Exterior Concrete Maintenance Tips
Exterior concrete maintenance is important in order to prolong the life of your driveway and keep it looking new. Pressure washing is the best way to clean your driveway and remove any dirt, grime, or stains that may have built up over time.
You should pressure wash your driveway at least once a year, and more frequently if it is subject to heavy traffic or other wear and tear. In addition to pressure washing, you should also seal your driveway every few years to protect it from the elements and prevent staining. By following these simple tips, you can keep your driveway looking like new for years to come.
Precautions to take while working around your house
- Pressure wash your concrete regularly to keep it clean and remove any stains.
- Be cautious when using pressure washers, as they can damage the surface of concrete if used incorrectly.
- When mowing your lawn, be sure to check for leaks beforehand to avoid staining the concrete.
- If you notice any cracks or chipped areas in your concrete, be sure to repair them as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Act Quickly on Oil Stains
When oil discolorations permeate your concrete, they can be incredibly tough to eliminate. If there is a fresh oil discolor on your driveway, it remains in your benefit to function as quickly as feasible. Though difficult to get rid of, there are homemade choices you can put together to deal with fresh oil discoloration in concrete.
Use Something Absorbent
With fresh oil locations, utilize something like cat litter or sodium bicarbonate to take in that wetness. You’ll want to work relatively rapidly so the area does not establish. Afterwards, add water to it and scrub with a brush utilizing a solution including water and baking soda prior to washing away. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to remove the oil discoloration.
Have Your Driveway Professionally Cleaned
Have your driveway properly cleaned and Maintained by a professional pressure washing company.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about the condition of your driveway. However, if you want to keep it looking its best, it’s important to wash it on a regular basis and have it sealed every few years. This will help protect it from mold and mildew, which can cause it to deteriorate over time.
While you could try to clean your driveway yourself, it’s generally best to leave this task to a professional pressure washing company. They have the equipment and expertise necessary to get the job done right, and they can also apply a sealant that will help prolong the life of your driveway.
If you’re looking for a reputable pressure washing company in your area, be sure to check out Lions Share Maintenance. We specialize in exterior concrete maintenance and can have your driveway looking like new in no time. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.
Seal Your Driveway
To keep your driveway in good condition, it’s important to seal it on a regular basis. This will help protect the surface from weather damage and extend its life. There are a number of different types of sealers you can use, all varying in their abilities. Acrylic/topcoat sealants are made to protect the surface and often change the appearance of the concrete. Penetrating sealers go into the pores of the surface and structurally protect the concrete from within. Make sure to seal your concrete regularly to get the longest possible lifespan from it.
Sealing your driveway is one of the best ways to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. Be sure to clean the concrete surface thoroughly before applying sealant.
Clean Debris and Leaves Regularly
Leaves and debris can accumulate on your concrete surfaces and cause staining or discoloration. Be sure to sweep or blow them off regularly. You may also want to consider power washing your concrete periodically to keep it looking its best.
Repair Cracks and Chipped Concrete
Small cracks and chips in concrete can become bigger problems over time if they’re not repaired. Use a patching compound designed for concrete to fill in any cracks or chips, then sand smooth. Once the repairs are dry, you can seal the surface to help protect it from further damage.
Lions Share Maintenance is your one-stop shop for all your exterior concrete maintenance needs. We can help you choose the right sealer for your driveway and provide regular sealing services to keep it looking its best. Be sure to contact Lions Share Maintenance. We’re always happy to help!
Avoid Melting Agents
If you live in an area where winter weather can be harsh, you need to take care of your concrete to prevent damage. One thing you should avoid using on your concrete is any type of melting agent. This includes salt, which is often used to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks.
While these materials can certainly help to thaw the ice on your concrete surfaces, they can also cause damage. Salt will lower the freezing point of any fluids on the concrete, including moisture. This can lead to cracks and other damage as the water freezes and expands.
Instead of using salt or other melting agents, try using a product that is designed specifically for de-icing concrete surfaces. These products are less likely to cause damage and can be just as effective at melting ice.
Difference in concrete looks.
When concrete is new, the professionals will use a curing agent to it, giving it a rich colored hue. Over time, this curing agent will eventually degrade. As it degrades, the natural, darker color of the concrete will emerge. It is important to make the distinction between dirty concrete and worn concrete. Especially after cleaning, you may consider certain areas as still needing attention when in fact they are just returning to their original state.
Ways to prevent or lessen wear and tear on your exterior concrete:
-Use a sealant: A sealant is a substance that is applied to concrete in order to protect it from weathering, staining, and other forms of deterioration. Sealing your concrete will help prolong its life and keep it looking new for longer.
-Clean regularly: One of the best ways to keep your exterior concrete looking its best is to simply clean it on a regular basis. Remove dirt, leaves, and other debris from the surface of the concrete with a broom or blower. You can also pressure wash it periodically to remove any stubborn buildup.
-Repair cracks and chips promptly: Cracks and chips in concrete can quickly turn into larger problems if they’re not repaired promptly. Fill small cracks with a patching compound and larger ones with concrete repair caulk. Use a putty knife to smooth out the surface of the repair so that it’s level with the surrounding area. Then, prime and paint the repaired area to match the rest of the concrete.
-Be careful with chemicals: Certain chemicals can cause damage to concrete, so it’s important to be careful when using them near your exterior concrete surfaces. Avoid using harsh cleaners or acidic substances, as these can etch the surface of the concrete. If you must use a cleaner that contains chemicals, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly afterwards.
Following these tips will help keep your exterior concrete looking its best for years to come.
For professional help with all your concrete maintenance needs, contact Lions Share Maintenance today! We’re always happy to help our clients keep their homes and businesses in top condition.
For more information about Lions Share Maintenance or to get a free quote for pressure washing, gutter cleaning, house washing, ice dam removal, and/or holiday light installation, visit our website at https://lsmain.com/ or call us at (651) 330-2810. We strive to be the best pressure washing service in Little Canada, Minnesota. You can trust Lions Share Maintenance to always provide satisfaction-guaranteed pressure washing service.