The glamour of stamped concrete only lasts as long as you maintain it. Over time, color can dull, cracks can form, and pesky clover may grow in between joints. Decorative concrete, like stamped designs, comes with a higher price than traditional grey concrete slabs, so why let its beauty go to waste?
The good news is that stamped concrete is easy to maintain. In fact, it requires less maintenance than the paving materials it mimics, including stone and brick.
1. Cleaning
How Often to Perform: Weekly
Regular cleaning is a key part of stamped concrete maintenance. Keeping the patio clear and free from debris will go a long way toward protecting the structure and sealant.
Aim to sweep your patio at least once a week to remove dirt, leaves, and twigs. Leaves are particularly important because, if left on the patio during rain, they can cause discoloration and staining that are hard to remove without pressure washing. If you’re strapped for time, using a leaf blower is effective and less time-consuming.
Occasionally, you may notice stains from food spills or bird excrement (especially if they’ve been into nearby blueberry or honeyberry bushes!). You don’t need to pressure wash these. Use dish soap and warm water to remove these stains (avoid chemical cleaners unless they’re designed specifically for concrete). We recommend removing stains as soon as you notice them, before they get baked in.
Once they’re set deep into the concrete, pressure washing is the only way to remove them, and in the process, you will remove old sealer and polymeric sand from the joints. After pressure washing, you will almost always have to rejoint (add more sand into the gaps between the concrete pavers) to prevent shifting/movement and weed growth, and apply one to two coats of exterior sealer.
2. Resealing
How Often to Perform: Every 2-3 years, or when you notice the sealant is damaged
Sealant, sometimes called sealer, protects concrete from rain (concrete is porous) and UV exposure that can cause color fading. When your contractor installed your stamped concrete, they would’ve sealed it.
Sealant doesn’t last forever, so you’ll eventually need to reseal your concrete. You can do this yourself or hire a contractor; the main concern is using an exterior sealer designed for concrete.
Don’t reseal your concrete too often because if sealant builds up, the different layers of coating will turn to an unpleasant shade of yellow. Sealant typically lasts two to three years, but you may notice it wearing away faster in extreme weather or with heavy foot traffic.
If your sealant has degraded, you’ll notice:
- Dark spots (where water has been allowed to penetrate)
- Chalky, white patches (called efflorescence)
- Water doesn’t bead on the top anymore
In these circumstances, reseal your patio, even if it’s been less than three years.
3. Adding Shade
If your patio is south-facing, we recommend adding elements to reduce sun exposure. Even with sealant, constant sunshine for 8+ hours a day can fade stains. A pergola or canvas patio cover offers protection and could extend the concrete’s life by several years, depending on maintenance.
We also recommend adding a rug if you host outdoor parties. Although rugs need to be brought in during the winter, during the warmer months, they’ll help protect your concrete from food spills, stains, and scratches from moving furniture.
4. (Safely) Removing Snow & Ice
Removing snow and ice is a critical concrete maintenance task, but if done wrong, it can actually shorten your concrete’s lifespan. When you’re removing snow, use a plastic shovel or a snow blower. A plow or shovel with metal edges can scratch it. Likewise, when melting ice or improving traction, don’t use commercially available de-icers. Most formulations, unless they’re marketed as pet-safe or concrete-friendly, contain chemicals that not only degrade existing sealant but can damage the concrete, too.
Restore Your Concrete With Help From G&G
A properly installed, well-maintained stamped concrete patio should last for decades. If you’ve noticed cracks, discoloration, shifting pavers, or any signs of damage, contact G&G Concrete & Construction today.
We have helped restore stamped concrete patios across Southeast Michigan for over 25 years through reliable repair and maintenance services. Visit our website to learn more about our capabilities and get more professional tips, or reach out to schedule an inspection.
