When it comes to home design, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right flooring. It sets the tone of the whole house and adds a touch of elegance and warmth. The material can vary from room to room, depending on its purpose and the owner’s preferences. The same goes for the outdoors, as well. The outdoor space is the extension of the indoors and it should match its design, as well as quality. It’s a space where the family spends a lot of time together, so it should be equally comfortable and inviting.

The outdoor area can become much more interesting by mixing materials and styles instead of just having a big stretch of dull Concrete. You can use different textures, play with patterns and use various finishes to create a different feel in each section. For example, you can opt for exposed aggregate for outdoor living room area, concrete pavers for the outdoor kitchen and concrete pads for pathways. Whatever you choose, the key to its durability is correct and regular maintenance, so here is how you can do it.

Cleaning on a regular basis

Concrete Patio should be just like any other room in the house when it comes to maintenance. The most important step is keeping it clean and free of debris and dirt. It will help prevent discolouration and wear. The frequency of cleaning depends on how much foot traffic the patio gets and how much water and chemicals it’s exposed to.

To clean it thoroughly, you should do the following: brush the surface to remove dirt and debris, or any chemical residue, and rinse it with a garden hose or pressure washer. Use a small amount of dishwashing liquid to dissolve any stubborn greasy spots and scrub it with a push broom. Finally, rinse it all with clean water to remove any soapsuds and let the surface air dry. It’s important to have the patio surface completely dry before you move on to apply any kind of a sealer.

Resealing

The next step in proper concrete patio maintenance is resealing. This should be done every two to three years because concrete sealers tend to become worn-out due to foot traffic and weather influence. If you don’t reseal regularly, you might notice discolouration and patches of faded colour. Resealing the patio will make its colour seem as vibrant and fresh as it was in the beginning.

After giving your patio a thorough cleaning, apply the sealer. The best time to do it is when the air temperature is between 55 and 90 Fahrenheit, so sometime in spring and early fall. Start by mixing the sealer with anti-skid material according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Since the anti-skid material can’t be applied through a sprayer, use a 1’’ nap roller. Stir the mixture frequently to keep the anti-skid suspended in the sealer. Work on small sections, on by one, to ensure full coverage. After it had dried completely and the first coat is tack-free, you can apply the second coat.

Protective coating

Another way to ensure the durability of your concrete patio is by using epoxy paint. Epoxy coatings are very practical and multi-functional, they are easily applied to most concrete surfaces and are extremely heat- and corrosion-resistant. This additional coat of epoxy paint also helps maintain the gloss and retain colour. It’s available in a wide range of pastel colours, so you can easily incorporate it into your existing design.

When you’re aware of these maintenance tips and you stick to them, your concrete patio will keep its shine and beauty for a long time and you will get years of outdoor enjoyment from it.

The post Concrete Patio: The Ultimate Maintenance Guide appeared first on .