- Clean Regularly. Although it is the most basic task that people already know of, yet it carries much importance. It is actually quite simple.
- Seal the Concrete. Sealing is a good way of increasing the life of the patio. ...
- Remove Stains. Although you have sealer to protect your concrete from stains, yet it is a good thing to remove stains as soon as they occur.
- Safe Stain Removal Options. Vinegar: it works perfectly well for stains as it has acetic acid in it. ...
- Check on using Wrong Chemicals. Make sure not to indulge in using wrong chemicals on your concrete. ...
- Limit the Weight. It is true that concrete is a very strong and durable material, but residential patios are not designed to hold heavy material.
How to build an inexpensive cover for a patio?
- Step One: Plan As you plan out your patio cover, some key questions to think about: How tall do I want it? ...
- Step Two: Dig, Move to Step Three, Then Dig Some More For every post hole you’ll want to dig down a minimum of 30 inches. ...
- Step Six: The Beams
How do I cover an old concrete patio?
The process included:
- Thoroughly pressure wash the existing concrete to clean it, then let it dry.
- Dampen the concrete and squeegee on the first layer of concrete overlay to prime the surface
- After that was dry, slightly dampen again and squeegee on another thin layer, then immediately drag a broom across the "wet" overlay to texture it with a broom finish
How to cover an ugly concrete patio?
They include:
- Trowel mix - Used for overlay applications like broom finish and skip trowel finish.
- Flat Top - Can be used as a self leveling underlayment mix, concrete repair, and resurfacing.
- Pro Micro-Top - A micro-thin concrete resurfacer for most any concrete surface, can be colored and stained.
- Stamp Mix - Used for stamped concrete finished surfaces.
How to revamp the concrete on a patio?
The are the steps required in the resurfacing process:
- Repair - fix cracks in concrete patio with sealer or filler
- Clean – power wash and sweep away debris
- Prep – grind your surface for the overlay to bond better
- Mix – combine overlay components and add grit additive or coloring agents
- Apply – spread overlay onto area to be refinished
How do I protect my outdoor concrete patio?
Acrylic sealers are easy to apply, economical, and well-suited for outdoor use because they are UV resistant, non-yellowing and breathable, which means they provide good water repellence while allowing moisture vapor within the slab to escape.
Is it necessary to seal concrete patio?
Concrete performs quite adequately if it is never sealed at all, but applying a good quality sealer every few years will extend its life and keep it looking good. This is especially true if you have a stained or etched concrete driveway or patio.
How often does a concrete patio need to be sealed?
Sealing your concrete isn't really a labor-intensive, nor costly, job. By sealing your concrete every 2-5 years, as recommended by experts, you should keep your floor in good shape, preventing cracks, pitting, and additional damage.
Can I seal my own concrete patio?
0:003:27How To Seal Concrete Patio (Behr Wet Look Sealer) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this video I'm showing how I sealed a concrete slab in our patio using Behr premium concreteMoreIn this video I'm showing how I sealed a concrete slab in our patio using Behr premium concrete brick and tile wet-look sealer this is the last step in my patio. Project which began with removing the
Why you should not seal concrete?
If you were to seal the concrete any sooner, it would create a barrier and prevent the excess moisture from evaporating correctly. As a result, the newly poured concrete driveway would not be as strong as it should be. In addition, the concrete would be more prone to breaking and cracking.
What happens if concrete is not sealed?
What happens if I don't seal my concrete? Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. Oil, salt, fertilizer, and other household chemicals can discolor and damage unsealed concrete.
Is it better to seal or paint concrete?
Painting vs Colour Sealing Colour sealing is preferred for driveways, carports, pathways and patios. Paint is a thick coating, gets slippery more easily, is prone to flaking and difficult to re-paint once worn. We do not paint concrete.
Is it better to paint or stain outdoor concrete?
Staining a Concrete Patio One of the greatest pros of choosing staining over painting is that the stain penetrates into the concrete rather than just building up on the surface, as with paint. This results in a longer-lasting color that won't fade as quickly as paint.
Can you damage concrete by power washing?
The quick answer is yes, power washing can degrade a concrete surface. You can notice visible damage from water pressure at the level at which even light-duty power washers can operate. Therefore, if you aren't careful, you can cause irreversible damage to your driveway or patio.
What is the best sealer to use on concrete?
BEST OVERALL: Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer.BEST PENETRATING: Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek 8500 Penetrating Sealer.BEST ACRYLIC: Eagle Armor Seal Urethane Acrylic Concrete Sealer.BEST EPOXY: TotalBoat Table Top Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit.More items...•
How long after sealing concrete can you walk on it?
Acrylic sealers can take anywhere from 4-12 hours to dry before being able to be walked on, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after being applied. Concrete sealed with an acrylic sealer should not be walked on (with the exception of a recoat), driven on, or wet for at least 36-48 hours.
What is the best waterproofing for concrete?
POLYURETHANE Polyurethane is considered one of the best waterproofing materials. It can be applied seamlessly and penetrates the surface deeply and evenly. Thus, the polyurethane membrane will fill in even the finest cracks in concrete, reducing its water absorbency capacity.
Does plain concrete need to be sealed?
The answer to this question is – yes! A concrete sealer or exposed aggregate sealer is essential for protecting surfaces from the elements, stains from dirt, oil and other contaminants, and much more.
Does new concrete need sealing?
You do not have to use a cure and seal, but it is important to seal your concrete. Whether you want to cure in in the first 2-28 days, or wait six months, that is entirely your preference. Sealing your concrete will protect it against damage and deterioration against water absorption and surface abrasion.
What happens if you don't seal stamped concrete?
Left unsealed, the colors will fade, water marks may be an issue, and stains can penetrate leaving ugly oil spots where the service guy left his old jalopy parked on the driveway. It's pure and simple, the job just won't last without a good sealer.
When should concrete be sealed?
Wait at least 30 days before sealing a new concrete surface—whether indoors or out—so that it has time to completely cure first. For the best results, the concrete surface should be clean and dry.
What is the Best Concrete Sealer for Patios?
The primary type of sealer used on decorative concrete patios and other exterior flatwork is a solvent- or water-based acrylic. Acrylic sealers are easy to apply, economical, and well-suited for outdoor use because they are UV resistant, non-yellowing and breathable, which means they provide good water repellence while allowing moisture vapor within the slab to escape.
What is the first consideration when choosing a sealer for a concrete patio?
The first and most important consideration when choosing a sealer is whether the product is compatible with the decorative concrete patio surface you plan to apply it to. The type of finish you want to achieve (such as matte vs. high gloss) comes in a close second. See other important factors you should evaluate when choosing a sealer appropriate for your project and budget.
How Do Sealers Improve Patio Appearance?
In addition to protecting colored concrete patios from fading, a sealer can also enhance and intensify the color. Depending on the type of sealer you apply, your options range from a natural matte finish to a high-gloss sheen.
Can a Patio Sealer Be Colored?
Most clear water- and solvent-based sealers can be tinted, allowing you to add another layer of color to a decorativ e concrete finish. Some manufacturers offer pre-tinted sealers, while others provide tint concentrates that you can add to the sealer at the jobsite. A tinted sealer can also be used as a stand-a lone, low-cost decorative finish if just a hint of color is desired. Get more advice on tinting sealers.
Is it Better to Roll or Spray Patio Sealer?
Many sealers for concrete patios can be applied using simple tools, such as a paint roller or pump-up sprayer. As a general guide, solvent-based sealers are best applied by spray while water-based sealers are best applied by roller. If the patio is textured or stamped, be sure to use a roller with a fairly thick nap so you can work it into the depressions. One of the best application techniques when sealing stamped or textured patios is to combine spraying followed by back rolling to keep the sealer from settling in low spots.
Will a Sealer Make Concrete Patios Slippery?
Film-forming, high-gloss sealers can really intensify the color of a concrete patio, but they may also make the surface more slippery, especially when wet. That’s usually not a concern with exposed aggregate or textured concrete patio surfaces, but smooth, untextured concrete may require the use of anti-skid additives to improve the traction. Most of these additives are simply mixed into the sealer at the time of application and are transparent, so they won’t alter the color or appearance (see Making Concrete Slip Resistant ). Another option is to switch to a penetrating sealer that won’t form a surface film.
How Do I Prepare the Surface?
The answer to this question often depends on whether you’re applying sealer to a new of existing concrete patio. In order for a sealer to properly adhere to the concrete, the surface must be free of dirt, oil stains, existing coatings, and any other substance that might inhibit sealer penetration. Newly placed concrete patios typically require very little preparation, while existing surfaces may need to be power washed with soap and water and possibly acid etched.
The basics of winter concrete care
Because the freeze-thaw cycle is one of the biggest contributors to concrete damage, it's important that you get ahead of the problem by repairing cracks in your patio as soon as possible.
Winter concrete patio construction or repair
Whether you want to get a new patio poured while it's cold outside, or you want to revitalize and restore an existing concrete patio with a fresh coat of cement, it is possible to pour concrete in the winter.
Protect your concrete investment all year long
If you want a patio that provides comfort and outdoor fun all year long, a concrete patio can provide decades of joy for you and your family. However, as we've discussed above, concrete patios do need specialized care and maintenance.
Why Is It Important to Seal a Concrete Patio?
There are a number of benefits that comes with sealing concrete patios. Firstly, water is the worst enemy of decorative concrete. If your concrete patio is not sealed well, it is likely to be vulnerable to moisture. Water from rains, melting snow, or the garden hose that you have used to wash the patio can get through the concrete surface and encourage the growth of moss and algae.
How long does it take to seal concrete?
It is important that you apply the concrete sealers only when you can count on getting at least 3 days when the temperatures stay between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to get grease stains off concrete?
For such problems, you can try applying a small amount of muriatic acid to the surface. After you are done with this, rinse off all remnants of the soapy water, grease solvent, paint residue, or muriatic acid and allow the surface to dry .
What is a penetrating sealer?
Specifically referred to as “penetrating” sealers, these products enter the concrete to form a type of barrier to any unwanted substances like oil or water that may otherwise harm the concrete if the chemicals had not provided this shield. They are helpful if you are looking for a product that protects surfaces from stains.
What type of sealer is used on concrete?
The first type to be discussed is the variety that lays down a film of acrylic resin on concrete to lock the surface: acrylic resin-based sealers. These can be blended with other materials like epoxy, polyurethane, or silicone to increase the concrete’s ability to withstand outdoor pressure.
Why does concrete crack?
Finally, concrete faces the risk of developing cracks because of the freeze-thaw damage that is common in colder climates. This means the concrete patio may crack and need filling because of the expansion of ice that has seeped into the gaps. The water that enters the gaps tends to expand when the water freezes.
How long does it take for concrete to dry?
Keep in mind that if you choose the water cleaning method, you will have to wait for at least 24 hours to allow the surface to dry completely .
A Textured Concrete Surface Keeps the Patio Cooler
The first thing to know about concrete is that professionals typically use an index system to determine how reflective concrete’s surface is.
Add a Coating to Keep the Concrete Patio Cooler
As in the previous section, the color you choose to paint your concrete will determine how absorbent of heat the concrete will end up.
Use A Fan Or Cooling System
Fans can create air circulation in a patio area, which can be a welcome relief. However, circulating air doesn’t necessarily cool the air in and of itself.
Add a Decorative Covering to Your Concrete Surface
By covering up the concrete surface the patio can feel much cooler on hot summer days.
Spray the Concrete With Water
Lastly, you can’t go wrong spraying the patio concrete with water from a hose.
What's Sealant and When Should You Apply It?
Concrete sealer is a protective barrier that gives longevity to concrete and makes cleaning easy. If your concrete is new, you'll need to let it cure; wait at least one month before applying sealer. Before you apply it, check the weather. Sealer needs to be applied in dry conditions because it won't adhere to damp concrete.
Prep the Surface
Follow the steps below to get the concrete surface ready for the sealer.
Apply the Sealant
Now that you've cleaned the surface and removed any old sealer, it's time to apply the new sealer. Depending on how porous your concrete is, a gallon of sealer will cover 250 to 500 square feet.
What is the best way to seal concrete?
Depending on the sealer you use, concrete sealers only require minimal equipment for application, such as a roller, sprayer, or brush. Refer to the manufacturer's label instructions for the recommended method. Generally speaking, solvent-based (oil-based) sealers are best applied by spraying, while water-based sealers are better applied with a roller.
What to use to seal concrete slab?
Before sealing concrete, make sure the surface is clean and dry. If necessary, use soap or degreaser to thoroughly clean the slab. Any patching that is required should be completed before sealing. Clean, dry surfaces are critical for the sealer to properly adhere to the concrete.
What to know about driveway sealer?
What to Know About Driveway Sealing. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. There is considerable debate about if it is necessary to apply a sealer to concrete driveways and other concrete surfaces, and if so, how often it should be done.
What is the best level of gloss for a concrete driveway?
Solvent-based sealers: Gloss level of 80 to 100; produces a gloss to high-gloss finish.
What happens if you don't breathe concrete?
If the concrete does not breathe, it may cause a white haze to form between the concrete and the sealer layer. Penetrating sealers: These products are made of specialty resins (silicones, siloxanes, and silanes) that penetrate the concrete and form a chemical barrier to water, oil, and other common contaminants.
How many square feet per gallon of sealer?
With either method, strive for complete coverage. Most products are rated to cover 250 to 300 square feet per gallon. It is best to apply two or even three thin coats, allowing each coat to dry between applications. This will prevent puddling that can create uneven coverage. Overlap the areas as you apply the sealer to ensure full coverage.
Can you seal a concrete driveway?
Concrete performs quite adequately if it is never sealed at all, but applying a good quality sealer every few years will extend its life and keep it looking good. This is especially true if you have a stained or etched concrete driveway or patio. Driveway sealing can also be considered if you live in an area where winter road salt can eat away at the concrete.
What is the best material for a patio?
Concrete is one of the most used material for construction of patios due to its availability, affordability and durability. During winter or cold weather, wood burning fire pits are essentially used to produce excellent heat for keeping a patios and backyards warm.
Why use heat proof mats for patio?
Heat proof mats also helps in collecting ash and other debris which makes it easy to clean your patio. One advantage of above the ground fire pits is their mobility and ability to protect heat from damaging your surfaces.
How to prevent fire from flying away from fire pit?
Observe fire safety requirements, place thermal barriers under the fire pits and cover a burning fire pit with a spark screen to prevent sparks or embers from flying away from the pit.
Why do you need a fire pit cover?
Invest in a fire pit cover to protect against elements when the fire pit is not in use or during storage. Observe fire guidelines, do not use a fire pit near anything flammable materials and remember to place a fireproof mat under the fire pit if you are using on fire sensitive surfaces.
What to put under a fire pit to prevent heat?
1. Heat proof mats/pads. Placing a heat retardant mat or pad under a fire pit that is above the ground will greatly prevent heat from damaging concrete or wooden deck. Fire resistant mats for fire pits are made to resist fire and heat. The mats are usually easy to set up, portable thus suitable for any outdoor use.
How to mitigate fire risks?
Keeping an eye. To further mitigate risks from a fire pit, clean up dry leaves, remove fabrics and other flammable materials from around the fire pit. Also do not leave a fire pit unattended or leave it burning overnight while you are asleep. Be watchful and be ready to extinguish fire if anything goes wrong.
What can ignite fire in a brick fire pit?
When building a brick and rock fire pit, ensure there is nothing around capable of catching fire. Sparks, embers and hot ash can also ignite fire when they breach from the pit and land on combustible materials.
