7 Essential Concrete Maintenance Tips for Fairfield Homeowners

At Fairfield Concrete Contractors, we believe in empowering our clients to care for their concrete surfaces. While we’re always here for major repairs and installations, there’s a lot you can do to maintain your concrete and extend its lifespan. Here are seven essential tips to keep your concrete looking great in Fairfield’s unique climate.

1. Regular Maintenance and Routine Cleaning: A Key to Maintaining Appearance and Integrity of Your Concrete

A good way to maintain both the appearance and durability of your concrete is through regular cleaning of your concrete:

Dust and debris should be swept off your concrete periodically.
You can rinse your concrete with a hose and spray down any light stains.
Tougher dirt should be removed with a pressure washer on low.

Pro Tip: Clean your concrete at least twice per year. If you have high-traffic areas such as driveways, you may need to clean your concrete more frequently.

2. Clean up Spills ASAP!

The sooner you treat stains from spills, the better chance you will have of removing them permanently:

Oil stains: Apply cat litter or corn starch over the stain to absorb the oil, then sweep away.
Organic stains (leaves, berries): Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, apply to the stain, and wash off.
Rust stains: Rust removers specifically made for concrete may be used to remove rust stains.

Always apply cleaning agents to an unnoticeable section of your concrete prior to applying them to a stained area.

3. Protect Your Concrete with Sealing

Sealers are necessary to protect your concrete from the extreme weather conditions in Fairfield:

Seal your concrete every 2-3 years, or as directed by the manufacturer.
Select the appropriate type of sealer for your concrete (penetrating sealers are for driveways, and acrylic sealers are for stamped concrete).
Clean the surface thoroughly before applying a sealer.

Local Tip: In the Fairfield area, UV-resistant sealers are a great option for preventing sun damage to your concrete.

4. Catch Small Cracks Before They Get Big Problems

Do not let small cracks become large ones:

Hairline cracks: Apply a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.
Larger cracks: Apply a concrete patching compound.

Always clean the area around the crack, and follow the product’s directions.

Warning: If the crack is wider than 1/4″ or if it appears to be moving, contact a professional contractor.

5. Prepare for Winter

Even though Fairfield has relatively mild winters, there are still several precautions you should take:

Do not use de-icing chemicals on concrete.
Instead of using de-icing chemicals, use sand to increase traction on ice-covered areas.
Remove snow immediately to prevent water absorption into your concrete, which could potentially cause cracks in the future.

When Should I Contact the Professionals?

Although performing basic maintenance yourself is wonderful, there are several occasions where you will want to hire a professional:

Large cracks or uneven settling of your concrete.
Wide-spread surface damage or spalling of your concrete.
Large stains that cannot be removed with home cleaning products.
When you are due for a new seal coat.

Here at Fairfield Concrete Contractors, we are always available to help with those more complicated issues.

Bonus Tip: Take Steps to Prevent Problems

Prevention is the key to avoiding expensive repairs:

Mats at entryways can greatly reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto your concrete.
Drip pans under vehicles can catch any oil leaking from underneath them.
Placing furniture pads at the bottom of patio furniture can help prevent scratching of the concrete.
Prune your trees and shrubs to limit the number of leaves and other organic matter falling onto your concrete.

With these easy steps, you can keep your concrete surfaces looking great for years to come. In addition to making your concrete look better, regular maintenance will extend the life of your concrete, ultimately saving you money.

Remember, although these DIY tips are suitable for normal maintenance, Fairfield Concrete Contractors is always here for your bigger concrete projects. Need a new installation, a major repair, or simply expert advice? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Need advice on how to care for your specific type of concrete in Fairfield? Please feel free to contact us today. We would be happy to provide you with custom advice to keep your concrete looking its best in this unique Ohio climate.

Follow these tips to keep your concrete looking great, and contact Fairfield Concrete Contractors for all your concrete needs.