Monday, May 10, 2010

Tips for Making your Concrete Repair Last Longer

Just like with your teeth, prevention is the best way to extend the life of your concrete. Concrete gets dirty, cracked and needs repair. With a long-lasting concrete repair you can postpone replacement for quite some time. Modern concrete repair products may even extend the life of your concrete beyond that of your own.

Begin by inspecting your concrete floors. Check for cracks and stains that make it look dirty and worn out. If it is not bad enough to have to replace the floor, then it is best to start your restoration.

If there are stains use power cleaning tools to make the process easier. This will regenerate the life and color of the concrete. If there are no cracks or crumbling, the next step is to put on a sealant because this will prevent water damage as well as further oil and dirt stains.
Homeowners can also try surface restorers. You can use a brush to give the concrete floor a fresh new look once again. Taking care of your concrete floor through occasional cleaning will make sure it will last longer and at the same time look nice all the time. Avoid the hassle of replacing the whole thing by making sure these floors are part of home cleaning all the time.
Many concrete floors develop cracks. If you have cracks, make sure you deal with them before you wash and seal the concrete. Make sure that you follow all the suggested safety procedures listed on your concrete repair products while repairing them. Cracks are caused by a variety of different things so always address the situation before it gets worse. Concrete repair left unmanaged only means you will have to spend more. Many concrete repair product will halt the progress of damage. Cracks can lead into pitting which can be a larger repair project. Limit your need for concrete repair my tackling cracks as soon as they occur.

To repair cracks, use a polyurethane repair products. They are available in cartridges and can be used to quickly fill cracks. These repairs are stronger and last longer than other available. If you have pitting or even a pothole, use a similar product called FlexSet. By mixed up two materials and a special sand in a provided bucket you can have a quick and solid repair that matches nicely with surrounding concrete.

The best way to prevent dirt and cracks is by using sealants. This will enable the concrete floor to be cleaner and sturdier. Sealants tend to keep dirt away from the surface and even below it. This should be applied every once in a while as it also protects the concrete floor from weather damage and cracking.

Concrete floors are often the last thing homeowners think to clean. Simple prevention will do more for the life of your concrete than anything. Keep your concrete clean and watch for cracks. Using resurfacers is definitely cheaper than getting the floors done all over again and filling cracks before they grow makes good sense. Make it a priority to be sure that your concrete floors are always in good shape.