Did you know that a well-maintained concrete patio can boost the resale value of your property? Real estate experts suggest that this great structure can contribute over 70% of the total value of the property, because of the aesthetic quality and uniqueness it brings with it.
Having a concrete patio that compliments your landscape makes you stand out among your neighbors in the competitive housing error we are in today.
Concrete patios are wonderful additions to any outdoor space or yard. They provide a place where you can engage in a myriad of activities, and where you can place a broad range of furniture settings. However, poorly maintained concrete can make your patio unattractive, and can go a long way in degrading your ultra-modern home.
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy all the benefits your concrete patio can offer. Here are a few tips that can help a great deal in maintaining concrete patios, and make them safe and attractive for the next summer.
Habitual cleaning is important
Since most websites and blogs assert that concrete requires close to zero maintenance, most homeowners don’t see the need of taking care of it. What they do not know is that any concrete structure needs to be kept clean, in order to enhance its beauty and longevity. A concrete patio is not an exception. To do this work you need is a hand brush with soft bristles. Factually, you will not need an expert to sweep and clean your patio. It is something you can do all by yourself, or your house keeper can do it for you if you are too busy.
Regular cleaning ensures that you get rid of dirt and debris, which can lead to growth of mould and mildew. This can cause damage to the entire structure in the long run.
If you use your patio as an outdoor eating space, make sure that you thoroughly clean the food particles. Also make sure that you remove metallic furniture in your patio during the outdoor patio season, which will ensure rust marks are not left behind.
Repair cracks once you spot them
Concrete withstands substantial levels of wear and tear. However, some human-made and external natural factors can cause cracking on the surface, and can lead to more serious problems if not taken care of instantaneously. For this reason, you should inspect your patio regularly, and if you spot a crevice or crack on your concrete patio, repair it right away.
Your concrete structural integrity can be affected if you fail to repair a crack, and can force you to replace your patio, or do some expensive and complex repairs in future. Repairing them will prevent this, and will also stop water from getting underneath the patio’s surface; thus weakening the concrete.
Seal the joints
Check all components, including access covers on your concrete patio and seal them efficiently. If you do not do this, the joints will collect dirt, debris, and might be invaded by mold, mildew, and other weeds which will compromise the aesthetic appeal of your patio. Water might also be allowed to get into the concrete; hence causing range of regrettable problems.
Reseal the surface
You should reseal your concrete patio at least once every year, or in every two years. Make sure you use the best sealants in the market, in order to guarantee durability. As far as sealants are concerned, you can consult your concrete contractor. What do sealants do?
- They make the surface of your concrete patio water-resistant
- They make the surface resistant to dust and scratches
- They make the surface highly resistant to UV rays.
When resealing, make sure you do it when temperatures are below 90o F and above 55o F. if you want to achieve optimal and desirable results, reseal at cooler temperatures.