Whether it’s a driveway, sidewalks, patio, parking lot or entranceway, chances are pretty good your home or business has multiple concrete surfaces. That’s because concrete is a versatile, fordable building material that can survive all climates and is well suited for today’s construction needs. In fact, concrete has been used as a building material for thousands of years. The first examples of concrete-like structures were built in Northern Syria around 6000BC. Middle Eastern builders discovered around 1300BC that coating the exterior of their clay-covered fortress with a thin layer of burned limestone reacted with the gases in the air to produce a hard exterior shell. While this is not how today’s concrete is made, it was the base for which this material has developed.
Every property owner knows that in order to maximize their investment value, they need to take care of their property. In this case, as material and labor costs rise, it’s a lot less expensive to take care of your existing concrete than it is to replace it. Even though concrete is a very resilient building material, left untreated, it will begin to deteriorate and once it starts it’s very difficult to stop.
Contrary to popular belief, concrete will not last forever, but, there are ways to reduce potential joint separation, cracking and spalling. Sparkle Wash Puget Sound recommends having all your concrete surfaces power washed and sealed every 3-5 years depending on your local climate. In cold climates, the constant freeze/thaw cycle stress any surface but moisture-laden concrete is particularly susceptible to cracking, flaking and spalling. In the warmer climates, sealed concrete can inhibit the effects of strong UV light that oxidizes the surface causing erosion and top coat flaking. Sealed concrete will resist mold and mildew growth and inhibit oil and rust stains. If you have any decorative, stained concrete surfaces, they will need cleaning and sealing as well. Sealers come with many shades and gloss options, your Sparkle Wash rep will work with you to find the right product for your surface type, location, and foot traffic usages.
How about some style in your concrete? Today, you see more and more homeowners and business use color in their concrete surface applications. It’s a great way to add a unique design element to your property. Be careful when choosing a qualified contractor to stain your concrete, ask for references and pictures of their completed projects. Sparkle Wash Puget Sound is well trained in surface preparation and sealing and uses long-lasting commercial-grade stains and sealants specifically designed for surfaces types and climate restriction. And remember, the cleaning prep work is just as important as the application process.
In short, caring for your business or home’s concrete is an important part of any property owner’s responsibility and the simple use of a penetrating sealer, properly and professionally applied and regularly maintained can and will prolong the life of your concrete surfaces and add value to your investment. Make the places you love to be and the gateway to your home last and look good for your lifetime and beyond.
Contact Sparkle Wash today for a free estimate to clean and seal your concrete surface!
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