How to Maintain a Concrete Deck

A concrete deck, in general, is the most low-maintenance type of deck there is. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't need a bit of TLC. Once in a while, even if it looks like it can last all the weather rigors. And an unlimited amount of spills. 

That said, proper maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your concrete deck and keeping it looking great. Here are some of the best ways on how to maintain your concrete patio:

1. Waterproofing

Water can wash away your deck's finish, color, and natural resins. Even though concrete patios tend to absorb less water than decks made of wood, they still have a certain level of absorbency that can lead to reduced strength and durability, which, in turn, can cause cracks or gaps in the surface. Aside from being unsightly, these damages can potentially make your deck hazardous, mostly when left unaddressed for too long.

For these reasons, concrete decks must have waterproofing systems to repel moisture and improve their longevity. If you don't have a waterproofing system for your deck yet, it is highly ideal for getting one before the next rainy season comes.

For lower-level decks situated directly below balconies or a second-story deck, installing an underdeck drainage system is a great way to keep the lower area warm and dry when it rains or snows. The underdeck ceiling panels form a watertight seal that channels water through the system, so no leaks can get through and dampen the lower-level deck area. This way, you can enjoy chilling on your deck no matter the weather condition, not to mention prevent damage caused by moisture and help your deck last longer.

2. Regular cleaning

As with practically every other material thing, regular cleaning is one of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your concrete deck. Letting your deck stay dirty can result in erosion (wherein water and soil can wear away at the stone and natural metals of your deck), which can make your deck crumble away or develop holes earlier than usual. A dirty deck is also more prone to staining, especially when the stains are from food spills, grease, paint, or wine.

Keeping your deck clean can help avoid these potential problems and make your deck look presentable. The easiest way to clean a deck is to use a hose to wash away dirt, debris, and various liquids from the surface at least once a week. For stains, spills, bird droppings, liquid dish soap, or another gentle cleaning product and a brush should be enough to clean them off. Moreover, be sure to clean away foreign contaminants as soon as you notice them avoid staining on the concrete.

3. Furniture feet protectors

Concrete may be less susceptible to scratches from furniture, but furniture legs can wear away at the sealant and scratch the surface over time. 

An effective way to avoid this problem is to use foot protectors on your table and chair legs. Aside from preventing scratches on your concrete deck, this trick will also avoid grating noises when someone moves the furniture around. 

4. Rugs

Apart from serving as decorative pieces, rugs on concrete decks have an essential purpose: preventing scratches and protecting the surface from spills. They are also easier to clean than concrete if someone spills a drink or food on the deck and can protect the body from damage that furniture legs can do.

5. Awnings 

Adding shade to your deck area makes it a better place for enjoying the outdoors. Moreover, the shade protects your deck from direct sunlight and the elements, which can help make it last longer and easier to clean.

Aside from deck awnings, you can choose other methods of shading your deck area, including pergolas, patio umbrellas, pop-up canopies, curtains, or a permanent roof.

6. Tree and plant maintenance

Roots growing underneath your deck can push upwards and cause cracks on the surface, among other types of damage. Over time, roots can even eradicate the deck as it forces the structure out of shape. Repairing the surface cracks is only a band-aid solution--you need to tackle the problem at the root, quite literally.

To avoid this problem, trim the roots regularly or have a lawn maintenance service do it for you on a biweekly or monthly basis. If you have large trees near the deck that can endanger your concrete and other structures, it may be more cost-effective to get rid of them entirely or move them to another location. 

7. Avoiding harmful chemicals

When cleaning your deck or deicing it, avoid using products with chemicals that can destroy your concrete. Such chemicals include ammonium nitrates, nitrates, and chloride found in deicing products. Instead, use gentler cleaning and deicing products or, better yet, use natural ingredients to clean and deice your concrete deck.

Concrete decks are durable, easy to maintain, and affordable, more so than decks made of different materials. However, no matter how low-maintenance they may seem, concrete patios still need some care now and then, including regular cleaning, waterproofing, and protection from surface damage.