What maintenance is required for concrete?

Back in the day – Basic Maintenance Practice, remember the good old times when we used to keep the concrete clean by removing debris immediately to avoid stains? It was all about taking care of the grasses, weeds, stains, and oil marks on the tires. Regular cleaning of the concrete floors was a timeless tradition that helped maintain the highest quality.

Those were the days when germs and bacteria could be transmitted to pet paws and tongues. Dirty concrete just didn’t let the floor breathe properly and could lead to early deterioration of floors, especially the exterior concrete.

We also used to clean up spills as soon as they happened. For example, removing oil stains was like a well-practiced dance – applying a mixture of one cup liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of ammonia, letting it sit for five or ten minutes until it loosened, and then rinsing thoroughly with water. It always did the trick if done promptly after the stain occurred, before it dried. Grease was another thing to tackle – applying standard dishwashing detergent directly to the grease stain with a cloth or brush, letting it sit for several minutes, and then wiping clean.

If the concrete had that dark gray color due to oxidation, we would use an etching product to remove stains and bring back the concrete’s shine. And if we didn’t have access to such products, there was always a trip to the paint or hardware store to get them. The cost was a bit higher than usual, but it was worth it for the love of maintaining our concrete.

How often does concrete need maintenance?

Remember the routine of companies sending cleaners to mop the concrete once or twice a week for safety? They would power wash twice a week and once per quarter, keeping everything spick and span. Power washing was only necessary once a year for concrete floors with very little traffic. Most companies using a hot oil treatment would apply it monthly. Some surfaces, like those in the kitchen, required daily cleaning and frequent washing. And let’s not forget, if the concrete floor was heated, it had to be cleaned at least once a month like clockwork.

What happens if it does not maintain concrete?

As with any vintage item, without proper maintenance, concrete used to lose its charm. Remember the days when stains left unattended for years would lead to deep-rooted problems? Without proper care, concrete used to slowly crumble and break, reminding us to give the floor a thorough polish at least once every three months to keep it in top-notch condition.

What else should you know about concrete?

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to the ways and products we used to maintain our concrete. The most popular method was the monthly application of warm oil followed by two coats of protective sealer. It was the secret recipe to keep the floor looking fresh. And for those interested in applying chemicals to help with stains, there was always the option of the etch and rinse service.

We used to offer a variety of services to keep different surfaces in top shape. If you had a specific surface or product in mind, a simple call would bring all the information. Those were the good old days of maintaining our concrete with care and attention.

Here are some nostalgic tips and example tools to maintain your concrete product:

Crystal-LokTM

Concrete’s hardening used to be a permanent part of its essence, making it resilient and durable without losing its glory. We used to cherish the untreated concrete, preserving it from gaseous salts, oil, or contaminated water. Crystal-LokTM, a vintage concrete repair tool, offered a timeless solution that never faded or deteriorated, standing the test of time against abrasions or contaminants. It was like a crystal calcium silicate hydrate, the same material as the concrete itself, preserving the memories of a well-maintained surface.

Avoid the wrong chemicals

We always remembered to steer clear of any harsh chemical substances when it came to our concrete. Those deicing products that could penetrate sealers and damage the concrete were strictly off-limits. Fertilizing products, though they added a touch of color, had the potential to stain the concrete, so we made sure to remove any excess immediately. Using concrete cleaners and mild products for cleaning was the vintage way to go, ensuring no harm was done to our beloved concrete. We always followed the product specifications to a T before applying anything to the concrete, keeping it in top-notch shape. Proper maintenance of the concrete was like preserving a piece of history, providing a smooth and durable surface that stood the test of time.

Limit your weight

We remembered the good old days when we had to be mindful of the weight we put on our concrete. While the concrete was strong and sturdy, our residential concrete pourings were like delicate memories, unable to bear heavy loads. The driveway could support heavy equipment like trucks and moving trucks with ease, but oversized vehicles were a big no-no. We used to keep those vehicles on the street and store heavy equipment outside the driveway, ensuring a stable life for our concrete to reminisce about.

Know the temperature

Bringing back memories of the past, we recalled how concrete was never meant to endure extreme temperatures. Just like us, concrete hated the scorching heat that made it hard and unforgiving. And freezing water? It was like a frosty kiss that caused our concrete surface to crack and split open. We made sure to check the weather conditions and protect our concrete from such harsh elements, ensuring its smooth appearance lasted for years to come. If exposed to extreme temperatures, the surface was promptly replaced, signaling the end of an era with a fresh start. We always stayed updated on the laws and regulations that governed our concrete, safeguarding it like a cherished memory.

Remove Stains Immediately

Even though a concrete coating added a touch of elegance to our surface, we never let stains linger. The sight of an oil leak on a concrete driveway used to prompt immediate action, ensuring the oil was removed without delay. It was a small gesture that prevented any discoloration or stains from tarnishing the beauty of our concrete, preserving its pristine look for generations to come. Handling oil spills and stains swiftly was a timeless practice that kept our concrete looking as good as new.

Seal Your Concrete

Sealing our concrete used to be an act of love, prolonging its life and enhancing its beauty. We remembered the various concrete sealing methods available to us. Whether it was topically sealing to remove dirt and stains every few years or following the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the concrete sealed, we took pride in maintaining our concrete’s appearance. While professional sealing was an option, we could also seal the concrete ourselves with products from the local hardware store, reliving the joy of caring for our concrete the old-fashioned way.

Clean Your Concrete

We reminisced about the days when cleaning the concrete was a labor of love. Washing the concrete not only removed dirt but also gave it a fresh and inviting look. We had different solvents and detergents at our disposal for cleaning, but we always chose carefully to avoid damaging our concrete. Using a neutral cleaner without any harsh contaminants was the hallmark of the good old days, ensuring our concrete stayed in pristine condition. We remembered to schedule concrete washes in the spring or fall, avoiding any potential damage to the concrete due to extreme weather conditions. Those were the days when taking care of our concrete was a nostalgic tradition that kept our surfaces sparkling and inviting.