Concrete Care & Maintenance
While concrete is the most durable construction products available for your home, proper care is a requirement for long-lasting beauty and wear.Although concrete is an extremely durable product, the following care and maintenance guidelines will add to the value of your investment:
Do not apply deicing chemicals for snow and ice removal during winter. To provide traction if needed, sand is recommended.Never apply deicers containing ammonium sulphate or ammonium nitrate. These products may be packaged and sold as deicers, but aggressively attack and deteriorate concrete surfaces. Salt eats ALL types of masonry installations including concrete.
For stain removal, do not use harsh acids. Use a product specifically designed for the stain in question and for use on concrete.Concrete is an extremely strong, durable material made from cement and aggregate. Concrete is porous, whether used as a floor in garage, porch or patio, driveway or walks.
Often porch or patio floors will have an extra smooth surface, but it will still absorb stains easily. It may be sealed or painted. Concrete floors are sealed to prevent staining, since without sealing they absorb stains readily. The floor must cure and dry after it is laid before it can be sealed, with the time required varying with weather, temperature, building conditions, etc. Floors must be clean, and any remaining alkali in the concrete must be neutralized before sealing.
Cleaning and sealing stamped and colored concrete should be done on a regular basis just like any other home maintenance. The frequency will depend on how high a traffic area to cars, foot traffic, water, and any chemicals the concrete is exposed to. We recommend resealing every 2 or 3 years. If you wait longer, you may notice the color fade slightly. But just like waxing a car, reseal your stamped concrete and the color will be as vibrant as the day it was installed. If color fades, there are ways to renew it, but keeping it sealed is your best defense.
