You’ve completed your commercial concrete construction project and are now ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, if you want your high-quality concrete surface to have the longest life possible and to keep looking great for years to come, you’ll need to implement the proper maintenance strategies. Whether your concrete is outdoors or indoors, the maintenance demands for concrete are relatively minimal, but taking these simple steps will go a long way in improving the longevity of your commercial concrete.
Seal Your Concrete
One of the best ways to avoid needing repairs or more involved maintenance is to apply a sealer to the surface once the concrete has set. There are several types of sealers that you may choose to use, but each will give the surface extra rigidity and durability. When you add a sealer to your outdoor concrete surface, you can help prevent spalling that occurs during freeze-thaw cyles, not to mention cracking that can happen during fluctuating temperatures. Sealers also prevent the surface from wearing down over time due to vehicles or foot traffic. You can keep your concrete in excellent condition by applying a new sealer every few years.
Clean and Polish Your Concrete
For any concrete that you have indoors, cleaning the surface off is incredibly easy. You mainly just need to focus on mopping on a regular basis to keep the surface free of dust and dirt buildup. You can also occasionally polish the surface of the concrete in order to maintain it’s grip and shine, making it perfect for walking.
Clean Up Liquids Quickly
While a sealer will help protect your concrete surface from stains, some materials will need to be cleaned up as quickly as possible to avoid discoloration. For instance, if a car leaks oil in your parking lot, it’s a good idea to get this cleaned up as soon as it is noticed in order to avoid an unsightly stain.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Again, your sealer can help protect from many types of materials that could end up on the surface of your concrete, but won’t be immune to all types of chemicals. For instance, be sure to check the label on any deicers that you choose to use in the event of an especially cold snap in the winter. While some deicers are perfectly safe, some can actually be extremely harsh and can even eat through the surface of a topical sealer. In some cases, certain fertilizers can also stain the surface of your commercial concrete, so if you have any landscaping work done for your commercial site, you’ll want to check the surface of your concrete and clean up any fertilizer spills right away.
Order the Right Concrete
The first step in making sure your concrete will last is making sure your concrete comes from the right place. For top-quality ready-mix concrete made without compromise, contact Knight’s Redi-Mix division. Our concrete suppliers near Charleston will make a ready-mix batch to order that’s specified to your commercial concrete needs. We look forward to helping you make your construction project a success!