How to maintain and repair concrete?

Although concrete is strong and durable, proper maintenance can extend its life and maintain its beauty.

Although concrete surfaces are relatively easy to maintain compared to other surfaces, they still require constant maintenance. The level of care needed depends on the amount of traffic the concrete receives.

Concrete surfaces in homes require much less maintenance and repair compared to high-traffic areas such as sidewalks. Residential concrete surfaces, like floors, see little traffic, and simple maintenance activities like sweeping and mopping keep them looking new for a long time. .

Simple maintenance tips

Here are some general tips to ensure your concrete surfaces are well maintained:

• Avoid concrete surface designs that have saw cuts because narrow cuts trap dirt and water that can degrade the quality of your surfaces.
• For surfaces that are not polished, protect them with a good sealer to prolong their life and improve their appearance.
• To preserve the sealer, apply a commercial grade concrete wax finish. The finish protects the sealant against dirt, stains and abrasion. It's also very easy to reapply when it starts to wear.
• For areas that get a lot of foot traffic, like entryways, use rugs to minimize wear and tear and maintenance.
• Regularly clean concrete surfaces to remove dirt, grit, or stains by sweeping, dusting, and mopping. Use cleaning products recommended by the sealer or finish manufacturer to preserve surfaces. When the surface begins to lose its shine, use a commercial polish to buff it.

Also, be sure to repair broken or cracked surfaces regularly.

How to repair cracks in concrete

Residential concrete repairs are mostly simple self-healing projects. For large concrete repairs, it is advisable to order ready-mix concrete which can be delivered to the site

The following are simple steps you can follow to repair broken or cracked concrete surfaces:

• First, clean the surface you've identified to remove any dirt or oil stains to ensure the concrete filler you use will bond to the cement.
• Using a chisel and hammer, remove any large pieces from the surface. Key the hole or crack so that its base is larger than that of the surface. This will help the concrete you use to bond to the old surface.
• Remove all dirt from the scratched surface using a broom and vacuum cleaner.
• You can now apply the concrete into the cracks and smooth it out with a trowel, checking after a while that the filler has set. For commercial projects such as warehouses, retail stores, or commercial facilities, ready-mix concrete can be delivered through the use of a pump.
• Allow the concrete to cure at least overnight, then check if additional patching is necessary.
  
  
• Finally, it's good to seal the patched surface using a concrete sealer to prevent stain absorption. For high traffic areas, multiple coats of sealer may be required for added protection.

Concrete repairs can go a long way in keeping your concrete surfaces looking good and lasting for many years. For more information on how concrete can improve the quality of your home, call our advisors who will gladly answer your questions