How to Care for Concrete in Summer

Concrete is a durable, long-lasting material that is perfect for constructing patios, sidewalks or driveways on your property. However, it is much like other materials in that it is not invulnerable to the harshness of the elements and outdoor temperatures.

Extreme weather can take its toll on concrete driveways in Racine, WI, leaving homeowners and business owners with unsightly cracks and other forms of damage that can be expensive to fix. Concrete typically has the most trouble in cold winter weather, but it can be damaged in extremely hot temperatures, as well.

Summer concrete care begins with construction. If not done properly, pouring concrete in summer can have a negative effect on the appearance and stability of the concrete. Fortunately, a skilled concrete paver will know how to minimize these risks.

That same professional can also give you tips on how to care for your concrete driveways in Racine, WI throughout the summer months to ensure they last as long as they should. Here are some of our top concrete care tips for summer.

Check and repair cracks early

Entering summer with existing cracks in your concrete patio or driveway is a bad idea, since extreme temperatures can cause cracks to worsen. This means that they will not only look bad and make driving harder, but they will become even more expensive to fix.

Before summer begins and the temperatures skyrocket, contact your local concrete paving company to take a look at your concrete and make sure there are no cracks. If there are cracks, have them repair the damage as soon as possible.

Routine cleaning

To maintain the beautiful appearance of your concrete and to prevent stains, you’ll need to clean it regularly. This might mean sweeping off the surface once a week and doing a deep clean every few weeks.

It’s very easy to clean outdoor concrete surfaces. Using a pressure washer, spray down the concrete to remove built-up dirt and coat the surface in water. Then, use a mixture of water and mild detergent to scrub down the entire surface using a scrub brush or push broom. Do a final rinse of the concrete, and it should look as good as new!

Utilize shade

A little shade cast on your concrete can go a long way when the sun is hot and the temperatures are rising. Direct sunlight can cause concrete to get extremely hot and develop cracks, but it can also cause stained concrete to fade over time.

If your patio is made of concrete, consider adding a rug and/or umbrella to shade the surface from the sun.

Make sure it’s sealed

Sealing your concrete pavement is one of the best things you can do to protect it throughout the entire year, but especially in summer. Sealing provides a protective coating on top of your concrete that can withstand the harshness of the summer heat, preventing cracking from occurring underneath.

Concrete should typically be resealed every two years to maintain long-term protection.

Rely on the experts

To learn more about proper concrete maintenance or for help repairing your concrete surfaces, call Langenfeld Masonry & Concrete. Our team specializes in creating and repairing masonry and concrete surfaces, including concrete driveways in Racine, WI. Call today for a free estimate!

Categorised in: Concrete Driveways