Are you looking for a way to keep your patio looking great for years to come? A patio is an investment for your home. Take care of it and keep it looking nice year-round.
Here are a few suggestions for concrete maintenance that are simple and easy to do. Keep reading to learning everything you need to know about concrete maintenance in this complete guide.
Eliminate Roots
Roots from nearby trees can compromise your concrete patio and lead to cracks. Be careful about planting bushes or shrubs close to your patio. If they are not properly managed they could cause harm to your patio.
If your concrete patio cracks it won’t be able to be repaired. Concrete repair cannot be made if your patio has cracks. Instead, it must be replaced. You can avoid this situation with a few preventative measures.
Trim the roots of plants and shrubs regularly. This will keep them from endangering your concrete patio. Have problem trees removed that may develop large roots beneath your patio.
If you do not want to take out any trees in your yard plan a place to put your patio where it will not be disrupted by tree roots.
Use an Overhead Cover
An overhead cover is a great way to protect your patio from the harsh elements. The less interaction your patio has with hard rains, hail, and other natural elements the longer it will last and look nice.
An outdoor cover over your patio can extend the life of your patio by years. It will also make your patio the perfect spot to sit outside on a hot summer day. Choose a fabric that has some strength to it like canvas. That way the cover will also last for many seasons.
Outdoor fabrics are generally thicker and easier to maintain. Have a custom cover built of pick up a cover that you can put together from your local hardware store.
Concrete Sealer
A concrete sealer can help protect your patio from corrosion. The sealer also protects the color and shine of your patio. This is perfect is you have your patio panted or you had your concrete stamped with a design.
It is recommended that you reapply the concrete sealer every two to three years but if your patio is losing its color or shine it is okay to go ahead and reapply a little bit earlier.
If you decide to apply sealer on your own because and read the instructions. You want to make sure you are applying your patio concrete sealer appropriately.
Before you seal your patio you need to clean the concrete with a concrete cleaner. Make sure the surface is fully dry before applying the sealer to the patio. If the surface is still wet it can cause the sealer to bubble up or crack.
You may want to apply a second coat of sealer to make sure you cover every square inch of your patio
Use Outdoor Rugs
It doesn’t matter if your patio is made fromcement vs concrete, it can benefit from an outdoor rug. Concrete patios are very resistant to scratches from outdoor furniture and equipment but a rug will give your patio extra protection.
Table and chair legs can scratch the color or sealer of your patio. You can avoid this from happening by laying down a beautiful outdoor rug. Home and garden stores sell many different types o outdoor rugs that fit all different home decor styles.
Make sure you choose a rug that is made for the outdoors. These outdoor rugs hold up better to the elements and can easily be cleaned off when they become dirty.
There is no need to worry about spills or stains on your patio when you are using an outdoor rug. If something spills simply take the rug over to the fence and wash it off with the garden hose.
Outdoor rugs help keep your patio looking great and also add a bit of style to your outdoor space.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Any concrete maintenance guide will tell you to be careful using harsh chemicals around your patio. This is because most patio sealers can corrode or lose its shine when it is sprayed with chemicals.
Ask your pest control company what type of chemicals they spray around your house and if they are damaging to your patios sealant. Any product that contains sulfate and ammonium nitrate could be damaging to your patio.
Your patio sealant was made to withstand the normal wear and tear of patio use along with the natural elements but not harsh chemicals. These chemicals attack the patio sealant.
Always check the back of your particular brand of patio sealant to see if there are any other specific chemicals you should avoid contact with your patio to keep it looking its best.
Use Wax or Polish
With normal wear and tear your patio will eventually lose its shine. Even if you applied a sealant it is a good idea to wax or polish your patio every once in a while. This little bit of work can go along way in taking take of your patio.
Wax or polish makes your patio look bright and clean. It will also help combat a large amount of foot traffic your patio sees particularly in the summer months as you enjoy the outdoors more often.
Regular waxing and polishing will also avoid having patterns of foot traffic appear on your concrete patio. A good waxing adds another protective layer to your patio against scratches and regular wear and tear.
A Little Concrete Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Concrete maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these tips above to help protect your patio and keep it looking its best for many years to come.
Garage Force makes concrete coatings that can help extend the life of your patio. Our seamless coatings are easy to maintain, slip-resistant, and extremely durable. Best of all, they help make your patio look great.
Check out our coatings and learn how we can help you keep your patio beautiful for years to come.