and concrete cracking. For instance when the concrete is initially curing it shrinks which can cause cracks, and as it reacts with water the concrete slab progressively deforms over time. While not every problem is preventable, smart maintenance can avoid many issues.

Here’s a guide to different types of concrete care:

New Concrete

If you have brand-new concrete, it’s a good idea to avoid using de-icing chemicals like salt in the first winter of the concrete’s life (unless necessary to avoid injury or liability). Some homeowners choose to use sand as an alternative for traction. Sand will not damage concrete.

For new concrete driveways, don’t use them for at least 7 days after installation.

Concrete Care During A Cold Denver Winter

No season is as tough on concrete as winter. Freezing temperatures create wear and tear in general, but the main problem is the combination of moisture and cold temperatures.

That’s why you want to remove snow or excess water as soon as possible when temperatures are near or below freezing. You want to minimize the number of times that water penetrates the concrete and then freezes.

It’s also a good idea to avoid any de-icing products that contain ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate. They take a toll on concrete.

More Concrete Care Tips

To avoid discoloration, it’s a good idea to rotate flower pots, outdoor mats, and other items that rest on top of your concrete.

To avoid staining, remove debris, mulch, fertilizer and leaves from your concrete as soon as possible.

If you do get staining, avoid products with harsh acids for stain removal. Look for products specifically formulated to be safe with concrete and that specifically addresses the type of staining you have.

Sealers are generally a good idea. They protect concrete from damaging moisture penetration. For best results, re-apply sealant annually.

Along with water repellent sealants, chemical resistant barrier coatings are common preventive measures to protect concrete against chemical attack.

If despite your best efforts, you end up with sunken or cracked concrete, CreteJack concrete leveling in Denver can help. We’ve got a fast solution that costs about half of what it would cost for concrete replacement.