maintenance

Unfortunately, concrete slabs are often neglected. This leads to cracks, voids, and expensive repairs.

This article includes some easy and helpful concrete maintenance tips to avoid costly repairs.

Maintenance – Three Critical Pieces

1. Keep it clean! Make sure your concrete slabs are blown or swept clean weekly. When leaves, grass clippings, and dirt accumulate, weeds will take root. Small roots are surprisingly powerful and fast. Once they squeeze into fine cracks they can quickly cause significant damage.
2. Remove Stains Quickly! Concrete is very porous, so spills can stain it almost immediately, this is why it is so important to take action quickly after a spill. For grease spills, use kitty litter to soak up the spill and then use dish soap and water to clean the area after. If you have one, a pressure washer can remove stains as well.
3. Apply Sealer! In order to properly protect your concrete, you should apply a sealer every few years to hold the color and to protect it. Before applying the sealer you want to be sure you give it a deep clean. Applying the sealer on a warm day will help with curing and drying process.

Concrete Repair

Concrete might appear invincible, but it doesn’t take much for it to crack or chip.

Trucks and heavy equipment. A frequent problem for residential driveways is parking trucks or equipment. When heavy vehicles park near the edge of a driveway or patio, damage often occurs. Be sure to park in the center of a driveway to avoid damage.

Small Cracks and Chips. Small “spider cracks” can be repaired with concrete caulk. If you can get to these repairs quickly, you can avoid expensive repairs in the future. Act quickly, it doesn’t take long for seeds and weeds to collect in cracks and become problems.

Large Crack Repair. Some large cracks can be repaired by filling in the crack with a concrete patch kit. Putty knives are a required tool to ensure even distribution and sealing for concrete maintenance.Color Stain. After repairing cracked concrete, it may look unattractive. To give it a finished or artistic look, apply a stain.

By applying these simple tips, your concrete will last longer and you’ll save money on repairs.

If you need concrete lifting, leveling, or repair contact Poly Lift USA today.