Concrete Restoration: How to Make Concrete Look New Again
What to do when concrete looks ready to fall apart because of the harsh local climate? If located in Wilmington, NC, where the temperature can drop to -20 degrees in the winter and hit 115 degrees in the summer, a few options are available. The resident might be able to repair it or wait for it to get better on its own, but if that doesn’t work out or if it doesn’t seem cost-effective enough, then there is an alternative. With concrete restoration techniques, residents have been able to keep their concrete looking new for decades without building up an entirely new foundation.
But even a well-maintained concrete surface can start to show its age. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to concrete restoration in Wilmington, NC, a few key steps ensure to make concrete look new again.
1. Clear Away Any Debris and Dust
This includes removing any pieces of debris or dust that have built up over time. This will help restore the shine and luster to the concrete surface.
2. Apply a Sealant
Sealants help protect concrete from moisture damage and other external factors, which will help keep concrete looking new for longer.
When it comes to concrete restoration, Wilmington, North Carolina, is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. With beautiful old architecture and rich history, the city has a lot of concrete to look after.
Concrete – Most Common Problems and When to Do Repairs
- Cracks: Cracks in concrete are usually signs that the concrete is reaching its end of life.
- Water spots: Water spots on concrete signify that moisture is seeping into the concrete.
- Shrinking Concrete: If concrete starts shrinking or pulling away from the underlying surface, this is a sign that the cement has begun to break down. It’s usually best to replace concrete right away in this case.
Restoration Services Providers
Some of the most popular services for concrete restoration in Wilmington, NC, include:
- Chipping off old sealant and paint
- Patching and filling cracks
- Scraping and sanding
- Replacing missing or damaged pieces
- Polishing
The Process of Restoration
- Consider using pressure washing as the first step in restoring concrete. This process can remove dirt, debris, and oil buildup that can damage the concrete surface.
- Seal concrete using a sealant or paint explicitly designed for this purpose. This will help prevent water and stain from penetrating the surface and causing further damage.
- Finally, consider painting it with a new color or design to give concrete a fresh look. This can add years of life to the concrete structure.
Expert Advice on Services and Tips
- Choose a sealer designed for concrete since some sealers are designed to use on other surfaces, such as wood or plastic, but not on concrete.
- Test the sealer on an inconspicuous area first. Don’t use it on concrete if it causes any damage or discoloration.
- Allow the sealer to dry completely before applying it to concrete.
- Apply the sealer with a high-quality applicator brush. And when applying the sealer, use a light hand, and avoid getting it on skin or clothes.
If a concrete look a little tired or outdated, there’s no need to panic; the resident can restore that fresh concrete look with a few easy steps. Meanwhile, Wilmington is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to its many beautiful waterfront properties, which means that restoring and upgrading concrete is an increasingly popular option.