Residents of Portland have enjoyed increased rainfall this winter, while those living in Vancouver, Washington are experiencing rain after days of snow and warning-level high winds. This is typical of winter in northern climates, and homeowners are accustomed to the wear and tear such weather can have on their properties.
In fact, the Portland and Vancouver weather brings a variety of conditions all year-round:
Short, dry summers and long, cold, wet winters are the norm for these cities in Oregon and Washington, and that causes incredible wear and tear on concrete patios. While concrete is typically the most long-lasting solution for an outdoor patio, it must be cared for properly in order to make it last.
Concrete is permeable, which means liquids can still pass through it. This moisture can then freeze on top and within the pores of your concrete patio. This process of freezing and thawing exerts pressure on the chemical bonds of the concrete, stressing and weakening the slab. Over time, this is why you can see concrete patios become brittle, easily cracking and even breaking off pieces.
This process is exacerbated when salt or other deicing solutions are added. Their acidic properties draw moisture into the concrete and further attack the bonds of the concrete’s composition. Deterioration begins at the molecular level and intensifies over time. Weakened concrete can more easily crack when the ground shifts underneath due to weather or erosion.
In addition, if your concrete patio was installed without due consideration for weather conditions, it could sustain considerable damage much sooner than expected. Elements such as control joints, reinforcing, and a good gravel base all work together to allow for weather-related expansion and ground upheavals. Without these in place, your patio simply will not last.
Patios should be thoroughly cleaned with a power washer with the ability to remove dirt, stains, mold, algae, or moss growth at least once each year. In between cleanings, sweep your patio regularly and immediately remove any stains. This keeps substances from drawing moisture or forming an acidic solution that can eat away at the concrete surface.
A good concrete sealer should be applied each year after a thorough cleaning to prevent staining and protect the concrete surface. Many concrete sealers also combat the formation of mold and mildew. It can be a big and time consuming task to do it correctly.
We recommend using professional services such as REVIVIFY Surface. REVIVIFY serves both Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, with professional services to care for your concrete patios and other surfaces. Their technicians combine high pressure water, scrubbing, environmentally-friendly chemicals, and old fashioned hard work to achieve premier hard surface and concrete cleaning services.
After your approval of the cleaning job, they apply a high-grade protective sealant to protect your patio from weather, wear, and foreign substances. Revivify patio sealing adds value and protection to any external hard surface.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for service, call 360-369-3645 or contact us online today.