Spring Concrete Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Concrete in Great Shape
Spring is here, and it's the perfect time to take a good look at the concrete surfaces around your home or business. After a long, harsh winter in the Greater Toronto Area, your concrete may need some TLC to keep it in tip-top shape. Whether it's your concrete driveway, patio, sidewalk, walkway, garage floor or any other concrete surface, proper maintenance is essential to keep it looking great and functioning properly. Spotting potential damage is only half the battle. Without taking preventive measures to preserve your concrete slabs, you could have to replace them, which can be very expensive. In this post, the concrete experts at Sanremo Poly-Foam will share some essential tips to help you care for your concrete, as well as preventative measures to avoid common issues like cracking, spalling, sinking, and settling. Keep reading to learn more!
Inspecting Your Concrete
An essential part of spring concrete maintenance is to inspect your concrete slabs to find and identify any possible damage. Ontario winters take their toll on concrete slabs. As snow and ice accumulate on and around your concrete slabs, there is a risk that the water will get underneath during the spring melt, the water will get underneath and cause sinking and settling. Concrete also contracts and expands with rising and falling temperatures during the winter. This can cause damage such as gaps, cracks, spalling and other issues. Spring is the best time to address these issues. If you are dealing with small pocks, superficial cracks and other minor damage, you may be able to fix these problems with a DIY concrete repair kit. However, if you are experiencing more significant damage, such as large cracks, uneven surfaces and concrete settlement, you will need to hire a professional (Like the concrete lifting experts at Sanremo!) to take care of them.
Cleaning Your Concrete
One of the most critical steps in concrete spring maintenance is regular cleaning. Over time, dirt, debris, and other contaminants will build up on your concrete surface, leading to discoloration and severe damage. To clean your concrete slabs, sweep away any loose debris or dirt. Then, use a pressure washer to remove any stubborn stains or grime. Be sure to use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the surface. Alternatively, you can use a mix of warm water and mild detergent to clean your concrete with a scrub brush or mop. This will not only keep your concrete looking fresh, but it will also prevent any contaminants, particularly ice-melting salt, from penetrating the slab's surface and causing damage.
Preventative Maintenance Measures
Prevention is key when it comes to spring concrete maintenance. By taking preventative measures to protect your concrete, you can prolong the life of your slabs! Here are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid common concrete issues:
- Seal your concrete: Sealing your concrete can help protect it from moisture penetration and other environmental factors that can cause damage. Consider applying a concrete sealer every few years to keep your concrete in great shape. Many types of DIY concrete sealers are readily available at local hardware stores!
- Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals: Harsh cleaning chemicals can damage your concrete surface, so avoid using them as much as possible. If you must use chemicals, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Take care when using de-icing agents: De-icing agents (salt and chemical de-icers) can help prevent slip and fall accidents during the winter months but can also damage your concrete surface. Use de-icing agents sparingly and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This is more of a winter tip, but it is still important to note.
- Address cracks and damage promptly: Small cracks or damage may seem minor, but they can quickly become more significant problems if left unaddressed. Be sure to address any cracks or damage promptly. This will ensure water cannot seep into your concrete and cause further damage.
- Fix drainage issues: Poor drainage can lead to moisture buildup around your concrete slabs, which can cause them to sink, settle or crack. Be sure to keep your gutters and downspouts directed away from the concrete on your property. Keeping them clear of debris will help to ensure water doesn't pool around your home and damage your foundation.
- Consider polyurethane concrete lifting: If your concrete has sunk or settled, you will need a professional to lift and level it. The experts at Sanremo Poly-Foam can help!
Your Concrete Lifting Experts
If you're experiencing sinking or settling concrete slabs, Sanremo Poly-Foam can help. We offer polyurethane concrete lifting services to residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers in the Greater Toronto Area. Our process involves injecting an environmentally friendly, high-density polyurethane foam into voids beneath your concrete slabs, lifting them back to their original position. This method is fast, cost-effective, and minimally invasive, allowing you to get back to using your concrete surface quickly. Polyurethane concrete lifting can also help prevent further settlement issues, saving you money on maintenance costs in the future.
Sanremo Poly-Foam is Here for All Your Concrete Lifting Needs
By following these spring concrete maintenance tips, you can keep your concrete surfaces looking great and functioning properly for years to come. Unfortunately, some issues, like concrete settlement, can be hard to avoid. But if you have sunken and settled concrete slabs on your property, Sanremo Poly-Foam is here to provide expert concrete lifting services in the Greater Toronto Area! Contact us today if you need a slab lifted and levelled!