How to Maintain Concrete: Everything You Need to Know
For centuries, concrete has been the prime choice building material for all sorts of projects, including sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, and roads, among others. This widely used building material is basically a highly refined mixture of coarse aggregate and meticulously formulated additives that enhance strength and durability. Nevertheless, that doesn’t necessarily mean that concrete is maintenance-free. The following are some helpful tips on how you can achieve concrete minatenance in the sidewalks and parking lot:
1. Clean concrete surfaces annually
The commonest stains that you’ll find on your concrete parking lot are grease, oil, and anti-freeze stains. These stains are usually caused by radiator fluid and oil drizzling from the cars that drive into your facility on a daily basis. Anything from automotive leaks to birds’ droppings and fallen leaves can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your concrete parking lot.
For a business that caters to a discerning clientele, it is imperative that the stains be washed out from time to time. The Florida Concrete & Products Association recommends that stains on concrete surfaces be cleaned off at least once per year. An annual cleaning will not only rejuvenate your facility’s appearance, but it will also extend the life of the top layer.
2. Seal concrete joints annually
Concrete joints, also known as control/contraction/expansion joints, are usually placed in concrete slabs to prevent random cracking when concrete shrinks or expands due to changes in temperature. To ensure that the joints keep your parking lot structurally sound, they have to be sealed.
Most experts recommend that concrete joints be sealed at least once per year. This can help to keep fluids, water and debris from infiltrating and damaging the sub layers of your concrete sidewalks or parking lot. Ensure that the sealer used for joint sealing allows vapor to escape from within the concrete.
3. Repair cracks and potholes Instantly
Even when you keep up with annual cleaning and joint sealing, some cracking is inevitable in due course. Age and regular use will ultimately wear down concrete, letting grime and water inside. The more debris and moisture, the flimsier the concrete sidewalks or parking lot will become, leading to more cracking and deeper potholes.
Besides being aesthetically unappealing, big cracks and potholes can also affect the performance and reduce the lifespan of your concrete. It’s therefore advisable that you have concrete repairs and resurfacing done as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear. You can also have a paving contractor perform structural inspections periodically to determine the condition of the structural elements. Doing so will enable you to know whether your concrete surfaces need repair or repaving.
4. Repaint concrete periodically
After some years, the striping in your parking lot will wear away and make traffic markings and spot divisions hard to see. Repainting the stripping will make the traffic patterns visible for both pedestrian and drivers. This will not only ensure that everyone that visits your property gets to move safely, but it will also give your sidewalks or parking lot a fresh look. In fact, repainting your concrete is the simplest and inexpensive way to add the wow factor to your business premises.
When you are a business owner, your parking is an extension of your business. Therefore, its state will say a lot about your business. Keeping your parking lot and the sidewalks in good shape will not only boost the curb appeal of your facility, but it will also enhance safety for pedestrians and vehicles traveling across it.