How to Care for a Concrete Patio
A concrete patio offers a durable and permanent structure to host parties, or a quiet place for relaxation. Most damage occurs to a concrete patio due to improper maintenance, especially in areas that endure freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete is porous and absorbs water; if the absorbed water freezes, cracks will develop. Protecting a concrete patio from water, salts and heavy impact damage is critical to the life span of the patio. Concrete is an easy surface to care for and requires general cleaning and sealing. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Dish soap
- Sand or cat litter
- Rag
- Paint thinner
- Paint scraper
- Flexible concrete caulk
- Self-leveling urethane sealant
- Concrete sealer
- Long-handled paint roller
Instructions
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Sweep concrete with a stiff-bristled broom to remove debris, dirt and dust.
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Wash the patio with a mild dish soap and water as needed, and rinse thoroughly each time.
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Clean stains as soon as they occur. Absorb oily stains with sand or cat litter and scrub with a degreasing agent. Remove paint spills and drips with a rag soaked in paint thinner. Lay the rag over the stain, allow the paint to become soft and pliable, and scrape up.
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Repair cracks with caulk. Squeeze caulk directly into the crack and fill it up flush with the surface.
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Keep expansion joints intact and in good repair. Apply self-leveling urethane sealant over expansion joints to protect them from the elements.
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Seal your concrete patio with a clear or colored concrete sealer. Concrete sealers provide a waterproof barrier that helps patios shed water. The water will bead on the surface rather than absorb into the concrete. Apply two coats of concrete sealer with a long-handled paint roller. Allow each coat to dry completely between applications, typically 3 to 4 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Mix in a slip-resistant additive with concrete sealer to prevent slick patio surfaces. Reapply concrete sealer once a year to keep the surface protected.
Do not use salt on concrete patios to melt ice; use calcium chloride. Salt weakens the concrete and can cause flaking or spalling on the surface.
