Homeowners: Exterior Concrete Maintenance Tips
Curing concrete
You must cure concrete immediately after you’ve placed and finished it so the desired properties develop. Ultimate strength gain is achieved with curing; almost half the potential strength is lost without it. Also, well-cured concrete improves durability against moisture, harmful chemicals, surface wear, and abrasion. Finally, proper curing enhances the serviceability and appearance of your concrete over time.
We recommend you purchase our TK Dissipating Curing Compound when you place your order with us and we’ll deliver it with the concrete. This compound works well with our Super Series concrete products for home use.
Sealing concrete
After your concrete has been cured, you must periodically apply a sealer to protect your investment in concrete. You can ask the concrete installer to return to apply the sealer or you will have to do it. Aggregate Industries prefers that the installer applies the initial sealer prior to the first winter because the proper application is critical when the surface is most vulnerable to damaging chemicals.
Winter Conditions
The ice and rain of Minnesota winters can affect the quality and life of your exterior concrete so it is essential that you remove it or at least keep it to a minimum, particularly that first winter. Here are tips for maintaining your concrete.
Do not use salt or de-icing chemicals that first winter.
- Use sand, which will not melt the ice, but will provide traction.
- Never use de-icers or fertilizers containing ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride.
- Never use hot water to wash away ice or snow from concrete.
If you work with an installer, we encourage you to give them our Exterior Maintenance Guide.
Recommended Maintenance Guide
Aggregate Industries recommends the following care maintenance program for the first five years of service to ensure optimum durability, serviceability, and appearance.
Year 1:
- Installation: Prior to October 1st of the current year the concrete is installed.
- Applicator: Professional concrete contractor.
- Preparation: Sweep or lightly pressure-wash the area and let dry before applying the sealer.
- Product: TK-Siloxane for gray concrete, TK Bright Kure & Seal for decorative concrete.
Year 2:
- Spot Check: Prior to October 1st, sweep the area and apply a small amount of water. If the water dissipates, apply the sealer. Spot check next October 1.
- Applicator: Professional concrete contractor or the homeowner.
- Preparation: Sweep or lightly pressure-wash the area and let dry.
- Product: TK-Siloxane for gray concrete, TK Bright Kure & Seal for decorative concrete.
Year 3-5:
Spot Check: Prior to October 1st, sweep the area and apply a small amount of water. If it dissipates, apply the sealer again. Spot check
next October 1.