Buying an old house has benefits, but unless it has been recently renovated, there are many areas that may need extra care. One of them is concrete, particularly the one that experiences a lot of foot traffic.
If you want to maintain your concrete in the best way possible, check out these tips:
1. Do a thorough inspection
Before you call for a concrete repair service, look at the state of the house’s concrete yourself, particularly in the driveway, garage, and the foundation. Aside from the normal wear and tear of concrete over the years, especially in an old house, the changes in temperature and quality of maintenance of the previous owners can affect the state of the concrete.
Worn down and poorly-maintained concrete are usually laden with cracks. So if you spot any cracks in the concrete, no matter how small they are, repair them immediately. Small cracks can be refilled by concrete caulk or liquid filler. For wider cracks, call in a concrete repair specialist right away to prevent the damage from getting worse.
2. Reseal concrete
Concrete sealer wears down over time, especially on surfaces that go through a lot of traffic. For old houses, this is almost always the case. Hence, if you notice that the concrete sealant is starting to show wear, reapply a layer of sealant to protect the concrete from moisture, oil, and stains. Apply a new layer once every two years to help the slab last for as long as possible.
3. Clean concrete regularly
Just like everything else, concrete lasts longer if it’s cleaned regularly. Clean your concrete regularly to remove excess moisture, dirt, debris, and oil using appropriate cleaning materials. Not only will regular cleaning help your concrete look better, but it will also help prevent substances from staining the concrete or seeping into the surface.
4. Remove stains right away
Prevent discoloration or deep staining from occurring by wiping up stains as soon as you see them. In an old house, stains may already be present and impossible to remove since they have already spent years deep in the concrete. For stains like this, call in a professional to see what can be done about the discoloration. In the meantime, don’t add to them by letting spills stay on the concrete for too long.
5. Protect concrete from heavy loads
Concrete in an old house may stand the test of time, but it doesn’t mean that the surfaces won’t crack under the pressure of a heavy weight. Avoid parking anything other than your regular-sized vehicle on the driveway or garage. Similarly, don’t allow heavy machinery to be placed on your concrete surfaces. These heavy objects are better placed on the street where the concrete used is made to withstand heavier loads.
Maintaining concrete in an old house is challenging, given that it’s already weathered through years and years of use. However, by putting regular maintenance tasks in place, your concrete stands a better chance of lasting for decades more. If you want to avoid a premature concrete replacement, keep these tips in mind.
