The how and why of sealing stamped concrete: Edward’s Lawn & Home can help!
The condition of your outdoor landscape can truly make your home look more or less inviting. While grasses, shrubs, flowers, and trees make up a significant portion of the look, your hardscapes do too. Hardscaping includes driveways, walkways, and patios. One of the most common materials for these features is stamped concrete, which is durable and flexible enough to give your home stylish surfaces for a long time. However, stamped concrete does need maintenance. Here is the why and how in sealing stamped concrete.
Why Seal Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete can last just as long as any other type of concrete surface, such as your regular sidewalk. However, given its specific makeup, stamped concrete surfaces can fade over time. Without sealant, the concrete is also susceptible to dirt, moisture, ice, mold, and other contaminants. Sealant is a protective coating that will help your concrete last much longer and make it easier to clean.
Cleaning First
When you seal your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, it is best to first clean it thoroughly. With a stiff-bristled brush or a power washer, rinse the surface with a solution of water and pavement cleaner. This cleaner can be either store-bought or homemade. If you notice mold or mildew, a mild bleach and water solution usually works best. After that, make sure to let the surface dry completely before applying the sealant.
Types of Sealant
There may be many types of concrete sealant products on the market, but you can narrow down your options based on type. The two main kinds of sealant are “topical” and “penetrating.” Topical sealers give the concrete a “wet”, glossy look, but have the risk of actually creating a slippery surface. Meanwhile, penetrating sealers seep into the pores of the concrete and last longer than topical kinds, but one must be careful to choose a product suitable for concrete.
Call a Professional
When following the directions, a concrete sealant is relatively easy to apply. However, it can lead to mistakes. If sealing your driveway, patio, or walkway is not something you’re interested in completing yourself, Edward’s Lawn & Home is happy to assist. In these fall and winter seasons, Edward’s is there for all your landscaping and hardscaping needs.
Choose Edwards Lawn & Home
For the past thirteen years, Edwards Lawn and Home has been offering premier residential and commercial services to improve your property all year long. The options are endless from a new patio to a backyard fire pit, let the winners of Angie’s List Super Service Aware serve you! If you’re interested in finding out more about our services or getting a quote, you can contact us online or give us a call at 443-341-6539. For more information about our services or DIY tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Houzz.