Concrete is a popular material to use in homes, as it is both strong and durable. If you have an unfinished basement, the concrete can be unsightly and ugly. What can you do about the concrete floors in your home? How can you care for your concrete driveway to prevent it from getting cracks? Here are some tips to help you care for the concrete in your home.
Clean the Concrete
The driveway is exposed to the elements, making it vulnerable as heat and cold takes their toll over the years. It is important to care for the concrete by cleaning it and keeping it free of things that can compromise its quality. Adding a concrete sealant to the driveway is a great way to extend its lifespan. There are a variety of concrete sealants you can use to protect it. Some people choose patterns or colors, while others opt for a basic clear coat to protect the concrete from the elements. Always read the instructions to apply the sealant properly to prevent problems. It is recommended by several companies to apply new sealant to your driveway every 2 or 3 months. Allow the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before you drive or walk on that area.
Basement Sealant
A smart idea to prevent your basement from flooding is to add a concrete sealant to the basement walls and flooring. This is a great way to boost your home’s value and make sure you are keeping water out of your basement.
Crack Repair
Over the years of hard abuse from the weather and cars, a driveway can easily end up with cracks. Sealing the cracks helps to make the driveway look nicer, and it prevents additional cracking from occurring. Use the right driveway cement to fill in the cracks to keep it looking nice.
Repairs
Do you have large areas of the driveway that have been damaged? You can make repairs with the driveway cement, or you can try removing some concrete to add attractive driveway pavers. Pavers help to improve the curb appeal of your home, and will boost its value. It is important to care for driveway pavers properly to make them durable and withstand the abuse from cars and the weather.
Remove Stains
Concrete can look unsightly if you allow it to stain. A sealant helps to prevent staining, and it protects the concrete from absorbing certain things like oil and gasoline. If the concrete ends up having a spill, use concrete cleaners with a power washer to remove them. This is the best way to effectively remove stains from the driveway to keep it looking great.
Avoid Chemicals
There are times when the weather dips and you can end up with a layer of ice on the driveway. There are a number of deicing chemicals you can use, while some people stick to basic salt. While they are great ways to melt the ice, they can chemically attack the concrete. This can cause the concrete to break down and crack easily. The best option is to use sand for traction on the ice instead of using salt or chemicals to melt it. Caring for the concrete in your home will make it last longer and look nicer, which ultimately boosts your curb appeal and your pride in owning your home.
This article was contributed on behalf of Houston Pavers, your number one choice when looking for affordable pavestone in Houston. Check out their website today and see how they can help you!
Leave a Reply