You have put in decorative concrete for your home right here in Evanston, and that is a smart thing to do. It makes your home look better from the street, and it lasts a long time, and it really shows off your style. But just like anything else that is good to have, it needs a little bit of care to keep it looking its best, especially with our wild Illinois weather. I have seen a lot of decorative concrete come and go in my years working around Evanston, and I can tell you, good maintenance makes all the difference for your concrete.
Making Your Decorative Concrete Last Longer
The biggest secret to having decorative concrete that lasts a long time, especially in a place like Evanston where we get all four seasons really strong, is protection. Our winters, with the freezing and thawing cycles and the moisture from the lake, are very hard on concrete. You will see 25 to 30 freeze-thaw cycles just between November and March, and that is a real problem for any concrete surface. Then you also have the hot, humid summers and the heavy spring rains. It is a lot for concrete to handle here in Evanston.
That is why a good quality sealant is very important. Think of it like sunscreen and a rain jacket for your concrete. It makes a barrier against moisture, and also against stains, and against UV rays, and this helps stop cracks, and flaking, and color fading. If your decorative concrete is near the lakefront, like some of those nice homes in the Lakeshore Historic District of Evanston, that sealant is working extra hard against more humidity and big temperature changes.
Besides sealing, good drainage is important. Water sitting on or around your concrete is a big problem. It can cause erosion, and it can make the concrete slab move, and then eventually it can cause sinking or uneven surfaces. Make sure your gutters are clean and your downspouts send water away from your decorative concrete patios, and your walkways, and your driveways in Evanston. If you have planters or doormats that stay in one spot, lift them up sometimes to let the concrete underneath dry out. Trapped moisture is never good for concrete.
Regular Maintenance: Keep It Clean, Keep It Sealed
Taking care of your decorative concrete is not hard, but it does need to be done regularly. Here is what I tell people to do for their Evanston concrete:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep off dirt and leaves often. For a more thorough clean, use a mild, pH-neutral soap and water. You can use a soft brush, but make sure to rinse it very well to get rid of any soap left behind. This helps stop dirt and grime from building up and wearing down the concrete surface over time.
- Resealing: This is probably the most important thing to do for your decorative concrete in Evanston. For most decorative concrete in Illinois, you will want to reseal it every 2-3 years. Some areas with a lot of foot traffic or strong sun might need it more often. Always clean the surface very well before resealing to make sure the new sealant sticks correctly.
- Winter Care: This is where Illinois really tests your concrete. Do not use de-icing salts that have ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate, because these can really damage your concrete and your sealant. Sand is a much better choice for traction. Clear snow and ice quickly to reduce how much time moisture has to get in and freeze.
Signs That Your Concrete Might Have Problems
You are outside enjoying your yard, maybe cooking on your decorative concrete patio in Evanston, and you see something that is not quite right. Here are some warning signs that tell you your decorative concrete might be having problems:
- Cracks: Small hairline cracks can happen, but if you see bigger cracks, especially ones that are getting larger, or are deep, or are spreading in patterns, that is a serious issue. These can be caused by freeze-thaw cycles, or by soil moving around, or by the concrete not being installed right.
- Uneven or Sinking Slabs: If parts of your decorative concrete are slanting down, or sinking, or making places where you can trip, it means the ground underneath has probably moved or washed away. This is common in Illinois because of our clay-heavy soil.
- Surface Scaling or Spalling: This looks like the top layer of concrete is flaking, or peeling, or chipping off, and it leaves a rough, bumpy surface. It is often caused by freeze-thaw cycles, or by de-icing salts, or by water getting into the concrete. In Evanston, concrete that is not treated and has some scaling can get much worse in just a couple of years.
- Discoloration or Stains: Besides regular dirt, if you see white, powdery marks that stay (this is called efflorescence) or dark stains, it can mean water is getting into the concrete and bringing salts to the top, or that the sealant is not working anymore. Rust-colored streaks can even mean that the rebar underneath is rusting.
- Water Pooling: After rain or when snow melts, if water sits on your decorative concrete for a long time, it shows that there are drainage problems.
When to Call a Professional Concrete Contractor
Look, sometimes you can take care of things yourself, but other times, you need to bring in the experts. Here is when to call a concrete contractor like Absolute Concrete Co right here in Evanston:
- Significant Cracks: If cracks are wide, or deep, or getting bigger, or you see them spreading across a big area, do not try to fix it yourself. That could be a problem with the structure that needs an expert to look at it.
- Uneven or Sinking Concrete: If your decorative concrete is clearly uneven, or making places where people can trip, or pulling away from your house or steps, it is time for a professional. They can figure out what is causing the problem, whether it is soil that was not packed down well, or erosion, or drainage issues, and they can suggest solutions like leveling the slab or replacing it.
- Widespread Spalling or Scaling: If a big part of your concrete is flaking or peeling, it means there is a serious problem with water getting in or the surface failing. A professional can tell if it can be resurfaced or if it needs to be replaced.
- Persistent Drainage Issues: If you have tried to fix water pooling and it is still happening, a concrete contractor can check your grading and your drainage system and make the needed changes to protect your investment in Evanston.
- Faded or Worn-Out Appearance: If your decorative concrete has lost its bright color and you want to make it look new again, a professional can offer resurfacing, or staining, or other ways to make it look better.
- Anytime You Are Not Sure: Honestly, if you are looking at your concrete and you just have a feeling something is wrong, or you are not sure how to handle a problem, call us. It is always better to catch problems early. We have the experience with Evanston's unique conditions and we can tell you what is really happening with your concrete.
Taking care of your decorative concrete is not just about how it looks; it is about protecting your property and making sure it lasts a long time. A little bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way, especially here in Illinois.