When it comes to pavement maintenance, concrete is one of the most popular materials. It’s durable, looks good, and is relatively affordable. However, like all things, concrete requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition.
Carolina Asphalt will discuss the different steps in a concrete pavement maintenance plan in this blog post. We’d also like to offer our reliable service and expert insights to help you keep your concrete pavement looking great for years to come.
Keep scrolling to discover the basics of concrete pavement maintenance!
Step 1: Keep It Clean
We won’t dive right into the deep end of maintenance procedures quite yet – the first and most crucial step is to keep your concrete pavement clean. This means removing all debris, including leaves, dirt, and snow. If you don’t remove this debris regularly, it will accumulate and cause problems down the road.
There are several straightforward ways to clean your concrete pavement. Build good homestead habits by sweeping up your concrete regularly. You can also use a power washer to remove stubborn dirt and grime. Just be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the pavement.
Step 2: The Sealing Solution
Once you’ve got a good cleaning routine down, the next step is to seal your concrete. This technique will help protect it from weather damage, staining, and wear and tear. There are two main types of sealers: film-forming and penetrating.
Film-forming sealers form a protective layer on top of the concrete while penetrating sealers soak into the pores of the concrete to provide long-lasting protection. Whatever your specific needs, we’re confident that you’ll find a sealer that’s perfect for you.
Step 3: The Staining Strain
Caught your car leaking oil in your driveway again? It’s time to break out the stain remover. Like any other surface, concrete can be stained by various things, from motor oil to spilled red wine.
The silver lining is where you can remove most concrete stains with a little bit of elbow grease and the right cleaning solution. Just ensure that you’re using the cleaning solution safely and by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: The Worry About Weight
Your family car is not much strain on your driveway, but what about the eighteen-wheeler that just drove by? Heavy loads can cause damage to concrete pavement over time, so it’s essential to take steps to protect your investment.
Your first reaction should be to keep large vehicles off of your driveway whenever possible. You can also have a professional assess the strength of your concrete and make recommendations for reinforcement if necessary.
Step 5: The Chemical Question
Remember that cleaning solution we referred to earlier? Keeping your concrete clean is all excellent, but not at the expense of the material itself.
Certain chemicals in deicers, fertilizers, and even cleaners can wreak havoc on concrete, causing it to deteriorate prematurely. When in doubt, ask your concrete maintenance professional about the best ways to clean your pavement without damaging it.
Conclusion
Concrete is a beautiful and durable material, but only if properly taken care of. By following these simple steps, you can keep your driveway or patio looking great for years to come.
And if you ever need help in Charlotte, North Carolina or Charleston, South Carolina, don’t forget about the team at Carolina Asphalt! We’re experts in concrete maintenance and would be happy to help you out.
