Concrete has been used for centuries and is found in driveways, patios and sidewalks — nearly everywhere you walk. Concrete is the most used manufactured material on earth, more than plastic, steel, wood and aluminum combined.
You see concrete when going to work, walking your dog, shooting hoops in the driveway and otherwise going about your daily life. Still, it’s not uncommon for people to know little about concrete. That’s why we’re here. Below, we will present six interesting concrete facts. We will also dive into a handful of common beliefs and cover why they are myths.
1. Concrete Is Porous, Like a Sponge
The concrete used for your driveway, patio and walkways is highly porous, allowing water to flow through it to prevent runoff. However, the porosity of concrete can become an issue during the colder months when the water within your concrete expands when it freezes (by 9% in volume).
This expansion creates internal pressure within the concrete, which can cause it to crack, resulting in unsightly surface damage. Throughout the winter, your concrete will likely experience multiple freezing and thawing cycles, which can lead to more damage over time.
2. Proper Care Can Minimize Cracking, Chipping, Pitting or Spalling
While it’s true that concrete can experience damage like any other substance, you can take proactive steps to prevent cracking, chipping, pitting and spalling. A professional concrete sealing service, like Perfect Power Wash, can provide a protective barrier against moisture and other damaging elements with a hydrophobic weather guard sealer.
Hydrophobic weather guard sealers repel water and prevent it from penetrating your concrete’s surface. The protective layer will keep your concrete safe from cracking, chipping and general wear to extend its life span.
3. Siloxane Sealers Won’t Change the Appearance of Your Concrete
Siloxane sealers penetrate deep into the concrete instead of creating a film on the surface. They are great choices for maintaining the original appearance of the concrete while providing exceptional durability. Unlike surface coatings offered by some companies, a hydrophobic weather guard sealer penetrates the surface and won’t fade, crack or peel, making it the best protection for porous concrete.
4. Having Concrete Washed and Sealed Is Less Expensive Than Replacing It
According to Angi, plain concrete driveways typically cost about $7 per square foot. Sealing and washing your driveway generally costs $1 to $3 per square foot, and sealing a 400-square-foot driveway, for example, will cost anywhere from $400 to $1,200. New concrete for a driveway of the same size could cost $1,600 to $6,000, depending on the material’s exact price.
Annual washing and sealing are also faster processes than a complete replacement and help to prolong your driveway’s life span, making them a smart financial decision in the long run.
5. Your Concrete Can Crack This Winter, Even If It Was Fine Last Year
Like any outdoor material, your concrete is subject to the environment, and if last winter was mild, that doesn’t mean this year will be the same. The risk of damage also increases exponentially for every freeze/thaw cycle concrete endures. Each winter you neglect your concrete surfaces increases the propensity of damage. Even if you don’t see any visible cracks, the micro-cracks from freezing and thawing become clearer over time, resulting in significant structural issues if you do not address them.
6. Road Salt and Deicing Salt Are Leading Contributors to Concrete Corrosion and Damage
If you have ever made ice cream, you know to add salt to lower the freezing temperature of the water and increase the density. The same rings true for the water in your concrete. With deicing salt, the water within the pores of your concrete becomes denser (and will have a greater mass).
The increase in mass causes more strain on the concrete to weaken the material. Repeated thawing and freezing cycles, coupled with salt and deicing salt, can increase the risk of corrosion and damage to your concrete.
How to Protect Your Concrete
Many homeowners think that having your concrete washed and sealed is purely cosmetic. In truth, it’s a preventive measure to ensure the integrity of your concrete surfaces. It’s necessary to save thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to repairs and replacements.
Here at Perfect Power Wash, we recommend having your concrete washed and sealed at least once a year. If you haven’t had your concrete washed and sealed this year, be sure to do so before winter arrives. Otherwise, come spring, you risk seeing pits, chips and cracks in your concrete surfaces.
In addition to washing and sealing your concrete, you can take several preventive measures throughout the year to keep it looking its best such as avoiding using harsh chemicals or deicing salts. Another great concrete maintenance task is to address any spills as soon as they occur to prevent them from entering the surface. You can also install proper drainage systems to redirect water away from the concrete.
Creating an inspection checklist can help you understand what to look for and when to take more serious action. Some items to put on your checklist include:
- Check the surface condition for any visible cracks or chips and flaking or peeling.
- Measure the width and depth of visible cracks. If they are less than 1/8 inch, they are hairline cracks.
- Assess the concrete for cracks or pitting in areas where water pools after rain or snowmelt.
- Look for a white powdery residue on the surface, as this may indicate moisture issues.
Choose Perfect Power Wash to Protect Your Concrete
Please don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your concrete. Perfect Power Wash offers a hydrophobic weather guard sealer that protects against harsh winters. Call 724-306-6575 to request your free quote, schedule in minutes and protect your concrete from the upcoming winter.