A Word About Concrete Patios
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling or texting 651-461-9226. Here’s must-know information from Barry Stranz (professional & educator) who has 30+ years in the home improvement industry shared on 8.13.12.
What Do I Need To Know Concreted Patios?
Fast Facts About Stamped Concrete
When concrete is stamped, the surface texture and colors are often cast onto the raw concrete surface. From a maintenance standpoint, concrete should be sealed soon after it is installed. 24 hours is often the recommended timeframe for concrete to cure. Stamped concrete often needs to be re-sealed bi-annually to maintain its durability over time.
What Causes Spalling Concrete?
Spalling concrete is concrete that has broken down into sections, resulting in chipping and weathering. There are many reasons this can happen. First, the mixture can be overworked upon application. This can happen when too many passes are taken for the floating of the concrete. This can cause the rocks in the concrete to come to the surface, compromising the integrity of the bonding agent. In addition, adding salt to concrete in the winter months to ward off ice and snow can cause the cement to spall. Instead, deicing agents absent of sodium should be used. If exterior concrete is spalling, it’s best practice to jackhammer it, remove the debris and pour new cement. The approach will have longer lasting results versus resealing the concrete.
