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Imprinted concrete driveways are growing in popularity. People are choosing this alternative because there are a variety of stamped designs and colors available. It adds a unique touch to a home and property. Similar to other types of driveway surfaces, there is some necessary maintenance that will need to be done to ensure the stamped driveways stays in good condition. Regular cleaning helps ensure that dirt, debris, and other harmful things do not have the chance to cause irregular wear or color fading. Your driveway should be washed frequently. You can use a mild soap and a push broom to scrub the surface and rinse with a hose. For larger surfaces, a pressure washer can be used on the lowest setting to remove dirt and rinse it away. Your driveway may be sealed, but it will not be completely stain resistant. If spills are not cleaned up promptly, they can cause permanent discoloration or erosion. Use an appropriate cleaning solution that does not contain bleach or citrus acid. Degreaser combinations tend to work for many stains. After using a cleaner, regardless of which type, be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly to ensure that all residue is removed. The driveway should have a sealer reapplied at least every two years. It should be made specifically for this type of driveway and outdoor uses. You may need to reapply sealer more frequently if the driveway gets a lot of use. Testing to see if it needs sealant is simple. Splash a small amount of water onto the surface. Water should bead up if the sealer is okay and will absorb into the surface if it needs to be redone. Mats with plastic or rubber backs and plastic bags or sheeting should not be left sitting around on the surface. Water gets trapped underneath and can lead to deposits of minerals that cause pitting and staining. Although there are cleaners that are used for these deposits, they are not always effective and can cause permanent white colored stains. Try to avoid using rock salt and other quick melting solutions for ice. Chemicals in the deicing treatment can eat through the sealer and erode the surface. The freeze and thaw cycle is also a problem because you are rapidly changing the temperature of the surface. This can lead to cracking. You should also stay away from metal tools that can scrape and dig ruts. It is equally important to prepare patio furniture and garden containers that might be sitting on the concrete. Furniture should have plastic pieces or covers on the feet to prevent scratching. Containers should have plastic plates with feet under them to prevent staining from the soil run off. Proper maintenance of imprinted concrete driveways does not have to be costly or time consuming. If you take care of your driveway right from the start, you can enjoy what you have paid for. Regular cleaning, addressing stains and spills, and resealing can help to preserve your unique driveway and keep it looking good. You can find a review of the benefits you get when you install imprinted concrete driveways and more information about a reputable paving company at http://www.patternedconcrete.co.uk/driveways_and_patios.html now.
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