Ways To Maintain Outdoor Concrete Surfaces This Spring

During winter months, your concrete driveway and patio have been exposed to freezing temperatures. The use of de-icing chemicals can have a significant effect on concrete surfaces. Spring is here, and it’s the perfect season to give your outdoor concrete surfaces some TLC! 

Start the season off right by properly maintaining your concrete surfaces. This blog provides simple tips for cleaning, repairing, and sealing your concrete. These techniques will help ensure they look clean and new all year long. Continue reading to learn more:

Benefits of Concrete Upkeep in Spring

Maintaining your concrete surfaces in the spring season has a lot of pros. Since the weather is warmer, it’s easier to perform tasks like cleaning and repairing cracks. Here are the reasons why concrete maintenance is better in springtime:

  • Longer Days
  • Mild Weather Conditions
  • Perfect Temperatures
  • Cheaper Costs

Power Wash Your Surfaces

A power washer is one of the best machines for cleaning concrete surfaces. You can hire someone or tackle the job yourself since you can easily rent pressure washers from hardware stores. Both power washing and pressure washing are safe as long as you take the necessary precautions. When done properly, these methods are effective in cleaning concrete surfaces like driveways and walkways.

Before turning on your power washer, make sure to repair cracks and clean all surfaces. You can use a soft broom to sweep away any debris. When using your equipment, always spray side to side across the concrete surface. Power washing your concrete driveway will help remove oil and grease stains. It’s also an eco-friendly cleaning technique since it uses fewer chemicals.

Check for Damaged Areas

Once the surface is free of dirt, it’s time to perform some concrete repairs. Hairline cracks and other damage will be more visible after a thorough cleaning. The most common indications of concrete damage are the following:

  • Potholes
  • Weed Growth
  • Fading Color
  • Uneven Surface
  • Flaking or Crumbling Concrete
  • Drainage Problems

If you notice any signs of damage, have them repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent further deterioration and unnecessary repair costs. Instead of DIY, it’s recommended to hire a concrete contractor with experience and expertise.

Stain Concrete Surfaces

A stained concrete driveway or patio can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Staining is one of the decorative concrete projects that you can try this spring. By adding color using acid-based or water-based stains, you can upgrade the look of your concrete surfaces. 

Acid-based stains penetrate deeper, which creates a more permanent, mottling finish. On the other hand, water-based stains produce a more consistent and subtle look.

Regardless of the stain you choose, the color will not chip or peel away. This means your stained concrete surfaces will last for years to come. Just make sure to purchase a high-quality concrete sealer that will lock in the color or stain.

Add Design Elements and Features

Many people think that concrete surfaces are boring because of their gray color. However, there are different ways you can upgrade your concrete structures. If you have a concrete patio, you can add a fire pit that brings warmth and character to your outdoor space. This design element makes a good, cozy gathering place for your friends and family. Fire pits can be easily installed in your concrete patio this spring season.

Aside from this, you can also install pavers on concrete patios. Laying pavers on top of the concrete surface will create a completely new look for your outdoor space. 

Reseal the Concrete Surfaces

This is an important maintenance task that you should perform during springtime. Since outdoor concrete is always exposed to sunlight and rain, they are more prone to cracking and fading. Resealing concrete helps increase the durability and lifespan of the surface. This will protect the concrete from harsh elements and heavy foot traffic. Consult with a professional concrete company if you need help with applying concrete sealers.

Request a Free Quote

When it comes to concrete maintenance and repairs, bring in the experts from Midstate Concrete. We will ensure that your concrete surfaces are well-maintained all year long. Our concrete experts have you covered for all your concrete needs! To learn more about what we do, give us a call or fill out our online contact form. We can’t wait to work on your concrete project!