5 Sure-Fire Ways How to Prevent Concrete From Wearing Off
A lot of residential and commercial owners are familiar with concrete. It is a material that lasts for a long time, requires minimum cleaning and maintenance, and withstands all forms of damage and wear. But as the cliche goes, “nothing lasts forever.” And such saying could not be truer with concrete. While durable and efficient, concrete still has its share of flaws. So, how does a homeowner prevent concrete from wearing off at all? Read on below and find out.
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Concrete: What Exactly Is It?
A misconception exists that concrete and cement are the same things. Well, it is a good thing you are reading this piece today. Concrete is made up of three necessary components, and cement is one of them. The other two are aggregates and water. Concrete is a solid material you mix with water that functions as an adhesive agent. You can install concrete in almost every setting:
- Garages
- Walls
- Patios
- Pool decks
- Driveways
- Halls
And in addition to all of this, you can use concrete for decorative purposes. It is ideal for a plethora of surfaces and walls in your property where you want to spice things up a bit. Plus, it acts as an underlying compound for other decorative approaches, including resurfacing, overlays, and so on.
How to Prevent Concrete From Wearing Off
Think of concrete as a military tank: it can take a lot of damage and still come out strong. But like the tank, concrete is still susceptible to damage and wearing down. So here are some things you can do to make sure that wear and tear do not happen to your concrete at all.
1- Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of concrete structures during your spare time will prevent any grime and murk from building up. You can perform the task with brooms, mops, and power hoses.
2- Getting Rid of Cracks
Cracks are some of the worst things that can happen to concrete. And this form of damage increases the chances of your structure wearing down. So, do a repair job at the first sight of cracks and chips. Doing so will save the concrete structure, allowing it to continue serving its purpose for longer periods.
3- Joint Sealing
Another concrete problem is water. Water gets into the joints and gaps wherever they are present. This aspect ends in impacting the overall durability and function of the structure. Applying joint sealers will stop this troublesome occurrence from happening.
4- Surface Sealing
Surface sealing is similar to joint sealing – the process will repel any material, be it liquid or solid, from getting into the concrete. Sealing products also create a layer of protection against UV and abrasion. Using sealers is a win-win scenario for your resources and concrete alike.
5- Protecting Decorative Concrete
Saving your decorative concrete from wear and tear uses the same steps listed above. The only difference is that maintaining decorative concrete can be a case-to-case basis, as no two concrete structures are the same in a given place. You might need to get in touch with the contracting company responsible for the installation of the compound. They will know what to do.
Working With No Professional Assistance
A DIY project is always an exciting endeavor. You get to choose what tools and equipment you will use, what other materials to buy and set a time frame of your choice. You have the liberty to do all of this for the upkeep of your concrete structures. And hiring a professional being the last thing in your mind. And the best part about preventing the wear without an expert worker lending you a hand is that you save on cash, and no person is present to tell you what you need to get done. You are the boss around here.
You Can’t Go Wrong With the Pros
However, you might be too busy with other things, such as work, errands, and other matters. A DIY might be nothing but a fantasy due to you having too much on your plate. So, what do you do? Get a professional contracting company to work in your stead. Do you have resurfacing projects? Contact a company like Concrete Resurfacing Houston Texas. Or maybe you want to do something about that pool and make it look brand-new once again? Pool deck specialists, such as Pool Deck Repair Las Vegas, can be your best bet.
So, How Much Will It Cost Me?
How much you will have to spend will depend on one thing. It depends if you get in touch with professional concrete contractors or do the task as a DIY project. Letting the big boys work your structures costs a bit more, but the risk of mistakes and other errors is significantly low. And concrete floor installers have no difficulty at all – they are thoroughly equipped and trained for such work. They will even accomplish the undertaking in less than the allotted time frame. Yes, you will pay more, but you can’t complain about what they deliver. And you will spend less for a DIY – this is because you are in control over everything that happens – the materials, labor, and other things. The only downside to working without professionals is that you might make errors if you don’t prepare properly.
And Finally
Putting an end to concrete wear and tear might be an impossible task, but it is one you must take. You have the option to do it on your own or let the pros take care of things. Weigh the pros and cons of each approach, and see what seems to fit your bill.
