5 Quick Tips About Stamped Concrete

If you’re thinking about adding some stamped concrete to your backyard, you’re in for a treat! Not only is it a beautiful addition, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to upgrade your outdoor space. Here are five quick tips to help make the process go smoothly.

Look For A Reputable Stamped Concrete Contractor

Because stamped concrete is a construction technique that involves the use of natural-feeling imprints in concrete to give it an artificial look. Stamped concrete can mimic many types of materials, including brick, tile, stone, and wood. Since stamped concrete is very much like real hardwood or tiling, you must hire experienced professionals to do the work correctly. If not installed correctly, stamped concrete will wear out quickly and need repairs.

Here are some tips for finding the right contractor:

  • Get referrals from friends in similar situations.
  • Ask others who have stamped concrete what company they used and how happy they were with it in terms of price and service delivery.
  • Check online reviews before hiring anyone because consumers post opinions about contractors all over these days—good or bad!

A stamped concrete contractor is important to find because they know how to properly stamp and color the concrete giving it a stunning effect.

Stamped Concrete Should Be Sealed And Re-Sealed

Stamped concrete is a porous material, allowing water to seep in and out of the surface. Without sealing it regularly, the dirt and water can break down the substrate that makes up your floor, eventually leading to cracks and deterioration. Most stamped concrete manufacturers recommend re-sealing every twelve months or so.

If you want your stamped concrete to continue looking new and fresh, it needs to be resealed once a year. This is because the stamped concrete will be exposed to outside elements like water, dirt, oil, etc. that can cause discoloration or damage over time even though the surface is sealed with sealer initially.

However, there is no set rule on how often you should seal your stamped concrete; it depends on how much exposure it has to the elements. Some people seal their concrete every 6 months while others might go up to thrice a year depending on the environment where they use their stamped concrete.

Prevent Water From Accumulating On Stamped Concrete

Water build-up on stamped concrete can lead to issues with your floor’s sealant. If you allow water or moisture to accumulate on stamped concrete, it will damage the surface and stain the concrete.

If there is a problem with your drainage and it begins to pool, you can get puddles of water on top of your concrete which can wear away at the surface over time.

Dampness will eventually wear away at concrete if it accumulates in one area of stamped concrete. You need to make sure that you do not let this happen by making sure that your drainage is adequate and making proper use of any downspouts or outlets along the way.

Make sure that nothing under the concrete block allows for the trapping of moisture. You do not want water to collect in areas like holes or cracks where it cannot escape. Don’t go for stamped concrete if you do not have proper drainage.

Remove Stains From Stamped Concrete As Soon As You See Them

The sooner you remove the stains on stamped concrete, the easier it will be to remove them. If left for days or even weeks, the stains may have already become permanent and require more effort in order to get rid of them.

If you can’t clean your stamped concrete immediately after you spot the stains, some people recommend using a wet paper towel so at least they aren’t able to spread.

Adding products like sealers may help prevent stains from appearing on stamped concrete, although it is not 100% guaranteed that this will work for sure. Some products are meant to keep items from penetrating into your cement’s pores while others are only designed to create a protective surface over the top of the cement.

Many people recommend using a wet paper towel to clean up the stains since it is less abrasive than other methods and won’t scratch your concrete surface. Keep in mind that there are products out there specifically designed for cleaning concrete, so if you really want to keep your stamped concrete stain-free, then be sure to use cleaners meant for cement surfaces.

Concord Remodel Stamped Concrete Project 1

Follow A Cleaning Routine

Stamped concrete is basically the same as solid concrete, except that it has color and stamp designs. Like any other flooring material, it can be susceptible to dirt, dust, grime, and other things that are tracked in on shoes. Therefore, if you want your stamped concrete to look clean and last a long time, then you need to make sure that you have an effective cleaning schedule.

It is essential to maintain your stamped concrete because the imprinted designs are there for aesthetic purposes only. Once they get covered by dirt or other stuff, they’re no longer visible which brings down the value of your property.

If you’re in the market for a new patio, driveway, or pool deck, stamped concrete might be the perfect option for you. It’s affordable, durable, and can be customized to match any style. Before you make your final decision, though, be sure to keep these five tips in mind. And if you have any other questions or need help finding a reputable contractor, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We would be happy to help!

Are You Looking for Help Building a Concrete Driveway, Addition or Extension for Your Home? 

Spaulding Concrete has been the San Francisco Bay Area’s top stamped concrete contractor for over 30 years.  We have been serving our community with driveway extensions and additions, flat surface concrete installation for sidewalks, city bike paths, commercial floors, parking lots, RV pads, steps, curbs, and gutters.  We specialize in the completion of our projects in an effective, timely and reasonable manner. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control. To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and the surrounding areas.