How long will stamped concrete last

Finally, all concrete curing substances must experience weathering and traffic impacts. Wipeout all chemical solvent or petroleum spills as soon as possible for optimum coating life and efficiency. Using sweeping or vacuuming to avoid abrasive debris. Do not slide, drop or put sharp edges on surfaces that are covered. Periodic washings with mild detergents will help maintain surface luster. Do not use solvent or acid-based cleaning materials for general cleaning. Hot car tires or turning tires while your car is standing may damage the sealer.

Surfaces that will be subjected to car traffic, de-icing salts or chemical exposure may exhibit wear more quickly. Concrete in any form can be an affordable, attractive, and durable option for your patio floor, but there are differences between stamped versus plain in terms of maintenance.

Stamped concrete is designed to look like brick or concrete pavers without the higher maintenance. To preserve the detailing, a color hardener and sealant must be applied. Stamped concrete features the look of a brick or stone paver patio, but maintenance and longevity are far superior. Plain concrete is more affordable than the other options. The maintenance requirements are actually a little higher for plain concrete because it entails fewer treatments to the surface, but the durability is similar to what you can expect with stamped concrete.

The primary difference in maintenance concerns between stamped concrete and regular concrete is the finish. Certain environmental intrusions, such as aggressive growth of tree roots or earth shifting, can cause cracks, but otherwise, your patio floor will remain intact for years and years. Stamped concrete typically survives longer than regular concrete because it has more protective coatings.

Stamped usually includes a color hardener and a sealant applied to the surface, which protects it better from wear and abrasion. The low-maintenance facet of concrete patios is one of its most popular features. You can make concrete last for decades only as long as you maintain it.

Many believe that having the color through and through in the concrete is better. There are many pros and cons of both techniques. Ultimately, they are both acceptable and both provide long lasting permanent color. Most homeowners believe through-and-through color, known as Integral color is better because it solves the problem of getting a chip and seeing through to the white concrete.

This is a great theory, but in reality getting a chip in stamped concrete is very rare and also very easy to recolor if it were to happen. In its infancy, concrete stamping sometimes resulted in premature cracking and a shorter concrete lifespan because it was difficult to ensure the entire surface was stamped to a uniform depth.

This issue has been resolved and stamped concrete now lasts as long as traditional concrete -- 25 years or more when properly installed and maintained.

Stamped concrete sometimes lasts longer than traditional concrete because of the sealant used to protect the stamped design and color. The same strategies used to prevent cracking and promote longevity in traditional concrete structures, such as proper base installation and expansion joints are used in stamped concrete as well.