Concrete patios are relatively simple to maintain. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it altogether. Just following a few steps can help you preserve your backyard feature so it will continue looking its best even way down the road.
Concrete Patio Cleaning and Maintenance
There are lots of different types of concrete patios. Some homeowners will have a basic slab, while others may have something more custom. No matter what you’re enjoying in your backyard, though, it’s a good idea to do a little upkeep from time to time. Clean concrete stands out—and it shows that you take pride in your home.
The cleaning process for concrete patios is pretty straightforward. Working with a pressure washer will help you blast through most dirt and grime that has stuck to the surface. You can even use some regular dish soap and a brush to scrub away at some common stains. Then you’ll just rinse the area clean with your standard garden hose. If you’re happy with that plain concrete look, doing this basic cleaning and maintenance once a year might be all you need.
As far as maintenance goes, concrete’s durability makes it so you don’t really need to worry about any “wear and tear” for your patio. There may be some risks of cracking if you have an especially large tree in your yard, but that’s hardly a maintenance issue with the concrete itself. It’s hard to avoid trouble with an extensive root system underground. So if cracks start to show, you may need to completely replace those sections. But with a good concrete contractor, your structure should be completely sound for years and years.
How to Seal Your Concrete Patio
Once you’ve spent a little time cleaning off your patio, you may decide to add a concrete sealant. In fact, your patio may or may not already have sealant applied. If you’re dealing with a relatively new patio, then your concrete contractor may have finished the job with this type of product. This is often true for decorative concrete patios, as the sealant can help protect the intricate details and stained concrete colors.
Either way, the DIY process for adding sealant (or reapplying sealant if it’s been a while) is quick and easy. You should be able to get all of the supplies at your local hardware store. If you’re getting ready to work with sealant for the first time, these general tips can help:
- Be sure to thoroughly wash your patio
- Only apply sealant to dry concrete
- For better coverage, add a second coat
Removing as many of those dirty spots as you can will help your sealed concrete patio look more uniform. Plus, it’s easier for sealant to stick to a clean surface. Just make sure it’s completely dry before you get to work. Starting with damp concrete will compromise the sealant. You’ll also want to make sure the first coat doesn’t feel “tacky” before you start on your second layer. Let it dry completely again, and then your patio should be all set for about two years.
Ready for Other Concrete Work?
Most homeowners aren’t bothered to DIY their concrete patio sealant application. But if you need an extra set of hands, know that our crew at Lunar Concrete would be happy to help you out. While you’re thinking of your backyard projects, you might also decide that the time is right for adding a new feature.
From new concrete walkways to extensions for existing patio spaces, we can provide you with a comprehensive quote for all types of concrete projects. That’s why homeowners all around the Indianapolis area call on us to be their trusted concrete contractor. Give us a call or send us a message if you want to discuss your options. We hope to hear from you soon!