Concrete Maintenance

Cleaning and resealing an old job isn’t nearly as interesting as creating a new design, and it’s less profitable too.

However, industry experts say contractors are missing a great opportunity. Making sure decorative concrete looks fresh for years to come can bring a number of benefits — satisfied customers, repeat business and a new profit center, to name a few.

Clients appreciate a contractor who can not only work wonders with concrete, but can also help them keep their patio, deck or driveway looking impressive. New products are available to handle almost any maintenance situation, even ones that initially look impossible.

Routine maintenance is fairly straightforward. The No. 1 priority is to make sure the surface is clean and dry before it is resealed. Most decorative surfaces can be cleaned with water and a mild cleaner. Scott Balch, a ConcreteScience contractor in Dallas, uses pressure washing, extraction cleaning or both. “Acrylic sealers are more forgiving when it becomes time to reapply,” he says. “Most situations require only the cleaning of the surface and the application of the new acrylic sealer.”