Concrete Maintenance
Concrete's durability, strength and low maintenance have long been hallmarks of its appeal. And now that the market for decorative concrete is exploding, customers are willingly paying premiums for colorful, eye-catching driveways, walkways, pool decks, patios and more.
by Christina Camara
While maintenance of concrete is minimal — that's the beauty of it — decorative concrete does require regular cleaning and resealing to extend its life and eye appeal for years into the future.
Unfortunately, though, regular maintenance programs are often overlooked by contractors and customers alike.
Ronald Borum, executive vice president of Crossfield Products Corp. and manager of the Miracote Division, says the industry as a whole has failed to do a good job of teaching customers how to maintain the color integrity, brightness and brilliance of decorative concrete. Concrete is indeed durable, but the color itself may have less resilience.
"I think a lot of people in our industry — designers, architects, landscape/hardscape persons, contractors — sell that pristine look without looking down the road, and the customer ends up buying something that two years or more down the road they're very dissatisfied with because they don't understand how to keep it pristine and close to that original look."
Education about the importance of regular maintenance can result in happier customers and more business for contractors.
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