How To Care For Your Concrete
When properly maintained, concrete is a durable building material that can last for years.
Concrete is a strong material that wears well, however, as with other building materials, care must be taken with its use and maintenance is required.
With care and attention concrete will provide years of service.
The following basic care and maintenance steps should be taken by a homeowner.
General Care:
- Do not drive or park on new concrete for 28 days after it is poured. Concrete meets proper strength during this period and can be damaged and should not be disturbed during this time as it is considered a perishable item.
- Never park heavy or commercial vehicles including motor homes or moving trucks on the driveway.
- Keep rain and snow run-off and excessive hose water away from concrete as the soil below or beside the driveway can become destabilized.
- Remove leaves promptly as some foliage can stain concrete.
- Do not use acid to remove stains or to clean concrete. Use a stiff broom and concrete cleaner if needed.
- Keep fertilizers away from your driveway.
Winter Tips:
- Promptly remove snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks. Do not allow snow and ice to build up on the driveway.
- DO NOT use de-icing chemicals or salt on driveways. De-icers are used to melt snow and ice and are readily available at building centers; however, these chemicals cause deterioration of concrete. Using sand, although it will not melt snow and ice, is a safe alternative.
- Brush away/remove road ice, slush and water, that could contain de-icing chemicals, from driveways especially around the road apron and where vehicles park.
- Water allowed to sit inside the garage at the overhead door goes through freeze/thaw cycles which will damage concrete. Excess water that has melted off the vehicle MUST be removed as the garage is not designed to allow water to drain under the door due to the seal on the garage door.
- We recommend a sealer be applied to exposed aggregate and broom finish driveways at least every two years. Garage floors should also be sealed with an anti-slip agent.
DAMAGE FROM SALTS, DE-ICERS, OR FERTILIZERS INCLUDING MELT-OFF SLUSH FROM VEHICLES IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
Concrete: a Sustainable Building Choice
It is no secret that the world today is an ever-evolving organism, gaining momentum in technological advancements every day. With the increase in industry over the last century preserving the environment has become a main concern among the global community. The nature of concrete construction makes it both environmentally and economically responsible in the face of a rising global warming crisis.
The durability, disaster resistance, and longevity of concrete as a building material not only surpasses standards of safety for preserving life, but provides sturdy infrastructure in the dynamic world we live in today. Very little maintenance or repairs are required for concrete structures, making them adaptable to the environment. In order to meet the custom demands of varying markets, the proportions in the mix can be adapted to best suit each individual purpose, making it highly versatile. With many of these mix additives being supplied as recycled material from other industries, benefitting both the environment and the economy.