How to Care for Concrete: Top Four Tips For Lasting Durability

Concrete is a popular material for building homes and with good reason; it is a durable and versatile material that is relatively easy to maintain. Concrete is often used for driveways, walls, floors, and other applications. While concrete is an exceptional building material, proper care and maintenance of your concrete can make is last for decades. Simply cleaning concrete can help keep it looking brand new for years. However, there are several other ways you can extend the life and look of your concrete. Hers is our list of the top four tips to help care for and maintain the concrete used in and around your new home.

Tip # 1 – Let It Cure

When new concrete is poured, it requires time to cure properly. It is recommended to stay off concrete and do not build on top of it for at least seven days after installation. Any heavy equipment on the concrete should be avoided for at least two weeks to one month. Following this tip will keep your concrete from cracking and pitting prematurely.

Tip # 2 – Winter Care

In Minnesota, we face harsh winters. Snow and ice can accumulate on our concrete and using salt, or other ice melting products can be damaging. It is highly recommended that these products be avoided. This is especially true for the first winter after pouring and if you have a patterned concrete drive or walk. Instead, use sand to help with traction. It is also recommended that you not park on your concrete during the first winter if possible. Snow, ice, and other chemicals can drip onto your driveway causing damage. Finally, if you plow or use a snow blower do not allow wheels with chains to spin on your concrete as they can cause permanent scarring.

Tip # 3 – Use a Sealer

It is also a good idea to use a quality concrete sealer on your new concrete before the first winter. A sealer will help reduce moisture and protect the surface. Moisture that seeps into the concrete can freeze during the cold winter months causing cracks. This sealer should be in addition to the initial cure provided by your builder. It is also recommended to reseal your concrete before your second winter for maximum protection. Following that, sealing every two to three years should suffice. Sealers will also help protect against oil and other chemicals that may find their way to the concrete surface.

Tip # 4 – Upkeep

After the critical early period, regular maintenance is relatively easy. Oil spots should be cleaned as soon as possible. The oil may stain your concrete. However, it should not affect its structure. A quality degreaser can often remove or reduce the unsightly stain as well. Also, using a concrete cleaner at least once a year is an excellent way to keep your concrete looking new and intact. Cleaners should be recommended specifically for concrete and should not contain harsh chemicals. High traffic areas can be protected by the use of mats to reduce wear on your concrete. Lastly, if any cracks or breaks do occur, check your manufacturer’s warranty and call your builder. If the warranty has passed, consult with your builder for repair options before the damage grows worse. Taking these simple steps will both ensure that your concrete is fully cured and ready for use, as well as providing years of durability and beauty.

Progressive Builders Is Here For You!

Whatever your plans include, Progressive Builders is passionate about partnering with you every step of the home building process. Our mission is to ensure that your home plan will accommodate your lifestyle and meet the unique needs of your family. We will also assist you in finding the right floor plan and constructing your home with a focus on quality, all at an outstanding value. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation across the Twin Cities metro area and beyond, and we are committed to continuing that level of excellence for your new home construction project. We have a number of customizable home plans to suit your needs and several lots available in neighborhoods across the Metro. We invite you to contact us today for more information.