How to Maintain Stamped Concrete To Ensure Long Life

It is important to be aware of all the limitations that come with good decorative concrete investment. Installing a highly elaborate stamped concrete can be done in different textures and shades by experts stamped concrete contractors. Any kind of exquisite or smooth texture will require immense care and it not only applies to stamped concrete but also stained concrete and concrete toppings in general.  This helps in sweeping off abrasive materials such as sand and gravel and cleaning of incidental spills such as oil.

Taking good care of stamped concrete involves scrubbing off dirt and preventing stain marks by getting rid of chemical spills. You can prepare and re-coat the application of a sealer through monthly maintenance procedures. If you want to apply two coats, allow the first coat to dry off before proceeding with the next. The surface area of your stamped concrete can be subjected to extensive wear when used in exterior applications.

Using steel blade or snow removal equipment over the surface should be used with extreme caution. Before sealing the concrete, make sure any chemical spills on the surface is properly cleaned. Plain-sand can be the best alternative because of traction rather than the damaging rock salts. Instead of an acid cleaner, always go for a neutral cleaner to avoid damaging a decorative concrete surface.

Using Sealers to Reduce Staining

Installation of elaborate concrete masterpieces will require regular usage intervals especially in areas that are highly populated such as garages, or driveways. This helps avoid any damage to the surface by keeping them away from harmful substances. It is essential when the surface is exposed to increased moisture or projected to a risk of corrosive substances spills. When sealers are installed at regular intervals in these areas, they effectively prevent the stamped concrete surface from any damage. This helps to keep it safe for a longer duration of time.

It is important to invest in the maintenance of appearance and durability of your concrete surfaces as they guarantee longevity. Sealers not only reduce staining but also offer an extensive layer of non-porous protective coating above the surface. It can be simple to pick the right sealer if you know the basic requirements such as slip resistance, color specifications, possible stress levels and area of usage.

Caring For Your Stamped Concrete

The main task of a sealer is to help cure, dustproof and seal your exterior concrete surface. If your stamped concrete was sealed, then most likely it was done with several coats of a sealer that is UV-resistant and contains a high percentage of solids. It often repels dirt, dust, and other elements that encourage the growth of mildew or mold on concrete. Some of the basic care on stamped concrete is listed below:

• Rain and humid weather

When it rains, you will notice the formation of splotchy patches on your concrete. This shows that the sealer is doing its job by adding a protective layer to your stamped concrete. It is the dirt and dust stated above and the best way to remove it is to rinse your concrete with a water hose. Afterward, dry it with a leaf blower to eliminate any excess water.

• Liquid Spills

If you happen to spill some soft drink or anything liquid and you did not see it right away, you can loosen the material using a mild liquid soap with warm water. Rinse the area with a water hose and then use the leaf blower to remove any excess water on the surface. You can also fix plastic glides on heavy patio furniture or those that are likely to be moved to another place.

• Avoid doormats with rubber backings

Potted plants usually have a saucer that helps them catch excess water, especially if you use a good deal of fertilizer on your plants. Never use doormats that have rubber backings because the sealer often absorbs the rubber. This will eventually ‘stain’ your patio.

• Resealing your stamped concrete

You need to reseal your stamped concrete from time to time. We recommend you perform this procedure after every 4 to 6 months after the initial seal. Afterward, you can reseal after every two or three years to keep the surface in good condition. You will know it is the right time to reseal if you notice that water seems to absorb into the surface or does not bead up. The color might start to fade slightly if you wait too long. Resealing your stamped concrete will make your concrete look vibrant even if the color does fade.

Methods of Fashioning Decorative Stamped Concrete

Most interior designers and homeowners are still looking forward to the look that their concrete can offer as they sought after its effectiveness and quality. As long as you know what you are up to, the purchase and installation via stamped or decorative concrete contractors can be affordable and satisfactory. The durability of this material can offer endless ways that can be used on flooring as well as countertops. It also comes in different shapes, sizes, and color which blends well with your desired theme.

It is most likely you have seen a lot of concrete used for decoration in retail stores, homes, offices, and restaurants. Although you might have an idea of how concrete can be mixed, poured then designed, did you know that it offers a strong competition to stone and brick decor? Marble will always remain to be trendy but the only problem is that it is very costly. Another downside is that it is not very durable. This leaves out stamped concrete as the most viable option when it comes to a long-term option for decorative purposes.

Complementing Your Concrete with Landscape Lights

Weather and sunlight negatively affect hard surfaces both on the outside and in their interiors. High heels, bike tires, and other traffic are likely to tear down the surface if used often on a walkway built with stones or natural woods. They are inevitable replacements that will cost homeowners and business owners with a large proportion of their savings. That is the reason why most people are using stamped concrete to decorate their homes.

Tool selection is very essential when it comes to concrete stamping as it lessens the need to repour and rewind the stamping process. There are different colors and patterns which make it easy to pick a selection as they indicate the type of pattern. Tools such as borders and bands will come in handy if you have noticeable lines on larger areas that need concrete stamping.

They will help you create a special edge that complements the color and texture, allowing you to divide larger portions in contrast. You can use a border to downplay a slight difference if the concrete stamping leads to mild color variation in the pours. You can tactfully place landscape lights surrounding the concrete area once you have selected the color variations. This helps to downplay or highlight certain aspects of your coloring.

It is important to have an appropriate number of workers who will lift the stamps simultaneously from all sides if you are using concrete stamping for a larger business area.  It prevents scrubbing the concrete surface accidentally. Concrete stamping can be combined with admixtures to accelerate the process and eliminate any adverse effects that may be caused by calcium chloride. Ensure your landscape lights do not create a glare due to reflecting off from the concrete surface.

Why You Should Choose Stamped Concrete

Every home or business owner wants their surfaces to look at their best and stamped concrete is one of the most viable and cost-effective options that come into their minds. Besides their beautiful appearance, stamped concrete is incredibly versatile which means that everything you envision can be created. You will be amazed by the wide variety of options your contractor will provide you.

If you want the look of classic surfaces such as brick, stone, slate, or wood materials, it can be done through an overlay. Look no further if you want something that is more updated or contemporary designs. Some of the major reasons why you should choose stamped concrete are because;

• They have easy maintenance

You don’t have to be worried about grit or dirt getting in between the crevices because it is a solid surface that has been sealed with a sealer. Unlike wood, stamped concrete can never be affected by termites and the colors will remain beautiful for years to come. The occasional coat of sealing is the only maintenance needed.

• It adds to your resale value

Although plain concrete can be appealing, decorative stamped concrete will achieve a bigger return on your investment. It also has lower installation costs when compared to other available flooring or patio choices.

• Quick installation

Decorative concrete is the easiest to install of all other types of patios because it requires less labor and goes down like a slab of concrete.

• Eco-friendly

Installing a stamped concrete reduces the regular maintenance of using solvent-based wood and lumber won’t be necessary.

Bottom line

If you are tired of plain-looking wall surfaces and floors, there are very many colors and concrete designs waiting for you. Just like any other decorative investment, stamped concrete has its limitations too but they can be avoided through regular maintenance and care. Stamped concrete is preferred for its durability and less cost compared to other charming pieces. It is always important to take good care of your stamped concrete to prevent color fades as it holds a greater appealing power in its design and coloring.