Your concrete surfaces will serve you well for many years with minimal maintenance, but after a Northeast Ohio winter and early spring rain, they probably could use a cleaning. Concrete driveways and walkways take a beating with dirt and debris getting ground in from foot and car traffic. Patios sitting unused in the winter become a haven for wet leaves and yard debris that leave their mark.

The fact is, keeping a regular schedule of cleaning and sealing concrete will ensure your driveways, walkways, and patios look their best for a long time. Your cleaning routine also is a good time to perform a quick inspection of all your concrete surfaces to identify and repair any cracks or sinking before the damage can spread.

Here’s a check list for spring concrete care that will have your concrete surfaces ready for summer and keep them looking great:

• Grab a broom and sweep concrete surfaces to clear off loose debris and dirt.
• Look for signs of algae, mold, and mildew, including slippery areas and black algae that makes concrete look dirty. Algae, mold, and mildew can usually be cleaned by using a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaner, such as dish soap.
• For tough stains, clean with a vinegar solution or a cleaner specifically for concrete.
• Inspect your concrete for cracks, especially damage from moss and lichen. Lichen can cause permanent pitting in your concrete and moss or weeds growing in cracks and joints can cause crumbling.
• Identify sinking in your concrete by looking for areas where water tends to pool after rain.
• Repair cracks and low or crumbing areas right away using DIY options or by calling your concrete expert.
• Seal your concrete using a quality product appropriate for your concrete. Experts recommend sealing concrete at least every 5 years to prevent staining and protect from cracking and crumbling.

Whether you have standard concrete or decorative concrete, such as stamped, stained, or stenciled concrete, maintenance is simple but important to get your best results. Concrete experts offer several cautions and tips to bear in mind.

Power wash with care.

Older concrete and decorative concrete may not be good candidates for power washing. If you are dealing with stubborn stains and you aren’t sure how your concrete will hold up to power washing, try it first in a spot that is hidden from view. Use a mild cleaning solution, such as hot water, dish soap, and baking soda, and keep the water stream at the lowest pressure and consistently moving.

Consult an expert regarding your sealant.

Your concrete expert can advise you on frequency for sealing your concrete as well as the best type of sealant to use. Requirements will differ for standard concrete and for different types of decorative concrete, and application techniques will vary as well. It is always best to check manufacturer’s recommendations before applying any product to your concrete.

Clean concrete and make repairs on dry, overcast days.

For concrete cleaners, including mild and DIY cleaning solutions, overcast skies will minimize evaporation and allow those cleaners the time they need to be effective at removing stains. For repairs to your driveway, walkway, or patio. cool, dry days are critical when patching concrete or filling cracks to ensure maximum adhesion and complete drying. Ensure when using a vinyl or epoxy concrete patch or grout to fill a crack that you have at least 24 hours rain free to allow the seal to set.

If you have questions about cleaning or repairing your standard or decorative concrete or are in the market for a new concrete driveway or patio, contact Lombardi Concrete, or click here for details about Lombardi’s quality concrete services.