Concrete Care & Maintenance Guide
Everything you need to know to keep your stamped concrete looking beautiful for decades
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How to Reseal Your Stamped Concrete
Regular resealing protects your investment and keeps colors vibrant. We recommend resealing every 2-3 years depending on traffic and weather exposure.
When to Reseal: The Water Test
The easiest way to determine if your concrete needs resealing is the water bead test:
- Sprinkle water on your concrete surface
- If water is absorbed and darkens the surface → Time to reseal!
- If water beads up and doesn't absorb → Sealer is still protecting
Signs You Need to Reseal
- Colors appear faded or dull
- Surface feels rough or chalky
- Water soaks in quickly
- It's been 2-3+ years since last sealing
💡 Pro Tip
Just like waxing a car, keeping a fresh coat of sealer on your stamped concrete will keep the color as vibrant as the day it was installed. However, too much sealer can cause whitening issues - thin coats are better!
DIY Resealing Steps
Prefer Professional Service?
We offer professional resealing services throughout South Jersey. Our experienced crew ensures proper application and long-lasting results. Schedule a resealing appointment →
Common Issues & Solutions
Most concrete issues have simple solutions. Here's what you need to know.
Whitening (White Spots)
What causes it: Moisture reacting with the sealer, creating a cloudy white appearance on the surface.
How to fix it:
- Rub xylene on the affected area with a cloth or wire brush
- The white spots should disappear as the xylene re-emulsifies the sealer
- If spots keep returning, water may be trapped underneath - this needs professional assessment
Hairline Cracks
Are they normal? Yes! Concrete naturally develops stress as it cures. We create control joints (saw cuts hidden in your pattern) that direct cracks to specific locations.
What to know:
- Hairline cracks don't affect structural integrity
- Control joints are placed per American Concrete Institute (ACI) guidelines
- Rare cracks outside joints may occur but are cosmetic only
- Our warranty covers cracks over 1/8" wide
Drainage Problems
Why it matters: Poor drainage is one of the biggest threats to concrete longevity, especially in New Jersey winters.
Prevention tips:
- Ensure proper slope away from concrete (minimum 1/4" per foot)
- Extend rainspouts at least 6 feet away from concrete surfaces
- Check drainage annually, especially before winter
- Water pooling under concrete during freeze-thaw cycles causes lifting and cracking
⚠️ Important
Rainspouts are often the source of concrete problems. Make sure downspouts are piped away from all concrete surfaces and that grading slopes away properly.
Winter Care & De-Icer Guidelines
Protecting your concrete during harsh New Jersey winters is crucial for long-term durability.
⚠️ Critical Warning About De-Icers
Do NOT use de-icers to completely melt snow or ice. Ice melting chemicals can severely damage concrete surfaces through scaling and spalling (where small flakes of concrete come loose).
Safe De-Icer Usage
The right way: Use de-icers sparingly to make snow removal easier, not to completely melt ice.
How they work:
- De-icers melt down through snow to the surface
- They spread underneath, undercutting the ice
- This makes shoveling much easier
- Sweep or shovel excess de-icer off immediately
Our Recommendation: Use Sand
Especially for new concrete (first 2-3 years), we strongly recommend using sand for traction instead of chemical de-icers.
Why De-Icers Damage Concrete
- Chemicals force repeated thawing and refreezing
- Concentrated residue can refreeze at 20°F
- New concrete is especially vulnerable
- Scaling and spalling create permanent surface damage
Best Practices
- Shovel snow promptly before it compacts
- Use plastic shovels to avoid scratching
- Apply sand for traction, not chemicals
- Never use metal tools that can gouge the surface
- Remove any chemical residue as soon as possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about concrete care and maintenance
Understanding Your Concrete
Know what makes your stamped concrete durable and beautiful
What is Integral Color?
Integral color is a pigment (powder or liquid) added into the concrete mix. This adds color throughout the entire slab, not just the surface. While it doesn't increase concrete strength, it ensures consistent color even if the surface is damaged.
What is Color Hardener?
Color hardener is made of cement and metallic aggregate, broadcast over wet concrete. It creates a surface layer up to 1/8" thick with these benefits:
- Compression strength up to 8,000 PSI (twice the concrete base)
- Increased wear resistance and durability
- Less permeable to water, salts, and stains
- More vibrant, longer-lasting color
Our Approach
We use a combination of both integral color and color hardener to achieve the best overall product - consistent color throughout with a super-durable, stain-resistant surface.
ACI Certification
Patrick Breen is an ACI (American Concrete Institute) certified concrete flatwork technician. We install all concrete in accordance with ACI guidelines, which are recognized as industry standards.
Why This Matters
- Control joints placed at proper intervals
- Correct concrete thickness and reinforcement
- Proper curing techniques for maximum strength
- Industry best practices for long-lasting results
Quality Materials
We only use premium materials from trusted suppliers:
- Techo-Bloc pavers
- Marmiro Stone
- Belgard products
- Professional-grade sealers
Need Professional Maintenance?
Let our experienced team handle your concrete and maintenance