Preserving Your Concrete: Essential Repair and Maintenance Tips for Kettering Homeowners

Understanding Concrete Damage & Wear

While concrete is very durable, it will experience some difficulties in our region:

• The freeze-thaw cycle of winter.
• UV rays of summer.
• Chemicals from de-icing salt products.
• Foot and car traffic wear and tear.

Knowing what causes this allows for proactive maintenance.

Regular Inspection: Your Best Bet for Prevention

We recommend checking your concrete surfaces two times per year:

• Look for small chips or cracks.
• Look for signs of settling or irregularity.
• Look for discolorations or staining.
• Look for areas that hold water.

Detecting potential issues early will help prevent bigger issues further down the road.

Cleaning Methods for Cleaning Concrete in Kettering

Regular cleaning will help to maintain the look of your concrete and protect it from damage:

• Sweep or blow away debris.
• Use a low-pressure washer to get into tight spaces.
• If you encounter a difficult stain, try a pH-neutral concrete cleaner.
• Do not use harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the surface.

Pro Tip: Always test cleaning products on a small area that is out of sight before applying them to the rest of the concrete.

Sealing: Protecting Against Nature

Applying a sealer to your concrete is one of the most important things you can do in Kettering’s varying weather:

• Apply sealer to your concrete every 2-3 years, or as the manufacturer recommends.
• Choose a sealer that is right for your specific concrete type.
• Consider using a UV-resistant sealer for exterior surfaces.
• Apply the sealer in dry conditions when the temperature is mild.

Properly sealing your concrete will greatly increase its lifespan.

Common Concrete Problems

Hairline Cracks:

• Clean the crack completely.
• Use a concrete crack filler for the crack.
• For slightly larger cracks, use a concrete patching compound.

Flaking (Spalling) Surface:

• Remove any loose flaking material.
• Apply a concrete resurfacing product to give a smooth finish.

Settling:

• For slight settling, you might want to consider leveling your concrete.
• For serious settling, contact a professional to assess.

Removing Stains:

• Oil Stains: Put down cat litter or sawdust to absorb the spill and clean with a degreaser.
• Rust Stains: Apply a commercial rust remover made specifically for concrete.
• Organic Stains: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar to clean the stain.

Winter Care for Your Concrete in Kettering

Kettering’s winters can be tough on your concrete:

• Instead of using de-icing salt, use sand to improve traction.
• Remove snow quickly to keep the concrete from absorbing moisture.
• Consider sealing your concrete in the fall with a winter-specific sealer.
• Use mats by doorways to stop dirt and debris from being tracked onto the concrete.
• Use drip pans underneath vehicles to collect oil leaks.
• Use felt pads on patio furniture to stop scratching the concrete.
• Trim back the plants around your house to stop them from dropping leaves onto your concrete.

Green-Cleaning For Environmentally Conscious Homeowners

For environmentally responsible homeowners:

• Biodegradable cleaning products.
• Permeable concrete options for new installations.
• Solar-reflective concrete coating to minimize heat absorption.

Budget-Friendly Maintenance Ideas

Maintenance is always going to cost money:

• Fixing small problems now will save you money in the future.
• Keep a regular maintenance schedule to extend the life of your concrete.
• Consider hiring a professional to clean and seal your concrete to get the best results.

A Maintenance Schedule for Your Concrete in Kettering

Spring:

• Clean the concrete after winter.
• Inspect your concrete for winter damage.

Summer:

• Clean the concrete regularly to prevent staining.
• Apply a sealer if needed.

Fall:

• Protect your concrete in the coming winter with a protective sealer.
• Clear debris so it does not trap moisture.

Winter:

• Quickly remove snow.
• Do not use de-icing products that could harm your concrete.

Ready To Restore Your Concrete?

Are you in need of assistance with repairing your concrete, maintaining your concrete, or do you just want to learn how to care for your concrete? Contact Kettering Concrete Solutions today for a consultation or to make arrangements to have a maintenance service performed on your concrete. We offer expert advice and service to keep your concrete beautiful and functional for years to come.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or maintenance service for your concrete. Let’s work together to protect and preserve the beauty and function of your concrete surfaces.