How to Maintain Concrete? A General Guide to Maintenance
Concrete: a detailed tutorial on cement and its properties.
Concrete is a composite material consisting of aggregate bonded with a fluid cement that hardens over time. Most use of the term “concrete” refers to Portland cement concrete, which is composed of mineral aggregate (generally gravel and sand), portland cement and water.
Portland cement is the kind of cement most commonly used in the production of concrete. It is a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar and plaster. It is made by heating limestone with small quantities of other materials (such as clay) to 1450°C in a kiln, in a process known as calcination that liberates a molecule of carbon dioxide from the calcium carbonate (to form calcium oxide) to form calcium silicates. The resulting substance is then ground into the fine powder which we call cement. The whole process can be considered as an energy-intensive industrial process and results in considerable emissions of CO2.
Concrete, being a porous material, absorbs moisture from rainwater or from other sources, such as air moisture (humidity). Moisture causes efflorescence on the surface and also promotes corrosion of reinforcement steel bars within the concrete body.
There is a lot of information available on how to maintain concrete. You will find some of them in this post and there are links to all the other important articles on concrete, its properties, testing and maintenance.
The first thing you need to know about concrete is that it is not just a collection of materials; it is a material which has its own behavior and needs to be treated as such. Concrete is a conglomerate of water, cement and aggregate. If you do not treat the whole concrete, but individual aggregates, you will get problems sooner or later.
Concrete is also very sensitive to environmental conditions. Water evaporates from it continuously, so it should always be protected from drying out. It should also be protected from excessive rain which will cause it to crack or expand excessively because of swelling clay particles that absorb water like sponges.
So how do you maintain concrete? Well the best way is to keep it dry and well covered or under roofing material. But what happens if this is not possible? Then you have to use chemical additives like sealants which will help prevent evaporation and protect against excessive rainfall by sealing off the pores with polymeric films which prevent absorption of water by clay particles while still allowing moisture vapor transfer (MVT).
This guide explains to maintain concrete. Concrete is a versatile and complex material, which has a wide range of applications. As such, it requires more care and attention than other materials in order to get the best out of it.
Concrete is made up of materials, which are easily affected by the environment. It’s a porous substance that can be damaged by many environmental factors, such as temperature changes and humidity, if not properly cared for. Poorly maintained concrete can suffer from cracking, crumbling and breaking down over time.
It’s important that you know how to maintain concrete so that your property doesn’t suffer from any damage. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about maintaining concrete surfaces.
When you consult with us regarding the maintenance of your concrete, we will discuss with you the various options available. We are experts in this field and will be able to advise you on the best course of action. Concrete is a very versatile material and there are many different ways in which it can be maintained.
In general, if your concrete is not looking as good as it should, then expert help should be sought. However, there are some things that you can do yourself to ensure that your concrete remains in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Here are a few suggestions that may help:
Keep Your Concrete Clean
Concrete is a porous material and can absorb dirt from the air and from the ground. The first step in keeping your concrete clean is to keep it free from dust, dirt, oil and other contaminants that can penetrate its pores.
Use an appropriate cleaning product or solution on your concrete. Use only products that are recommended by the manufacturer. A wide range of products is available for use on specific types of concrete such as coloured, patterned or exposed aggregate finishes. It’s important to choose the right product for your concrete to ensure that it doesn’t damage or discolour its surface.
Use Water Wisely
Concrete needs
Concrete is a robust material that will last for years. But it does need a little care to help it stay in tip-top shape. Here are some suggestions for maintaining concrete surfaces so they’ll remain in great condition.
If you’re looking after an interior concrete floor, vacuum or sweep it regularly to keep it free of dust and grit, which can scratch and damage the surface. If you’ve polished the surface, use a damp mop rather than a dry one.
If you need to remove a spot or stain from the surface, never use abrasive cleaners. Instead, try to work out what caused the mark and then treat it accordingly – for example, if it was a soft drink spill, blot any liquid from the area with paper towels and then dab on some club soda with another paper towel. If that doesn’t work, you can mix a small amount of bleach with dishwashing liquid and water and apply this to the stained area using a cloth or sponge. Leave this on for 15 minutes before wiping away with clean water.
To keep your concrete floor spotless, consider applying an impregnating sealer (also called penetrating sealer), which will repel stains without changing the appearance of the surface or making it slippery. You’ll find these at
Check & Repair Cracks. The most common form of concrete damage is cracking. …
Seal Concrete Periodically to Protect It From Moisture. …
Repair Spalling Concrete. …
Remove Stains and Reseal. …
Pressure Wash Concrete Regularly. …
Ensure Proper Drainage Around Your Concrete. …
Protect Your Concrete From Freeze-Thaw Damage.
Cement is the most commonly used construction material in the world. It is a binder that hardens when it reacts with water and can bind other materials together. Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general use around the world because it is a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar and stucco.
There are a variety of advantages to concrete, including:
– Durability and strength
– Versatility of design and use
– Lower cost over time
– Fast construction
– Fire resistance
– Low maintenance costs
– Eco-friendly (green)