When you think of concrete you probably think of something that is incredibly strong, durable, and nearly indestructible. This is only partially true. Concrete can wear down over time and become ugly if not cared for properly. If you’ve never considered that you actually needed to work to take care of your concrete driveway or porch, never fear! Maintenance is relatively easy and inexpensive. It just takes some awareness and diligence along with a little bit of work. Here are a few easy ways to maintain your concrete and help it last a long time.

Apply Sealer to Your Concrete

Concrete isn’t as porous as wood, but it is indeed porous. So, like you would use a sealing substance on your nice wooden deck or porch to make it last longer, you also are advised to use a sealer on your concrete. This makes it easier to clean and puts a stop to early corrosion that can sometimes happen due to exposure to the elements like extreme heat in the summer or ice and snow in the winter. Using a sealant like Pentra is only necessary once every few years and will help your concrete keep its luster and increase its durability.

Keep the Concrete Clean

Nothing is worse than a dingy, stained driveway that is cracking everywhere. Walking on a dirty concrete walkway can quickly turn into a game of hopscotch when trying to avoid stepping on the filthy areas. Cleaning your concrete is an essential step of vital maintenance that cannot be emphasized enough. Keeping it swept and spraying it off occasionally keeps dirt and grime from calcifying and forming discolored patches that stick to concrete like glue. An easy way to keep it beautiful is to sweep it off every so often using liquid dish detergent and a hearty broom and then rinsing off with water. Using a pressure washer is even better and will clean even deeper.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals on the Concrete

Accidents do happen, and some things are out of your control, like when your car leaks oil all over the driveway. Rinse these off and clean the area immediately to avoid a permanent stain. The sealer will handle a lot but can only take so much. Also, avoid using deicing salts on your driveway and walkways, especially during the concrete’s first year. These can be corrosive and severely limit the lifespan of a clean and healthy concrete surface.

Use Padding on Your Concrete

Especially in the case of a beautiful concrete porch or deck, it’s important to avoid scratching off the sealant as much as possible. If you have outdoor furniture, you could scrape the concrete when moving around the chairs, for example, and therefore cause cracks in the sealant rendering it completely ineffective. It is advised to make sure the feet of your chairs and other furniture have pads on the bottom to minimize this danger. Another easy solution is to put decorative rugs underneath the furniture to protect the concrete. Not only will they protect the sealant, but they help with spills, are easy to clean, and look great.

Keep Roots Away From Your Concrete

You’ve probably seen the power of tree roots, which can push up from under a concrete surface and cause the concrete to split open like the San Andreas Fault. This is a terrible scenario because it cannot be repaired, only replaced. To avoid this situation, be sure to trim the roots from nearby trees every so often. Trimming them just once won’t do it as the roots will continue to grow after cutting.

You paid handsomely for your beautiful concrete deck or driveway, so be sure and follow these easy steps to maintain it and keep it looking brand new for years and years. After sealing, proper cleaning, preventative maintenance, and avoiding harmful substances, you’ll have a healthy concrete surface that all your neighbors will be jealous of for a very long time.