maintaining stamped concrete

Maintaining Stamped Concrete

Creating a beautiful look for your walkway, patio, or pool deck is a way to add appealing, customized detail to your outdoor living space.

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Whether you are looking for something simple and subdued, or more striking and dramatic, stamped concrete is an ideal option for decoration and function that will last you for many years.




Like concrete that is not stamped, stamped concrete is a highly durable material that can withstand extensive use and weather exposure.




What is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete is simply concrete that has been imprinted with shapes. These can be elaborate decorative stampings meant to create a focal point for an outdoor living area, or something as simple as lines to create the appearance of cobblestones or slates.





Just like concrete that is not stamped, stamped concrete can be stained to give it color, and sealed to give it sheen.


However you decide for your concrete to look when it is complete it is essential that you ensure your stamped concrete is protected so that it will maintain its beautiful appearance as well as its structural integrity over the years.




Steps that should be taken during the installation of your stamped concrete

include:

If you want to add extra appeal to your stamped concrete use a color hardener. This will set the color and create concrete that is even more durable in many cases than non-stamped concrete.





include:

Request several coats of sealer be applied to the final concrete to protect it from dirt, chemicals, water, and other substances, as well as blocking damage from UV rays.





include:

Ensure that the area is clean of debris prior to applying the sealer, and that it is not disturbed until fully dry.




How to Maintain Stamped Concrete

Even the best prepared stamped concrete will require periodic maintenance. This depends on weather conditions to which the stamped concrete is exposed on a regular basis, and how much traffic it sees. Some of the maintenance steps you can expect to perform include:





Avoid using deicing salts on your stamped concrete, especially during the first winter after the concrete is installed. These chemicals can be damaging to the finish and alter the appearance of your pavement.





If you notice that your stamped cement has lost the sheen achieved by a sealer it can be regained by reapplying the sealer, or adding a coat of a different sealer as is recommended by the installation professional.





If you happen to have stamped concrete on an interior floor it is especially important that you focus on maintaining areas that see a lot of traffic in order to prevent wear from damaging the appearance of the floor. Applying wax or polish can help create a protective buffer.




maintaining stamped concrete

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