A concrete patio can be a beautiful addition to your home for cookouts, entertaining, relaxing, and just about anything else you might want to do in your beautiful new backyard. Concrete patios come in many varieties and can be very simple or can be a beautifully designed stamped concrete patio. When it comes to concrete, you are choosing just about the most durable and low-maintenance patio option available. However, some maintenance will be required in order to ensure you get the longest life out of your patio possible and can make sure to get the most out of your investment.

With multiple concrete patio options available, knowing the difference between them before choosing is important. The maintenance will be similar, although it will vary a little bit for a stamped concrete patio, but if you know which one you are planning on getting, you can know the best way to maintain it to make it last longer.

The difference between the two is mostly aesthetic. A stamped concrete patio will look like brick or concrete pavers but doesn’t include the extra maintenance requirements of these more in-depth options. To preserve the deeper detailing in stamped concrete, a color hardener and sealant will need to be applied.

Plain concrete patios tend to be more cost effective than a stamped concrete patio, but with the right finish, it can still look sophisticated and high-end. Because the surface gets fewer treatments, the maintenance is actually a little higher on plain concrete than it is on a stamped concrete driveway, but the durability is very similar between the two.

Because concrete has such a long lifespan (usually 30 years or more), maintaining it properly is absolutely essential to get the most out of your investment and ensure it keeps its beauty throughout the years.

Concrete is prone to erosion, especially in Ohio climates that include large amounts of precipitation and freeze/thaw cycles. If you don’t regularly clean off the dirt, grime, and minerals that sit on your patio, erosion will happen more quickly and cause more damage. For ideal cleaning, use a pressure washer or regular garden hose to wash off debris every week or two. If you spill grease or food on the patio, make sure to hose it off right away. Any spills or bird droppings that accumulate on the patio should be cleaned off with dish soap and a garden hose. 

Pressure washing more intense stains like grease can help make sure spots are removed quickly, and getting a pressure wash done once a year or so while using a regular garden hose to maintain on a regular basis can help keep it in pristine condition.

Sealer helps with corrosion, cracks, moisture issues, and makes your concrete patio look fresh and updated. Unless the color is fading or the sheen is disappearing, a sealer should be applied every two to three years to make sure it is kept updated and fresh. 

In Northeast Ohio winters, the freeze and thaw cycles cause the concrete to expand and contract quite frequently, and when you add in the moisture and precipitation that builds up, making sure you are regularly sealing your patio is one of the most important parts of maintenance. Sealing is best done by a professional, but if you do decide to DIY seal your patio, make sure the area is completely clean and dry and that a second coat is applied. If it isn’t done right, you could end up creating bubbles and additional issues and giving yourself even more problems with your patio.

Some chemicals can severely damage your concrete and should be completely avoided when cleaning and treating it. Even though sealant helps protect the patio from strong elements and wear and tear, using harsh chemicals will corrode the sealant and break through to the concrete. These chemicals can cause damage to the concrete and lower the lifespan of your patio by quite a bit. 

While all harsh chemicals are harmful to the concrete and should be avoided, some of the worst are those that contain ammonium nitrates and sulfates because they eat through directly to the concrete. If you have a stamped concrete patio, you should avoid salting with deicing salts, as they will damage the surface and sheen of the concrete. The sealant is especially vulnerable in the first year after it is installed, but even when it’s older, avoiding these chemicals can help prolong the life of your concrete patio.

Anchor Crete concrete professionals specialize in concrete patios of all varieties, including stamped concrete patios and plain concrete patios, which means the installation is efficient, professional, and will help your patio last longer. For concrete patio needs in Sugarcreek, Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, Canton, Massillon, and surrounding Ohio areas, contact Anchor Crete.

Whether it is a commercial parking lot, personal driveway, or a decorative patio, we are committed to providing you with quality workmanship at an affordable price. Quality materials and attention to detail are a way of life at Anchor Crete – no shortcuts!

The post How to Maintain Your Concrete Patio appeared first on Anchorcrete LLC.