For any concrete driveway, it is important to keep it looking great to prolong its lifespan for a long time. Keeping concrete in excellent condition makes the difference between concrete that draws attention and concrete that people are afraid to walk on.
Here we are going to give you several tips so that you can maintain the concrete on your own.
Clean Your Concrete
If you want to keep your concrete in good condition, you need to clean it. Cleaning it helps remove dirt and debris and give an attractive look to the final shape. There are different ways to clean concrete, look for the best option for your specific need.
Seal Your Concrete
Sealing concrete can help extend its life and keep it looking great. There are different types of concrete sealers available on the market. Topical sealers can be applied to the concrete surface every few years to prevent staining and surface damage. Keep in mind to always seal the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove Stains Immediately
Although your concrete sealer helps protect it, it is important to clean up concrete stains and spills as soon as they appear. For example, if you notice your car dripping oil on your concrete driveway, clean the oil from the driveway as soon as possible. This helps prevent discoloration or stains from occurring and therefore makes the concrete look better.
Limit Your Weight
Concrete is a very strong and durable material, however, concrete pours are not designed to contain extremely heavy materials. The driveway can support the weight of your daily vehicle, it is not designed to handle heavy machinery or large vehicles such as delivery trucks or moving trucks. Make sure these vehicles stay on the street and keep heavy machinery somewhere other than your driveway to maintain the life of your concrete.
Avoid The Wrong Chemicals
It is important to refrain from using certain chemicals in concrete. For example, certain deicers can pass through sealant and damage concrete. Fertilizers can also stain concrete, so be sure to remove any excess or spills from the concrete immediately. You should also make sure to use a concrete-specific cleaner, as some household products can do more harm than good. Be sure to read product instructions and disclaimers carefully before using specific products.
Proper maintenance of concrete can ensure that the slab looks attractive for a long period of time.