The Dos and Don’ts of Concrete Maintenance for Baton Rouge Homeowners

Yes, concrete is a wonderful material used by Baton Rouge concrete contractors in the construction industry for many years. Due to its versatility, durability, and functionality, it has become a widely used solution in installing driveways, walkways, patios, foundations, and other construction projects. But like other materials in the world, concrete may deteriorate over time, which could be slower compared to other materials but it still deteriorates as time passes by. That is why concrete maintenance is crucial to make your concrete property last long. In this guide, we will share with you the Baton Rouge concrete contractor’s dos and don’ts of concrete maintenance for Baton Rouge Homeowners. If you are a Baton Rouge property owner, you should check these all out!

The Dos of Concrete Maintenance

Regular Cleaning

Obviously, concrete may accumulate dirt, dust, debris, and stains over time, especially concrete that is exposed to an open area. Letting these things sit on your concrete can cause little to significant damage to your concrete. Simple cleaning materials are enough to clean them and just make sure to avoid harsh chemicals, as they can affect the integrity of the concrete negatively, making the issue even worse.

Seal Your Concrete

Some Baton Rouge homeowners aren’t aware of the sealing process of concrete but Baton Rouge concrete contractors suggest sealing concrete regularly as it can provide further protection against moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Aside from the protection it provides, concrete sealers also enhance the concrete’s surface appearance and make it easier to clean. Ask professional Baton Rouge concrete contractors about what type of concrete sealer to use, as different sealers are more suitable for different concrete works.

Repair Cracks Promptly

If your concrete has some little damage, repair it right away! Small cracks can eventually become a bigger problem if left unattended. Use a concrete patching compound to fill in the cracks and prevent the damage from becoming worse. If you need assistance on how to do it properly, don’t hesitate to call expert Baton Rouge concrete contractors.

Use Proper Tools and Materials

If you are maintaining your concrete, you should understand the usage of proper tools and materials. Proper tools and materials can provide significant help achieve the desired results. You can improvise materials but make sure that it should be effective and cannot harm the integrity or damage the concrete. 

Protect Concrete from Heavy Loads

Identifying the pounds per square inch or PSI strength of your concrete is a good thing to properly estimate the load that it can bear. But to make sure, avoid placing excessively heavy loads on your concrete surfaces.

Although your concrete can be strong enough to hold heavy weights, the weight might not be distributed properly, leading to serious damage.

The Don’ts of Concrete Maintenance

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

As mentioned earlier in regular cleaning, harsh chemicals can result in more serious damages instead of prolonging the lifespan of your concrete. These chemicals such as deicers, bleach, ammonia, and more, are the agents that you should avoid as they degrade the concrete over time. Instead of these, you can opt for gentle cleaning agents. They are enough to effectually maintain the aesthetics, integrity, and functionality of your concrete.

Don’t Ignore Drainage Issues 

Before installing any concrete project, make sure to consider the efficiency of the drainage system. Water accumulation near the surrounding area of your concrete can result in erosion, which can harm its structural integrity. It is best to seek assistance from a Baton Rouge concrete contractor to address if there’s an underlying issue with your drainage system. 

Avoid Overloading Edges

The weight on the surface of concrete may not be distributed evenly, which can result in damage over time. That is why it is important to avoid placing a heavy load on the edges as it is the most vulnerable part when an extreme weight is placed due to lack of support since it is on the “edge”. Keep the heavy loads away from the edges and make sure to distribute the weight centrally on the concrete surface.

Avoid DIY Repairs for Major Issues

If the damage is just minor, you can just repair it with a concrete patching compound. But if the issue becomes larger, it’s better to leave it in the hands of professional Baton Rouge concrete contractors. Major issues may need more specific attention, which requires proper skills and knowledge. DIY repairs for major issues will only make the problem much, much worse. 

Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance

It might cost you some time and money, but the key to prolonging and preserving the beauty and functionality of your concrete is consistent care by maintaining it regularly. Remember that no matter how durable the material or how your concrete property was properly built, it will all disappear and fade away without regular maintenance.

Protect your investment. Keep in mind that the beautification and strengthening of your concrete project are not just done during the actual construction. Regular maintenance is part of the process to continually maintain its quality and functionality to ensure that you and your family can enjoy it for more years to come. If you need professional assistance in maintaining your concrete, reach out to Baton Rouge concrete contractors now.