Maintaining Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting paving materials available. When installed correctly, stamped concrete is highly resistant to cracking, and has added inherent strength and endurance over conventional concrete. Even when exposed to harsh weather conditions, stamped concrete is a lot stronger and will provide decades of service. There are some basic steps you can take to minimize cracking and ensure good performance. Properly maintaining your concrete investment is one of the most important steps if you want it to last as long as possible.
Stamped concrete maintenance tips:
Cleaning
Cleaning and sealing colored and stamped concrete should be done on a regular basis just like any other home maintenance. Frequency depends on traffic exposure, water, and chemical exposure. Not much is required when it comes to cleaning your stamped concrete. However, you should always sweep and wash the surface to avoid dirt buildup. To quickly and efficiently clean spills, dilute liquid detergent with water. Then use a brush to scrub the stain and rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. You can also use a pressure washer to clean stamped concrete and get rid of dirt. Whether you own a residential or commercial property, we’ll pressure/ power wash away any unsightly dirt, grime, mold and mildew, fungus and algae, oil stains and more with our effective and most importantly eco-friendly biodegradable detergents that won’t harm people, pets or plants.
Sealer
Applying a sealer to your decorative concrete is smart and affordable. This preventative measure can preserve its beauty and extend its service life. It also improves the appearance of plain or a decorative concrete driveway by eliminating any unwanted intrusions into the pores of the concrete. Stamped concrete will dull and lose its sheen over time, but recoating will a sealer will restore its original luster. Not only will your concrete be shiny again, but sealers also will boost the color of concrete and prevent fading from UV exposure. A sealer will also prevent dirt, deicing chemicals, oil/ grease stains, and other substances from staining your concrete and also makes cleaning easier.
You should apply a high-quality sealer to all exterior concrete slabs exposed to freeze-thaw conditions whether plain or decorative. The sealer helps protect the concrete from moisture absorption, mold and mildew, exposure to chemicals, and grease and oil stains. Something to note. The first winter after your pavement is installed, avoid using deicing chemicals.