care.
Care for your Concrete
Concrete Care & Maintenance
Keep your concrete looking its best for years to come.
Concrete is a durable investment — but just like anything exposed to the elements, it needs a little upkeep. At Crown Concrete, we want your new patio, driveway, or walkway to stay beautiful and functional well beyond installation day. Here’s everything you need to know.
THE DOs
- Clean your patio every three months to remove dirt, debris, and buildup.
- Reseal your concrete one year after installation.
- Continue resealing every two years to protect your surface from stains, moisture, and wear.
THE DON’Ts
- Avoid placing steel furniture directly on the surface. It can rust and stain the concrete. Use rubber stoppers or keep metal freshly painted.
- Don’t fuel your lawn equipment on your patio. Spills will eat through the sealer and leave permanent stains.
- Place trays under potted plants. Soil and fertilizer runoff can leave behind a white haze.
- Don’t let dirt or sand accumulate. It acts like sandpaper and wears down your sealer.
- Skip the acid and bleach. Harsh cleaners damage decorative surfaces. If using bleach near the area, wet the slab first and don’t let chemicals dry on it.
How to Clean Your Concrete
Supplies Needed:
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Stiff Bristle Brush
- Two 5-Gallon Buckets
- Water Hose + Spray Nozzle
Step-by-Step:
-
Fill one bucket with 4 gallons of water and add 2 tablespoons of Dawn (count a good “One Mississippi”).
- Wet a 5′ x 5′ section of the patio.
- Dip the brush and scrub in circles.
- Rinse thoroughly before moving to the next area.
- Pro Tip: Don’t let soap dry on the surface. Keep nearby areas wet as you go.
How to Seal Your Concrete
Supplies Needed:
-
Everything listed in the cleaning section
- Pressure washer (for mildew or tough stains)
- Plastic pump-up sprayer
- J-18 Concrete Cure & Seal
Step-by-Step:
-
Clean your surface thoroughly (pressure wash if needed).
- Let it dry completely — no puddles. Aim to seal late afternoon before dusk.
- Fill your sprayer with J-18 sealer. A gallon covers 250–300 sq ft.
- Spray in a circular motion about 12″ above the slab.
- Apply a thin, even mist — no puddling!
- Sealer goes on white and dries clear.
- Let it dry 12 hours.
- Pro Tip: If you see any puddling, blot it with a rag right away to avoid a milky finish.
why us.
Year-Round Concrete Care
General Maintenance
- Sweep regularly to keep dirt and debris off the surface.
- Clean stains promptly (oil, fertilizer, etc.).
- Reseal every 1–2 years for maximum protection.
Winter Care
- Avoid de-icing salts — they cause surface breakdown.
- Use sand or kitty litter for traction.
- Shovel snow before it turns into ice.
- Watch for pooling water and ensure good drainage.
Crack Repair
- Seal small cracks with concrete caulk to stop them from spreading.
- For cracks wider than ¼”, use patching compound or call in a pro.
Weight Limitations
-
Avoid parking heavy equipment or vehicles, especially during the first year.
- If necessary, use plywood to spread out weight and avoid damage.
Landscaping Tips
-
Use drip irrigation to avoid runoff onto the concrete.
- Watch for nearby tree roots — they can cause lifting or cracking.
- Water carefully to prevent excess moisture under the slab.
Damage Prevention
-
Use rubber feet or furniture pads.
- Don’t drag heavy objects across your slab.
- Rinse away any chemical spills immediately.