Decorative Concrete Maintenance

The following is a guide on how to care for your decorative concrete investment. It applies to the following types of surfaces:

• Stamped Concrete - imprinted and/or textured color hardened or integrally colored concrete
• Acid Stain or Stained Concrete - chemically other wise stained colored concrete
• Concrete Toppings - imprinted, engineered cementitious topping
• Exposed Hand Seeded Aggregate Concrete - Hand applied, decorative exposed aggregate concrete

These guidelines are good for any type of exterior concrete paving, such as Patios, Pool Decks, Walkways, Driveways and others.
Regular Maintenance - to be done as necessary

• Clean incidental spills and oil contamination as those occur.
• Sweep or hose abrasive materials such as sand and gravel off the concrete.
• Blow or sweep leaves that may leave topical stains when wet.
• Blow or sweep fertilizers off the concrete to avoid staining.
• Pressure wash or scrub and hose off any abrasive materials, dirt, mildew, etc.
• Mix neutral cleaner at two ounces per gallon and apply to the concrete surface.
• After scrubbing with a stiff brush, rinse thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer.

Clean and Recoat (one year after initial application)

• Re-coat sealer application.
• Utilize the Monthly Maintenance procedure to prepare the concrete.
• Apply or to two light coats of sealer by spray or roller.
• Allow to dry completely between coats and for an additional 6-24 hours prior to traffic.

Additional Recoat (as required or a minimum of every three years after initial application)

• Using the same methods as above, verify that all corrective coloring or repairs (if necessary) are completed at this time.

Concrete Paving Cautions, Limitations and Tips
The best way to keep a decorative paving installation looking its best is to understand its limitations. A decorative paving installation is a highly decorative product that may be done in a variety of textures and colors. Correct care is critical to maintain any topical colorants or high points of texture.

• High points of the imprinted texture on an exterior application can be subject to aggressive wear due to the relatively small surface area. This should be taken into consideration when developing a maintenance schedule for the surface. Caution should be used when running snow removal or steel bladed equipment over the concrete.
• The use of a skid reducing aggregate in subsequent reseal applications should be used to minimize slipperiness.
• If solvents or chemicals are spilled on the sealed surface, wipe up immediately. Resealing of those areas may be necessary.
• The use of chemical deicers on decorative paving is not recommended. If you do choose to use a deicer, it must be applied after the first winter. Never, under any circumstances, use rock salt or other deicer containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate, as these materials will damage the concrete paving. Using plain sand is recommended to promote the breakup of ice and to provide additional traction. There are available "concrete safe" deicers.
• Do not use an acid-based cleaner on a decorative concrete surface. Use neutral cleaners combined with water washing only.

This only a guide not a complete instruction manual on how to properly care for you decorative concrete paving. There are many qualified professionals across the county that can assist you in caring for you product. I recommend contacting them for further assistance.

Author: Sergio Cardoso from Concrete Vogue
http://concretevogue.com/

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