.png)
Concrete is one of the most dynamic and versatile building materials available. If you’re considering any form of renovation, remodelling, home extension or rebuild, concrete should be on top of your list. Completely customisable to accommodate any personal styling taste or preference, it is well renowned for its durability and longevity. But to ensure your concrete surfaces maintain their sleek aesthetics and continue to stand the test of time, it’s important to perform all necessary maintenance and have a watchful eye for any degradation or damage.
In this article, we’ll discuss the maintenance requirements and techniques for different types of concrete. As well as the typical issues you may encounter with your concrete surface and how to prevent them, or remedy them when they do arise.
How Do I Maintain My Concrete Surface?
Plain Concrete
Plain concrete surfaces, despite their seeming simplicity, require proper care and maintenance to uphold their integrity over time. This typically involves regular cleaning to remove dirt, stains, and biological growth. A mild detergent can be used, along with a brush for scrubbing.
Common issues that you may encounter with your plain concrete surfaces include cracking, spalling, efflorescence, and general weathering from exposure to the elements.
To avoid any of these occurring, preventive maintenance should be carried out on all of your plain concrete surfaces. This includes firstly ensuring proper installation techniques, regular sealing to prevent moisture ingress and efflorescence, and prompt repair of any cracks to prevent them from widening or deepening.
If issues do occur, remedies include crack fillers for minor cracks, resurfacing for spalling or extensive cracking, and efflorescence removal methods covered later in this article.
Polished or Honed Concrete
Polished or honed concrete surfaces add a touch of luxury to any indoor or outdoor space. Coming in a range of finishes including matte and high-gloss, they are known for their low maintenance properties. However, this does not mean no maintenance. Polished and honed concrete surfaces can become prone to issues like dulling of the finish, minor cracking, and staining. Maintaining the lustrous sheen of these surfaces will require some consistent care.
Regular cleaning by dry dust mopping to remove grit that can scratch and dull the surface; immediately wiping up spills to prevent staining; and using a neutral pH cleaner for routine wet cleaning to preserve the finish will all help to maintain the integrity and look of your honed or polished concrete surface.
For any concrete surfaces treated with sealant, the surface should be resealed every 3-7 years, depending on the level of foot traffic to the area. This provides ongoing stain resistance and helps to maintain the desired finish.
If issues arise, remedies can include spot repair and re-polishing for scratches, crack repair for minor cracks, and professional deep cleaning and re-polishing for extensive dulling or staining.
Coloured Concrete
Coloured concrete surfaces add a decorative touch to concrete installations, but they require special care to maintain their aesthetics. The main issues inherent in coloured concrete include fading of the colour, discoloration, and regular concrete problems like wear and tear, cracking and spalling.
Coloured concrete requires regular cleaning and re-sealing every few years or as soon as the sealer appears to be wearing off. This not only helps maintain the colour but also protects against moisture. Any spills should be cleaned immediately to avoid stains setting in, and harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided to prevent discoloration or fading.
Any signs of discoloration or fading should be addressed promptly, as they can be more noticeable on coloured concrete. Treating with a tinted sealer or a mild acid wash may help to restore the original colour.
Stencil and Stamped Concrete
Stencil and stamped concrete surfaces create a beautiful, uniform finish for driveways, paths, patios and entertaining areas, and they require special care to maintain this appearance over time. The primary issues encountered with stamped or stencilled concrete include fading of the colour, wear or damage to the pattern, and regular concrete issues like cracking and spalling.
Stencil and stamped concrete requires regular cleaning and re-sealing every few years, or when the sealer appears to be wearing off. With special attention dedicated to maintaining the integrity of its signature pattern. Like coloured concrete, immediate cleaning of spills to prevent staining and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners will assist in preventing staining, fading and discolouration. Any cracks should be filled promptly to prevent them from widening, which can significantly damage the pattern.
If wear or damage to the pattern does occur, a professional may be able to repair it by re-stencilling or re-stamping the area. Otherwise, a complete resurface might be necessary.
Sloped or Angled Concrete
Sloped or angled concrete surfaces, such as driveways or walkways, have special challenges due to their orientation. Issues can include water pooling, cracking due to pressure, and accelerated wear due to runoff.
These surfaces require careful installation to ensure adequate slope for water runoff and reinforcement to resist cracking. Regular cleaning and sealing, plus inspecting for any signs of water pooling, cracking, or uneven wear, can also protect against accelerated wear.
If issues arise, they may need professional intervention. Water pooling might require re-grading of the surface to correct the slope, while cracking and wear can be addressed similarly to plain concrete.
What Are the Most Common Concrete Issues and How Do I Treat Them?
Cracking
Cracking, a common issue with concrete surfaces, can take various forms. Ranging from hairline cracks, a few millimetres thick and not immediately detrimental, to structural cracks, extending deep into the slab and potentially threatening its integrity.
Hairline cracks can occur due to minor shrinkage during curing or stress from traffic, while structural cracks are often due to heavy loads, soil movement beneath the slab, or substantial changes in temperature. The tell-tale sign of a crack is the visible fissure running across the surface, which can vary in width and length.
Prevention methods for cracking include proper mixing and application of concrete, ensuring the correct water to cement ratio, adequate curing time, control of rapid drying, and appropriate load management. The use of reinforcing materials such as rebar or wire mesh in the concrete mix can also help resist cracking.
In terms of remedies, minor cracks can be managed by using a high-quality concrete patching compound, following thorough cleaning of the crack to remove any loose material. Structural cracks often require professional assessment and may involve substantial repair methods like epoxy injection or even slab replacement.
Spalling
Spalling refers to the flaking or chipping of the concrete’s surface - most commonly caused by freeze-thaw cycles. However, in Sydney’s subtropical climate, concrete spalling often results from, excessive moisture, chemical exposure, mechanical damage, corrosion of the reinforcing steel or age and general wear. Other causes can be incorrect concrete mix or poor curing process when the concrete was installed.
The signs of spalling are easily visible. The surface of the concrete starts to peel off or pit, often in small, irregular spots, but can become quite extensive.
To prevent spalling, adequate curing during installation is key. After that, applying a good quality, water-repelling sealer helps to prevent moisture penetration.
Repairing a spalled surface involves removing all loose and damaged concrete, preparing the surface, and then resurfacing the area by applying a thin layer of concrete. This process, while seemingly straightforward, can require skill for a uniform and attractive finish and professional assistance may be required.
Discolouration
Discolouration can vary from a slight shade difference to a stark contrast in the concrete colour. It often results from inconsistencies in curing, variations in the concrete mix from one batch to another, surface stains, weathering and UV exposure, use of some accelerated curing agents, or exposure to certain chemicals.
Preventing your concrete from staining or uneven discolouration involves regular cleaning and upkeep. Australia’s native flora can mark and stain the most resistant of surfaces. So, keeping your concrete free from leaves and other debris, as well as immediately cleaning any spillages and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, will minimise the risk of any unsightly marks or stains appearing.
During the installation process, maintaining uniformity in the concrete mix, curing methods, and sealing application across the entire surface will help prevent any inconsistency across the concrete surface.
To fix any patches of discolouration, a professional-grade concrete resurfacer or a tinted sealer can be applied after thoroughly cleaning the surface. In severe cases, a mild acid wash might be needed to even out the colour before sealing.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts often seen on the surface of concrete, brick, or natural stone surfaces. It occurs when water leaves behind salt deposits as it evaporates from the surface. The water can originate from inside the material, the ground, or even rain.
The most effective prevention strategy is to stop water access. This can be achieved through appropriate surface grading, good quality installation, and regular application of a water-proof sealant.
Efflorescence removal often requires the use of a stiff brush and water, but in stubborn cases, a masonry cleaner or a mild acid solution may be necessary, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Re-sealing the surface after cleaning is highly recommended to protect against future efflorescence.
While concrete is one the most durable, sustainable and hard-wearing building materials available, it needs to be properly cared for in order to maintain its illustrious finish and stand the test of time. Regular cleaning and preventative maintenance can ward off most issues typically associated with concrete surfaces. But in cases of excessive damage or degradation, professional intervention is always the best course of action.
If you need assistance with any concrete surface repair or replacement on the Northern Beaches, contact Aussie All-Stars today.
Comments