How I Repaired My Concrete Driveway

Tips to Ensuring Your Concrete Kerbing Stays in Good Condition

One of the primary reasons commercial and residential premises have concrete kerbing is because concrete requires minimal maintenance to stay appealing. However, this does not mean that your concrete kerbing will not degrade over time, especially if it is not given the proper attention. The following are some of the tips that you should employ to preserve the condition of your concrete kerbing.

Tip 1: Schedule routine application of sealant

An essential maintenance measure to prolong the shelf life of your concrete kerbing is to ensure that sealant is applied on a regular basis. A sealant is of particular importance if you live in an area that experiences erratic weather patterns or if you live at the coast. Prolonged exposure to precipitation and salt can degrade the concrete, and this will eventually cause the kerbing to crumble, necessitating replacement. Luckily, the application of concrete sealant can be carried out as a DIY project, and you won't have to incur additional labour costs.

Tip 2: Carry out stain removal as often as needed

Although sealants protect the concrete kerbing from the changing elements, you also have to ensure that this sealant is not being exposed to undue damage. Stains from grease or oil could compromise the surface of the sealant, which will lead to your concrete kerbing becoming permanently stained. If stains are not dealt with when they are spotted, your kerbing will gradually become an eyesore and detract from the appearance of your property's exterior. Regular cleaning detergents should be able to eliminate most stains, but if you come across particularly stubborn stains, you should consider investing in power washing your kerbing.

Tip 3: Avoid deicing chemicals at all costs

Deicing chemicals can be extremely convenient during the winter months, as they provide you with a quick solution to thawing ice on your kerbing. However, constant exposure to these deicing chemicals will cause your concrete kerbing to start scaling. Moreover, the chemical compounds in the deicing products, particularly ammonium sulphates and nitrates, will begin to interact with the concrete and cause disintegration. This chemical reaction then makes your concrete susceptible to structural damages. As a result, you will find your kerbing is considerably worse for wear once winter is done. A safer alternative to eliminating snow and ice would be the use of salt, as the calcium chloride will not damage the kerbing. It should be noted that the salt might harm any vegetation that is nearby, so ensure that plants are not at risk of being exposed to run-off.


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