Concrete Care 101: Maintenance and Repair Tips for Grand Prairie Property Owners

Why Concrete Maintenance Matters

Concrete maintenance is very important for keeping your concrete surfaces in good condition. There are many advantages to maintaining your concrete regularly.

• Longer Life Span: Maintaining your concrete properly will increase the life expectancy of your concrete by many decades over non-maintained concrete.
• Less Costly: Identifying problems while they are small can avoid expensive repairs later on.
• More Aesthetic Appeal: Keeping your concrete clean and well-maintained will make it look newer and much more appealing to others.
• Improved Safety: Regular maintenance of your concrete will reduce potential tripping hazards and improve traction on your walkways.
• Increased Property Value: The overall appearance of your property will also improve, increasing your home’s value and curb appeal.

Some of the Most Important Concrete Maintenance Activities to Perform:

1. Regular Cleaning

• Clean your concrete at least twice per year or as needed, depending on traffic in your area.
• Use either a pressure washer or a stiff-bristled brush and mild soap and water to clean your concrete.
• Do Not: Never use harsh chemicals when cleaning your concrete because they can damage your concrete surface or your sealant.

2. Sealing

• Seal your concrete every two to three years for exterior applications and every three to five years for interior applications.
• Sealing will protect your concrete from dirt, moisture, and UV-light damage to your concrete.
• Pro Tip: Make sure you choose a sealant that fits your concrete type and intended use.

3. Crack Inspection

• Inspect your concrete at least once per year or after significant weather conditions have occurred.
• Look for: Cracks that are greater than 1/8 inch wide and/or any unevenness in your concrete surface.
• Small cracks may be repaired using a concrete crack filler. Larger problems may need to be evaluated by a professional contractor.

4. Expansion Joint Maintenance

• Check your expansion joints to see if they are filled correctly and replace them if damaged.
• Expansion joints should always be filled so that no water can infiltrate into the concrete beneath and damage it due to freeze-thaw cycles.

5. Preventing Stains and Removing Them

• Preventing: Immediately clean any spills, especially those involving oil or grease.
• Removing: Depending on the type of stain, you can use an assortment of cleaners (dish soap for oil, white vinegar for rust).
• Caution: Before attempting to remove any stain, test a small, inconspicuous section of your concrete first.

Common Problems with Concrete and How to Fix Them Yourself

1. Hairline Cracks

Reason: Normal contraction and expansion of the concrete.

Repair: Clean the hairline crack and apply a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk to the affected area.

2. Spalling (Flaking of Surface)

Reason: Exposure to repeated freezing and thawing, improper application of concrete during construction, or the application of de-icing chemicals.

Repair: Use a concrete resurfacer to fix minor flaking. More severe spalling may require professional assistance to correct.

3. Discoloration

Reason: Damage caused by prolonged sun exposure, excessive moisture, or chemical reaction with other materials.

Repair: Attempt to clean the discolored area first. If the discoloration persists, try applying a tinted sealer or concrete stain to the affected area.

4. Uneven Surfaces

Reason: Settling of soil around your foundation and/or growing roots from nearby trees.

Repair: Use a concrete leveling compound to attempt to even out minor irregularities. Significant unevenness may necessitate hiring a professional contractor to perform “mud-jacking” or “slab-jacking”.

When to Hire a Professional Contractor

Although most of the previously listed maintenance activities can be done by homeowners themselves, there are certain situations where hiring a professional contractor would be in your best interest:

• Large Cracks: If your concrete has developed large cracks (greater than 1/4 inch) or if the cracks extend across the entire slab.
• Significant Settling: If one portion of your concrete has dropped significantly lower than the surrounding areas.
• Water Drainage Issues: If water does not drain off your concrete, but instead collects on it.
• Concerns with Structural Integrity: If you suspect your concrete has suffered some form of structural compromise.
• Repairing Complex Concrete Surfaces: Many times, repairing stamped or painted concrete requires a skilled contractor who specializes in working with complex surfaces.

Grand Prairie Concrete Pros Maintenance Advantage

Grand Prairie Concrete Pros provides a variety of services related to maintaining and repairing your concret,e including:

• Maintenance Programs: Customized plans to help maintain your concrete throughout the year.
• Cleaning and Sealing Services: We use the best equipment and products available in the industry to clean and seal your concrete.
• Repairs: Our staff can assist with everything from sealing small cracks to providing full resurfacing of your existing concrete.
• Protective Treatments: We have specialized sealants and coatings designed to protect your concrete from future damage.
• Customized Maintenance Programs: Based on your individual needs, we can develop customized maintenance plans that address your unique requirements.

Seasonal Maintenance Ideas for Grand Prairie Residents

• Spring: Examine your concrete for damage from the previous winter season and thoroughly clean it.
• Summer: Prior to the hot summer months, seal your concrete to protect it from excessive sunlight.
• Fall: Review your drainage system to ensure that you are prepared for the wetter fall and winter seasons ahead.
• Winter: Instead of using rock salt to create traction, use sand to avoid damaging your concrete surface.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Concrete Today!

Maintaining your concrete is not only about extending the lifespan of your concrete surfaces; it is also about investing in your property.

By adhering to these recommendations and partnering with Grand Prairie Concrete Pros for their maintenance services, you can ensure that your concrete surfaces remain safe, functional, and visually pleasing for years to come.

Are you ready to invest in your concrete’s future? Get in touch with us at Grand Prairie Concrete Pros today to arrange a maintenance evaluation or to schedule a professional inspection of your concrete surfaces. Let us work together to maintain your concrete at its best.