Your home’s concrete works are as important as any other feature installed on your property. Taking care of it can help prevent additional costs in the long run, and properly maintaining it can prevent further damage from trickling in. Here are crucial tips to maintain your concrete:
Inspect Your Concrete Regularly
Have you noticed any cracks present on your concrete? Or did the concrete dry out properly? You need to inspect your concrete regularly for any damages so you can address them right away.
It is better to notice early signs of damage than to be surprised by huge and irreparable concrete cracks, so the key here is inspection and early “diagnosis”. Imagine these cracks as a disease to your property’s concrete work; knowing the early signs of a problem can help save your concrete faster.
Repair Cracks and Holes Immediately
If you notice any cracks or holes in your concrete, don’t wait to have them repaired. Smaller cracks can be easily fixed with concrete caulk, while bigger ones may require patching kits. Holes, on the other hand, can be filled with pre-mixed concrete patches.
It is best to repair concrete damage as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse. By not addressing concrete cracks and holes, you are just giving water and other elements easy access to penetrate and destroy your concrete. This will then lead to more costly repairs in the future.
Clean Your Concrete Regularly
To maintain the beauty of your concrete, you need to clean it regularly. This is basic maintenance and the cheapest way to keep your concrete healthy looking.
Typically, concrete driveways and pathways are prone to chemical and oil exposure, so if it will sit on your driveway for a while, concrete’s porousness allows these chemicals to seep in.
You can use a power washer or a garden hose with a nozzle attachment to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Remember that immediately cleaning concrete is an advantage.
Seal Your Concrete
After cleaning your concrete, the next best thing is to seal it. Concrete sealers act as a protective barrier of concrete to moisture and stains.
Two Types:
- Acrylic-resin sealers – these form a thin shield against moisture, and are ideal for decorative concrete.
- Penetrating sealers – from the name itself, these sealers penetrate the surface of the concrete. These are ideal for driveways and sidewalks.
Regardless of the type of sealer you need, putting one after your concrete dries up is encouraged. Remember that prevention is better than cure, and using a concrete sealer prevents moisture and stains from being absorbed by your concrete.
Study Your Environment
The concrete in your home is not an island; it interacts with the environment, so you need to study your concrete’s immediate surroundings.
Do you live in an area where it always rains? How extreme is the temperature in your location? Both heat and humidity affect a concrete’s durability and performance, so it’s better to be sure of your surrounding environment.
Call an Expert
For a concrete-related situation, it’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s why it is beneficial to consult an expert in Calgary for your concrete works and maintenance. Besides, it will cost less in repairs if you’ll work with licensed contractors beforehand.
Moreover, they know best how to treat concrete according to its purpose and location in your home.
Get the Job Done With TNA Concrete
Concrete work repair and maintenance are better done with experts around and by experts on the ground. This preventive care is a crucial task you wouldn’t want to skip. So whether you’ve got a decorative concrete feature installed in your home or just a wide concrete driveway, keeping it in good condition is a must.
With TNA Concrete, this seemingly complex job is what we’re trained to do. We have years of experience in concrete works for both residential and commercial purposes. If you need help or additional tips in maintaining concrete health in Calgary, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
