Tips to Care for Concrete and Masonry

July 15, 2020

Caring for your concrete and masonry is a critical part of any homeowner’s list of tasks. While it’s not something that you need to tend to every day, it’s still a good idea to check in every now and then and make sure everything is in good order. This includes performing a little basic maintenance every so often.

Luckily, masonry care tips in Racine, WI are relatively easy to come by. As recognized leaders in our industry, we feel privileged to teach our customers how to look after and maintain the quality work we’ve done, ensuring that it will last for generations to come.

Avoid chemicals whenever possible

One of the biggest killers of quality concrete and masonry work is the unnecessary application of chemicals of all types. With this in mind, one big concrete care tip in Racine, WI is to avoid putting anything on your masonry that could harm the stones or the mortar that bonds them together. The biggest offenders in this department tend to be the chemicals that we rely on during tough Wisconsin winters—the de-icing compounds that help keep our driveways and walkways clear could in fact be hastening their deterioration.

The unfortunate part is that even many chemicals marked as “safe” for concrete and/or masonry aren’t a good idea, as salt is one of the biggest culprits of masonry damage. Sand or crushed granite are far better options if you’re looking for help with traction.

Don’t beat up your masonry

Masonry is built to last, and it’s made of materials that are seemingly impenetrable, but it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean you should beat it up! This includes dealing with ice by using hammers or tampers, which can harm the materials and even break them apart if you’re not careful. Most masonry care tips in Racine, WI include the idea that you really need to stay away from actions that can chip away at your concrete. Avoid breaking up ice using rough methods in the wintertime.

Detect little problems early to prevent big problems later

One of the best masonry care tips in Racine, WI that we can offer is that it pays to be vigilant and keep an eye out for early warning signs, which can help you nip problems in the bud and avoid large tasks down the road. You want to keep an eye out for any moisture infiltration, for starters, as this is usually a tell-tale sign that masonry is on the verge of failure. You should also remove ivy and other plant growth, which can quicken this penetration while also contributing to the crumbling of brick and mortar construction.

Langenfeld Masonry & Concrete has been in this business for over a century, and the quality of our work speaks for itself. However, it’s important to follow tips like the ones above if you want to be sure your masonry and concrete work will last for the decades that it should. A little preventative care and maintenance can go a long way towards avoiding a big repair bill!

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Langenfeld Masonry & Concrete