for Your Sealed or Resurfaced Concrete in London, ON
You’ve made a smart investment in your London, Ontario home, transforming your outdoor space with beautifully sealed or professionally resurfaced concrete. Whether it’s a vibrant stamped concrete patio, a sleek brushed finish driveway, or revitalized steps, your concrete now looks magnificent. But the job isn’t quite finished! To truly protect that investment and ensure its beauty and durability for years to come, diligent aftercare is crucial.
Proper maintenance after your concrete has been sealed or resurfaced acts as a shield against wear, weather, and the elements. Here’s your comprehensive guide from London ON Concrete.
1. The Critical First Days: Protecting Your Fresh Finish
The initial curing period is paramount for both newly sealed and newly resurfaced concrete. Patience during this time will pay off immensely:
- Mind the Traffic:
- Foot Traffic: Generally, you can walk on the surface after 24-48 hours.
- Vehicle Traffic (Driveways): For driveways, allow at least 5-7 days before driving vehicles on the surface. Always confirm the exact recommendation with your London ON Concrete team, as specific materials and conditions can vary.
- Guard Against Moisture: During the initial curing phase (especially for resurfaced concrete), avoid standing water, sprinklers, or heavy rain hitting the surface directly. Keep it as dry as possible.
- Avoid Scuffs & Scratches: Refrain from dragging heavy objects, furniture, or equipment across the fresh finish. This can mar the new surface or compromise the sealant layer.
- Keep it Clean: Prevent debris, spills, or chemicals from sitting on the surface during this sensitive period.
2. Routine Maintenance for Lasting Beauty & Durability
Once your concrete has fully cured, consistent, gentle cleaning is your best friend for long-term preservation:
- Regular Sweeping & Blowing: Make it a habit to sweep or blow off loose dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris. This prevents abrasive wear when traffic occurs and helps to prevent staining from organic matter.
- Periodic Hosing Down: Rinse off your concrete surfaces regularly with a garden hose to remove general grime and dust.
- Mild Soap & Soft Brush: For tougher dirt or light stains, use a mild, pH-neutral detergent (like dish soap) mixed with water and a soft-bristled brush or mop. Scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use acidic cleaners (like vinegar, muriatic acid), strong degreasers, paint thinners, solvents, or bleach on sealed or resurfaced concrete. These can strip the sealant, dull colours, or damage the concrete itself.
- Prompt Spill Cleanup: Address spills like oil, grease, rust, or pet waste immediately. Blot the spill (don’t rub it in) and clean with a mild detergent before it has a chance to set.
3. Navigating London’s Seasons: Protecting Your Concrete Investment
London, ON’s varied climate presents unique challenges. Here’s how to protect your sealed or resurfaced concrete through the seasons:
- Winter Care (Crucial!):
- Avoid De-icing Salts: Strongly avoid rock salt (sodium chloride) and de-icers containing ammonium nitrates or sulfates. These are highly corrosive and can severely damage concrete, leading to spalling, pitting, and compromising sealants.
- Safer Alternatives: If de-icers are absolutely necessary for safety, opt for small amounts of calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. Sand can also be used for traction without damaging the concrete.
- Snow Removal: Use plastic shovels or snow blowers equipped with rubber blades. Avoid metal shovels, which can scratch or chip the surface. Never chip ice directly with sharp tools.
- Summer Care:
- Furniture Protection: Place protective pads or glides under the legs of heavy outdoor furniture, grills, or planters to prevent scratching, scuffing, or indentations on the sealed surface.
- Water Management: Ensure sprinklers aren’t constantly saturating the surface, as prolonged standing water can affect sealant longevity.
4. Knowing When to Reseal or Re-surface: Professional Care for Lasting Protection
Even with diligent aftercare, sealants will eventually wear down, and resurfaced layers may show signs of age. Knowing when to act is key:
- Signs It’s Time: Water no longer “beads” on the surface (it soaks in instead), the finish appears dull or faded, or minor surface imperfections begin to reappear.
- Frequency:
- Sealing: Typically, driveways (high traffic) may need resealing every 2-5 years, while patios and walkways (lower traffic) might last 3-7 years, depending on the sealant type and exposure.
- Resurfacing: Resurfaced layers are designed for longer durability but will eventually show wear. London ON Concrete can advise on the expected lifespan and future needs.
- Why Professional Resealing/Re-surfacing Matters: Proper preparation (thorough cleaning, repairing any new minor cracks) and expert application of a new sealant or resurfacing material are critical for optimal protection and aesthetics. London ON Concrete offers professional concrete sealing and resurfacing services in London, ON, and can assess exactly when your concrete is ready for a refresh.
By following these aftercare guidelines, you’ll ensure your sealed or resurfaced concrete in London, Ontario, remains beautiful, safe, and a proud feature of your home for many years to come.