Considering A Concrete Project? Here Are Some Important Items To Consider
It’s easy to have tunnel vision when tackling new projects. You find the right team to pour your new concrete patio, and you think the work is finished. But what happens when someone spills or drops something on the freshly laid concrete? Matt Shaw Concrete is dedicated to delivering excellence, but we also want to equip our clients to successfully maintain the work when we’re gone. Here are simple and effective ways to avoid hurting your fresh concrete.
Seal the deal
After a concrete job is finished - you would think it’s done, right? That’s not always the case. Colored concrete will fade in the sun and stay darker in the shade, among other factors. Natural & colored concrete can stain. To keep your concrete looking good, the last step is to lay a protective sealant on the surface to avoid scratches, repel moisture, and avoid other potential harm. At Matt Shaw, we’ll take care of the first one, but it’s recommended that topical sealers – which repel water, prevent staining & damage, and seal joints – should be applied every few years.
When using, be sure to follow manufacturer directions. Be sure to consider the type of sealer you’re using, depending on what type of concrete you’re working with. For example, a natural sealer will enhance a classic concrete finish, and the level of sheen increases from there. A helpful tip from our team: while glossy seals are pretty, they shouldn’t be used in situations where slips or falls are a concern. If you need a hand, Matt Shaw Concrete is ready to help you facilitate your needs to help your concrete look fresh for time to come.
it all comes out in the wash
Concrete is porous, which means it’s susceptible to stains. If a blemish appears on your surface, be sure to resolve the situation quickly with an acid wash. Using an acid wash can help dissolve rust, hard water build-up, mildew stains, and more. If you have colored concrete, a heavy acid wash might ruin the color but a light acid wash should help. When applying, it's recommended that you wear gloves, but most hardware store acid wash treatments won’t be too harmful in the event they contact your skin – however, we definitely recommend hiring professionals to do the application
Avoid chemical reactions
Even though summer weather is the norm for Santa Barbara County, it’s still important to grasp how to care for concrete when cooler temperatures arrive. It’s crucial to know what chemicals to avoid to prevent significant harm to your new concrete. As always, in situations that require harsh chemicals, safety is key; when using an unfamiliar substance, it’s safest to call on professionals.
At Matt Shaw Concrete, our goal is to offer preventative care advice in the hopes that clients will enjoy and maintain healthy concrete practices. Our crew is honest and reliable; your projects matter to us and will be approached as if they were our own.