Concrete pavement is the way to go when it comes to parking lots, sidewalks, walking paths, and many other outdoor areas for your commercial property. That’s because concrete is strong and durable, providing a safe and even surface for your guests to enjoy when they visit.
Like most things, concrete pavement needs regular maintenance to be at its best. Unfortunately, because regular concrete maintenance doesn’t need to happen as often as other common outdoor maintenance projects (such as landscaping), it can be easy to overlook.
Why Is It Important to Maintain Your Concrete Pavement?
Concrete is expensive! Many new commercial property owners experience “sticker shock” when they see the cost of repairing or replacing damaged concrete pavement. You can extend the amount of time between these costly projects by putting time and effort into regularly maintaining your concrete pavement.
There’s also safety to think of. When a surface is uneven, broken, or otherwise in disrepair, people can get hurt! The last thing any commercial property owner wants is someone getting hurt on their property. You can significantly reduce the chances of this happening by keeping your concrete pavement in good condition and at its best.
Seal and Reseal
Depending on the extent of wear, you’ll want to reseal your concrete pavement every one to two years. Despite feeling completely solid when you walk on it, the truth is concrete is (Porous) full of tiny holes that can make it extremely vulnerable to the elements—this is why the sealcoat is so essential! Sealing the concrete when it’s first installed and periodically resealing it over its lifetime will help prevent moisture and anything else from seeping into the concrete and causing damage over time. This will also help lessen the staining on the concrete surface and keep it looking better.
At McConnell & Associates, concrete pavement and sealcoat maintenance are made easy with our trusty team of professionals! We consider the strength of your pavement, the expense, and the ease of each application. That way, you’ll know your concrete pavement will be attractive, sturdy, and last for years to come!
Clear Snow and Ice Promptly, the Right Way
Damage from snow and ice can happen when snow and ice melt, causing the water to create slight imperfections in the concrete pavement, causing problems ranging from surface deterioration to forming deep cracks and other more severe issues.
This will happen less often if the snow and ice are removed from the concrete pavement before it has the chance to melt and refreeze. Because de-icing salts and chemicals work by melting the snow and ice, which is what you don’t want, it’s much better to maintain your concrete pavement by clearing snow and ice manually and using sand for traction instead of using deicers or snow melt.
Tip: If you’re using a plow to clear the ice and snow, ensure the plow doesn’t directly contact the concrete surface. Making contact with the surface can gouge, scratch, and accelerate wear on the concrete.
Keep It Clean
In addition to your annual deep cleaning, you’ll want to have a plan for ad hoc cleaning situations like chemical and non-chemical spills. Leaving messes on the pavement to stain is more than an unsightly blemish to your commercial property’s curb appeal. Anything spilled on concrete has the potential to seep into concrete and cause deeper damage. From motor oil to gasoline to spilled coffee in the parking lot, cleaning it up as quickly as possible is the best option.
Tip: Make sure to use concrete-safe cleaners when cleaning concrete pavement. Chemicals not intended for use on concrete can cause damage and defeat the point of cleaning.
Mind the Weight Limit
Concrete is strong and durable, but there’s a limit! Not all concrete pours are able to hold extremely heavy materials; it all depends on the intended use of the property.
For example, if your commercial property is something like an apartment complex, you can be sure the parking area will handle the weight of your residents’ everyday vehicles. However, it won’t necessarily be equipped to handle heavy machinery or oversized vehicles like moving trucks. If this is the case, ensure these vehicles remain on the street to help maintain your concrete pavement.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Deicers and snow melt aren’t the only chemicals that can cause damage to your concrete pavement! Some common household and industrial cleaning products can degrade the sealcoat over time and harm the concrete below. Fertilizers can stain concrete. When it comes to chemicals, make sure the ones you use to clean your concrete pavement are made for cleaning concrete.
Ready to Take the Next Steps to Maintain Your Concrete Pavement?
If we’ve successfully explained the importance of regular concrete pavement maintenance, then you’re probably wondering about the next steps to make sure your concrete pavement stays at its best—and we’re here to help!
For important projects like helping maintain your concrete pavement, you’ll want the services of an experienced contractor like McConnell & Associates. With over 50 years of experience working on projects of all sizes, we are the best choice in the Midwest for any projects related to concrete pavement or asphalt, from routine maintenance to a brand-new build. Every project will be handled with care and attention, from the first meeting to unveiling the latest improvement to your commercial property. Contact us today if you would like to discuss resealing your concrete pavement as part of an overall concrete pavement maintenance plan!
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