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When cared for in the correct way, your concrete patio should maintain its function and appearance for a number of years. That’s why, in order to help you get the most out of your concrete patio, we’ve put together a few of our top tips on maintenance and care.

1. Clean Regularly

Regardless of what type of concrete product your patio is made from, cleaning is essential. Keeping your patio clean will prevent erosion from the elements which in turn will give it a longer lifespan. If you don’t wash away dirt and debris regularly, the surface can develop holes and start to crumble so it’s definitely worth taking the time to clean. Sweep away any dust and if you have one, clean your patio with a pressure washer on a regular basis. Alternatively, you can use a regular hose and soapy water to clear up spills and stains. If you do spill something on your concrete patio, it’s best to clean it up as quickly as possible- this will make it a lot easier to get the marks out.

2. Use A Sealer

Applying a sealer to your concrete patio will help prevent corrosion whilst also preserving the shine of stamped concrete. In order to preserve the quality and appearance of the patio, you’ll need to reapply the sealer if you notice the shine wearing off or the colour fading. How often you’ll need to reapply the sealer and the type of sealer required will depend on the type of concrete used.

3. Repair Cracks And Seal Joints

Sealing joints and repairing cracks is important for maintaining the longevity of your concrete patio. Cracks in the surface make it easy for water intrusion to occur and open joints present a space for dirt to collect and weeds to grow through. Sealing them up will prevent unwanted dirt and water from corroding the concrete.

4. Manage Plant Growth

Plant growth can cause damaging disruption to the concrete which is why it’s so important to keep plants and weeds at bay. As mentioned above, keeping cracks filled will prevent weeds from overgrowing, but it’s also important to eliminate any weeds that you do see sprouting on a regular basis. You can also use a weedkiller, however, be careful of using products with any heavy-duty chemicals that could damage your concrete patio.

5. Invest In An Overhead Cover

The more you can keep your concrete patio protected from the elements the better. Investing in a patio cover such as a pergola will protect the concrete from deteriorating due to weather and can actually enhance the overall appearance of the space.

6. Know Your Concrete

Whilst the tips we have offered are a general guide for maintaining all concrete patios, it’s important to be aware that some concrete products may require extra attention. Most commonly, patios are made from stamped concrete which is poured concrete with a decorative pattern stamped in the surface or from concrete pavers that are interlocked together for the desired finish. It’s also important to think about whether the patio is made from natural or artificial stone, as this will impact the patio’s durability.

If you’re ever unsure about the different types of product used in concrete patios please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.