A concrete patio is a great addition to any property. However, to get the most out of your concrete patio, you will need to make sure that you take care of it. Below is a guide to two things you can do to preserve and protect your concrete patios.
Remove any weeds
As time passes, your concrete patio will develop minuscule cracks and holes in its surface. This is often a result of the concrete expanding and contracting in response to changes in the ambient temperature. Weeds which are growing in the soil beneath your patio can start to grow through these cracks and holes. As well as spoiling the aesthetic appeal of your patio, the weeds can also cause serious structural damage as they push up and through the concrete structure.
If left unchecked, weeds can compromise your concrete patio, causing it to begin to fail and fall apart. The only way to combat this problem is to deal with weeds as soon as you see them. You should remove any weeds by digging them up, making sure that you also remove the root of the plant. If you fail to remove the root, the weed will eventually regrow. You should also consider treating the soil with weedkiller which will help to prevent weeds from reoccurring.
Repair any cracks as soon as possible
You should carry out a regular inspection of your concrete patio. If you notice any cracks in the surface of the concrete, you should take immediate action to repair them. If you leave cracks un-repaired, the threat they pose to the concrete structure will only increase. It is especially important that you repair any cracks during the colder months as this is when concrete is vulnerable to damage. Water which enters the cracks in your concrete patio during the winter may freeze as temperatures fall.
When the water in the crack freezes, it will expand, pressing the sides of the crack apart and increasing its surface area. If this process is allowed to repeat, your concrete patio may become so damaged that it can no longer be used. The quickest way to repair cracks is to call in a professional team of concrete contractors. The contractors will be able to assess the damage before carrying out the necessary repairs.
If you would like to find out more about this subject, you should contact a concrete contractor today.
