Concrete is one of the top materials used for pavement construction because it is durable and low-maintenance. Concrete pavements can last you 20 to 30 years if they are properly installed and maintained. However, if your concrete pavement sees heavy traffic, more concrete pavement maintenance work is necessary to slow down deterioration and prevent costly repairs.
If you want to ensure proper concrete pavement maintenance, here is a quick concrete pavement preservation guide for you to check out.
Clean the surface regularly
It is true that concrete pavements are resistant to water damage and dirt. However, the surface can quickly deteriorate when you don’t clean it at least several times a year. Make sure that get into the habit of cleaning your concrete pavement regularly. Pressure washing, in particular, can effectively get rid of all types of debris, dirt, and grime.
Repair cracks immediately
Cracks in concrete pavements can occur naturally because of ground shifting and settlement. They can also happen from the freezing and thawing of snow and ice as well as from the growth of grass and weeds.
Nonetheless, cracks can be make your pavement look unsightly. More importantly, cracks can damage your pavement’s structural integrity. As soon as you notice signs of cracking, contact a concrete pavement crack repair contractor to help you seal the cracks and ensure that the structure is in top condition.
Use sealcoat as pre-emptive concrete pavement maintenance
No matter how old your pavement may be, it’s never too late to apply a sealcoat. A sealcoat is a type of material that you pour onto concrete or asphalt surfaces. It helps make surfaces impervious to abrasion and water damage.
Sealcoating is on the top of pavement preservation definitions since it can also help prolong the life of concrete pavements. Sealcoating can protect your pavement from cracking and ensure that the surface is ready for the freezing and thawing that happens during winter.
Clean up spills and stains immediately
As soon as you see spills and stains on your pavement, clean them up right away. Use soap and water or cleaning products which are specifically designed for concrete surfaces. Clean oil spills using absorbent materials such as cornmeal, kitty litter, or sawdust.
To ensure that proper maintenance of cement concrete road, you need to keep an eye out for spills and stains that can mar its surface or impede its functionality. If the spill leads to discoloration or unsightly stains, try pressure washing or using special cleaning chemicals.
Don’t use deicers for concrete pavement maintenance
Deicers are chemicals that contain ammonium sulphates and ammonium nitrates which are substances that can chemically degrade concrete. They melt ice off driveways and pavements.
However, any decent concrete pavement maintenance manual will tell you that it’s better to use safer alternatives for thawing. Some examples are rock salt or calcium chloride. Sand is also a good option to ensure better traction.
The Bottom Line
Ensuring proper maintenance of rigid pavement will not just prolong its life, but also improve its serviceability. Timely application of the corrective and preventative methods above can help slow down the signs of damage on your concrete pavement.