How to Clean and Seal Concrete

Unsatisfied with your home's exterior? Instead of watching home improvement shows and getting jealous, why not do it yourself. If you want to improve the looks of your patio, sidewalk or driveway and help protect it from the ravages of weather, here's the way to do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleaner And Sealer For Concrete
• Garden Hoses
• Paint Roller Pans
• Paint Rollers With Extension Pole
• Scrub Brushes
• Power Washers

Cleaning Concrete

1. Rent a portable power washer from your local tool rental center or home improvement center. These come in either electric- or gasoline-powered models that use a home garden hose as a water source and use a spray wand like a car wash to deliver a stream of pressurized water.

2. Wet the concrete to be cleaned, and then apply the cleaning product of your choice according to the directions. These chemical products help to strip off grease, oil and dirt, and some actually help to bleach and brighten the appearance of the concrete. A solution of 50% bleach and 50% water makes a pretty good, inexpensive cleaner.

3. Use a long-handled scrub brush to maximize cleaning potential as the cleaner is applied.

4. Rinse the concrete thoroughly with the power washer. Make sure to remove all the solution and any loose debris from the concrete.

5. Allow the slab to dry completely.

Sealing Concete

6. Find the total surface area you will be sealing by measuring its length and width and multiplying these figures. Take the numbers with you to the home improvement center, lumberyard or hardware store when you buy sealer.

7. Purchase concrete sealer premixed in one-gallon or larger containers. It is made to be rolled on with a roller assembly.

8. Apply thin, even coats of the sealer. It is better to put on two lighter coats that will dry evenly than one heavy, blotchy coat.

9. Allow the sealer to dry completely before using the treated area.

[chava812]

on 8/23/2008 Good article! Is this something that should be repeated at some interval? Can I assume a newer home has this already done to the driveway and sidewalks?