What Preventative Maintenance Can You Do To Extend The Lifespan Of Concrete?

Concrete is known for being durable, strong and long-lasting, which is why it is such a popular material in construction. But, a little-known fact is that there are a few preventative measures you should take to extend its lifespan.

Like most things, without maintenance, concrete can deteriorate and lose some of its most beneficial characteristics. But if you pour a little bit of time into preventative maintenance, you can help the concrete last longer.

At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we are the experts on everything to do with concrete, from design mixes, pumping, and maintenance. We work with businesses and residents across the South Coast, providing quality concrete and care guidance for projects of all different types and sizes.

In this blog, we share some preventative maintenance tips so you can be sure your concrete will stay strong and durable.

Why Concrete Needs Preventative Maintenance

While concrete is the Superman of construction, it does have its own kryptonite. What we are trying to say is that it isn't indestructible, so precautions should be taken to prevent its downfall.

There are several things that can impact concrete and its strength.

• Weather conditions - changes in temperature cause it to expand and contract, which weakens it over time and makes it more prone to cracking.
• Freeze-thaw cycles - similarly, in colder climates, water can set into the concrete surface and freeze and expand, which creates micro-cracks. Over time, these can widen, creating larger, deeper cracks and structural damage.
• Chemical exposure - salts, acids and alkalis can cause corrosive reactions, which damage the internal structure of the material, weakening it.
• Wear and tear - heavy traffic and use can gradually wear concrete surfaces, which impacts its durability and protective capabilities.

So, what are the problems with these issues?

• Cracking - cracks compromise the structural integrity and provide space for corrosive substances to embed themselves, which can accelerate deterioration.
• Spalling - spalling is when concrete peels or flakes away, often because of the freeze-thaw cycle or chemical reactions. This impacts the appearance of the material as well as the structural capacity.
• Surface damage and scaling - gradual chipping or peeling of the surface often caused by exposure to harsh weather and chemicals. It makes the surface look worn but also reduces the protective layer.
• Corrosion or reinforcements - if reinforced with steel, neglect can lead to the metal rebar corroding inside. Moisture and chemicals that get into the material corrode the steel, causing it to expand, putting pressure on the surrounding concrete, which then cracks and creates structural instability.

However, with a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can reduce the risk of all of that.

Key Preventative Maintenance Steps to Extend Its Lifespan

There are several ways that you can maintain any exposed concrete to prevent any issues.

• Regular cleaning - removing dirt, debris and stains from the surface reduces the risk of corrosive substances settling in any cracks and causing any damage.
• Sealing the surface - seal concrete to protect it against water, chemicals and environmental factors. Typically, you should seal it every two to five years, but this will change depending on the environment in which it is used.
• Repair concrete cracks - address any cracks as soon as possible, as this will stop them from worsening and prevent water or chemicals from getting in amongst the concrete and impacting the integrity of the material.
• Weatherproofing - this could be part of sealing the surface. You need to weatherproof it so that it is protected against freezing temperatures and water absorption.
• Controlling heavy loads - load capacity impacts the integrity of the material. Smart management of traffic reduces the risk of problems arising.

Additional Tips for Long-Term Concrete Care

Aside from preventative measures such as repairing concrete cracks and sealing concrete surfaces, there are a few smaller steps you can take.

• Use mats or protective pads under heavy machinery or vehicles
• Ensure you have proper drainage systems to prevent water pooling
• Inspect the surface regularly to spot issues and fix them as soon as possible

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Concrete Maintenance

When maintaining your concrete, there are a few things you want to avoid.

• Using harsh chemicals
• Ignoring small cracks and saying "I will deal with them later"
• Not implementing recommended maintenance schedules, particularly in high-traffic areas

Not Sure About Something? Speak To The Experts

From repairing cracks to sealing and cleaning them regularly to laying protective mats down and monitoring traffic loads, there are many ways that you can prevent issues with your concrete and extend the lifespan of the material.

It is important that you keep on top of the maintenance because it will ensure the concrete's strength, stability and durability so that you can confidently crack on with other things rather than worrying about whether the concrete is strong enough to function.

If you are unsure about part of the preventative maintenance needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with our experts.

The team at 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping are specialists in concrete and can help you repair concrete cracks and point you in the right direction of sealant or protective mats.

Call us on 01489 552737 or complete our online contact form with your question, and we will give you a call back to discuss the answer.