Your driveway is the first thing people see when they come to your house, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Proper maintenance will extend its life and keep it looking new. Here are some tips for exterior concrete maintenance.
Be careful While Functioning Around Your House.
While concrete is a very tough and durable material, it is still susceptible to damage if not properly cared for. In order to keep your concrete driveway or patio looking its best, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
First and foremost, always use caution when operating any kind of machinery near your concrete surfaces. This includes lawn mowers, power washers, and even vehicles.
Secondly, make sure to regularly sweep and clean your concrete surfaces to prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing discoloration. By following these simple tips, you can keep your concrete surfaces looking like new for years to come!
Act Rapid on Oil.
Oil spills can be difficult to clean, especially if they are fresh. If you have a fresh oil spill on your driveway, it is best to act quickly. There are some homemade solutions you can use to deal with fresh oil stains on concrete.
For fresh oil stains, use something absorbent like cat litter or baking soda. Afterwards, apply water and scrub with a brush using a solution of water and baking soda before removing.
If the oil spill is old and has already dried, you will need to use a different method. First, wet the area with water and then apply a degreaser. Scrub the area with a brush and then rinse with water. If the stain is still visible, you can repeat this process.
Prevention is always the best method when it comes to oil spills. Make sure to wipe up any spills immediately and store any liquids that could potentially spill in a safe place. By taking these precautions, you can avoid difficult-to-clean oil stains on your concrete.
Have Your Driveway Properly Cleaned.
Washing your driveway on an annual basis is critical in prolonging its life. Mold and also mildew will typically discover its methods to your driveway over time, which can help in deterioration.
Using a safe and secure pressure as well as likewise specialized cleansers, collaborating with a professional power cleaning company to clean the driveway is continuously recommended. Not only does this give you peace of mind that it’s being done right, but they also have the correct equipment and knowledge to do so. In addition, the visual difference between a neat and also unclean driveway resembles night and day.
There are other benefits to having your driveway cleaned on an annual basis as well. It will help remove any potential oil or grease stains that may have been caused by your car. It also helps to brighten the color of your concrete and make it look fresh again.
If you have any questions about having your driveway cleaned, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Seal Your Driveway.
Concrete sealants are made to enhance and additionally safeguard the surface area as well as likewise expand its life. There are a variety of numerous types of sealers you might make use of, all differing in their utilities. Acrylic/topcoat sealants are made to shield the surface as well as often modify the look of the concrete. Passing through sealants enter into the pores of the surface and also structurally secure the concrete from within. Ensure to secure your concrete on a regular basis to obtain the longest viable life span from it.
Step 1
Start by brushing off any type of debris or dirt that might be on the surface area with a stiff bristled brush. If there are any areas which look especially dirty, you can scrub them with a mild detergent and then rinse the area with clean water.
Step 2
Next, you will want to repair any cracks or chips in the concrete before sealing. This will help to prevent further damage and also give the sealant something to grip onto. You can use a concrete patching kit for this purpose. Simply follow the instructions on the kit.
Step 3
Now you are ready to apply the sealant. There are two ways to do this – with a brush or with a roller. If you are using a brush, start at one corner of the driveway and work your way towards the other end in even strokes. If you are using a roller, start in the middle of the driveway and work your way outwards.
Step 4
Once the sealant has been applied, you will need to wait for it to dry. This usually takes around 24 hours. Once it is dry, you can then drive your car on the driveway as normal.
It is important to note that you should not wash your driveway for at least 48 hours after sealing. This will give the sealant time to properly set and bond with the concrete.
By following these simple steps, you can help to prolong the life of your driveway and keep it looking its best.
Try to Avoid Melting Agents.
As the temperatures start to drop, it is important to think about how you will maintain your concrete driveway or sidewalk. One of the most common ways people de-ice their concrete is by using melting agents such as salt. While this method may be effective in the short-term, it can actually damage your concrete in the long run.
When salt is applied to concrete, it causes a chemical reaction that can break down the concrete’s surface. This can lead to cracks, pits, and other damage that not only looks unsightly but can also be expensive to repair. In addition, salt can also cause rusting on metal reinforcements such as rebar which can further weaken the structure of your concrete.
So what should you use instead of salt? One option is to use sand. This will provide traction and will not damage your concrete. Another option is to use a product that is specifically designed for de-icing concrete, such as calcium chloride. This product is safe for concrete and will not cause any damage.
By following these tips, you can help keep your concrete driveway or sidewalk in good condition all winter long.
Comprehend the Look.
When concrete is new, the professionals will use a healing agent to it, providing it a velvety colored color. With time, this healing agent will normally wear away. As it degrades, the all-natural, darker shade of the concrete will take place. It is extremely important to make the distinction between dirty concrete and used concrete. Particularly after cleaning, you may view particular areas as still being unclean when they are most likely due to the degradation of the healing agent.
Dirty Concrete
Dirty concrete is a result of an accumulation of dirt, grime, and other materials on the surface of the concrete. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as wind, rain, and foot traffic. In order to clean dirty concrete, you will need to use a power washer or pressure washer. You may also need to use a detergent or cleaning solution in order to remove all of the dirt and grime from the surface of the concrete.
Stained Concrete
Stained concrete is caused by spills, splatters, and other accidents that leave behind a stain on the surface of the concrete. In order to remove a stain from concrete, you will need to use a power washer or pressure washer. You may also need to use a detergent or cleaning solution in order to remove the stain from the surface of the concrete.
Etched Concrete
Etched concrete is caused by acids, chemicals, and other materials that react with the concrete and cause it to etch. In order to remove an etch from concrete, you will need to use a power washer or pressure washer. You may also need to use a detergent or cleaning solution in order to remove the etch from the surface of the concrete.
Scuffed Concrete
Scuffed concrete is caused by shoes, boots, and other materials that scuff the surface of the concrete. In order to remove a scuff from concrete, you will need to use a power washer or pressure washer. You may also need to use a detergent or cleaning solution in order to remove the scuff from the surface of the concrete.
Summary
It is important to understand the difference between dirty concrete and used concrete. Dirty, stained, etched and scuffed concrete can be cleaned with a power washer or pressure washer.
Exterior concrete maintenance is key to keeping your home or business looking its best. Whether you have a deck, patio, driveway, or sidewalk, regular cleaning and sealing will extend the life of your concrete and make it look great. B-Clean Pressure Washing is your go-to source for all your exterior concrete cleaning needs. We offer a wide range of services to keep your concrete looking like new, including:
-Pressure washing
-Sealcoating
-Stain removal
No matter what type of service you need, our team of experts will get the job done right. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information about B-Clean Pressure Washing or to get a free quote for pressure washing, house washing, gutter cleaning, power washing; soft washing, visit our website https://b-cleanpressurewashing.com/ or call us at 804-322-9418. We strive to be the best pressure washing service in Quinton, VA. You can trust B-Clean Pressure Washing to always provide satisfaction guaranteed power washing service.