by Mazza Concrete | Feb 16, 2016 | Concrete, Maintenance
To help reduce potential damage caused over the course of the winter, here are some helpful tips to take into consideration.
- Always try to remove snow and ice as soon as possible from your concrete to avoid effects from freeze/thaw cycles.
- Since it has no adverse effect on concrete, use sand whenever possible instead of salt if you need traction on an icy concrete surface.
- If you plan on having concrete installed, request that a protective sealer to be added after curing. This will help reduce moisture and deicing salt penetration (should you ever use it) into the surface of your concrete.
- Avoid using any type of deicer the first winter after your concrete surface is installed.
- Since they can deteriorate concrete surfaces, never use deicers that contain ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate.
For more information about maintenance tips in Birmingham Michigan, please call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Feb 15, 2016 | Maintenance, Stamped Concrete
So you’ve decided to use stamped concrete as the flooring material of your outdoor surface. Even though stamped concrete is very durable, there are some things you can do to help prolong the integrity of it.
- On outdoor stamped concrete, avoid using deicing salts, especially during the first winter after the pavement is installed. Sealers for decorative concrete often fail in areas where deicing salts are applied or that receive drip-off from parked cars.
- If the stamped surface begins to dull or lose its sheen after time, recoating with sealer will usually restore the luster. Please give us a call and we can assist you in picking the right sealer.
- On stamped interior floors subject to lots of foot traffic, it’s especially important to maintain the sealed surface to prevent wear patterns. Application of a sacrificial floor wax or polish can provide extra protection by protecting the sealer from wear and serving as a shock absorber to scuffs, scratches and grime.
For more information about stamped concrete maintenance in Michigan, please contact Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 28, 2015 | Concrete, Driveways, Maintenance
Since winter is approaching, it is time to start preparing for winter maintenance of your concrete surfaces. Here are some helpful tips for the winter to take into consideration:
- Products containing ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate should never be used since these will break down even the most durable masonry materials.
- Concrete sidewalks and steps should be at least six months old, otherwise they can be severely damaged by deicing products.
- To provide better traction use sand in combination with a deicer or by itself.
- Applying deicers near areas of vegetation can potentially harm plant life if strong enough concentrations build up in the soil
Since repeated use of deicing products can cause damage, here are some suggestions to help speed melting and minimize damage to your concrete if you really must use them:
- Before applying, shovel and remove as much snow and ice as possible.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety.
- Apply the product away from the base of the building.
- Apply the product sparingly in the area of highest foot traffic.
- Assist the melting process by shoveling and removing snow and slush, especially away from the building.
- In the spring, wash down sidewalks, building bases, and areas near vegetation to help disperse the residue of the product.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about concrete maintenance in Rochester, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 22, 2015 | Concrete, Driveways, Maintenance
Since the use of deicing products can potentially cause damage to your concrete, it is important to note that this damage may not be covered by your warranty.
Because some geographical areas use deicing products on city streets, county roads and state highways, melt-off of “salty” slush from your vehicle may also cause damage. When this occurs, as conditions permit, hose off accumulation(s) of salt deposited by cars on newly placed driveways and garage slabs. Annual fall application of a concrete sealer will help avoid damage to driveways and garage slabs.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about concrete maintenance in Clarkston, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 16, 2015 | Concrete, Maintenance
Did you know that the use of salts and/or deicing products may damage your concrete surfaces?
The American Concrete Institute (ACI 302), the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA, CIP-2) and many product manufacturers issue warnings against the use of salt, calcium chloride, fertilizers, and/or commercially prepared de-icing chemicals on concrete surfaces. Use of these products can aggravate freeze-thaw damage, causing the concrete surface to flake, spall or peel off. Any product containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate will chemically destroy the concrete surface & should never be used on a concrete surface. The use of deicing products is not recommended in the first year of newly placed concrete slab(s) and should be used sparingly in subsequent years. For safety, the use of clean traction sand is recommended where icy conditions exist.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about concrete maintenance services in Bloomfield Township, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 13, 2015 | Concrete, Maintenance
The amount of cleaning you will need to do on your concrete surface will largely depend on the conditions the concrete is exposed to year around. After months of exposure to foot or vehicle traffic and the environment, all concrete surfaces can use a good cleaning.
Although small cracks in concrete may not seem like a big deal, they can become more problematic if water or deicing salts are allowed to enter and freeze-thaw expansion occurs. There are several great products available for fixing minor cracks.
Lastly, a fresh coat of the right sealer will improve concrete’s resistance to water, sun exposure, freezing temperatures and deicing salts. This is especially good because sometimes deicing agents can cause damage to your concrete. It will also make the concrete easier to clean the following year.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about residential concrete repair in Oakland County, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
