Maintaining Concrete- Keeping it Looking Like New

Maintaining Concrete consists of 4 steps:

Cleaning Concrete on a regular basis (at least once per year)

To remove normal dirt and grime build up

To remove rust or other stains

Repairing Cracks in Concrete

To maintain a structurally sound surface and minimize water intrusion through cracks-which can cause problems with the sub grade.

Sealing joints in the concrete

To minimize water intrusion through the joints

Eliminate dirt collecting in the joints

Eliminate weeds sprouting up through the joints

Sealing the concrete surface

Repels water.

Dust proofs the surface

Some sealers offer other benefits as well

High resistance to abrasion

Resistance to UV sunlight

Resistance to dirt and grime, oil, grease, rust, acid, chlorine, fertilizer stains, sprinkler water residue and mildew, as well as stains from most other organic matter. What your concrete is exposed to will effect your choice of a sealer.

For decorative concrete, the same steps as above will apply, but we strongly suggest you visit the web site or contact the technical department of the decorative product manufacturer you have chosen.

For instance, if you used a concrete topping or dressing, or a certain brand of colored concrete, or a spray on decorative finish, the technical departments of these companies will have real world experience with what works best for their products.

In the section cleaning and sealing colored concrete it outlines the recommendations of 4 colored concrete manufacturers for cleaning and sealing their product lines.

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