Aftercare
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Maintenance and Aftercare
One of the key advantages of patterned imprinted concrete as that it can be cleaned and resealed time and time again, reviving the original finished product. It should be made clear that the sealant applied to the concrete is an integral part of the pattern imprinting process. An unsealed driveway or patio will show signs of wear and tear from vehicle usage and effects of the weather.
Sealant manufacturers recommend that pattern imprinted concrete is resealed every two to five years. Regular maintenance and restoration of your driveway or patio can add several years onto the anticipated life span of the concrete, at the same time as providing an aesthetically pleasing makeover. Please feel free to contact us for a clean and reseal quotation.
The frequency for washing the concrete will depend on the environment it is laid in...1 time per annum should be adequate for most situations. The concrete can be cleaned using a portable pressure washer up to 150 bar pressure rating. (Not hot water) The pressure washer fan jet should be held no closer than 200mm from the surface.
Detergent may be used in the sprayer as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Alternatively the concrete surface can be cleaned using a soft / medium bristle brush and warm water (not hot) containing a detergent such as hand wash dish liquid or similar. This should be brushed into the surface and rinsed of with clean cold water. (Not hot water) After washing flush the concrete well with cold water.
Avoid using rock salt on the surface, this can penetrate the concrete leaving holes in it. Grit sand can be applied during snowy winter months, however wash down when safe to do so.
Resin Bound Maintenance and Aftercare
It important to keep Resin Bound clean to avoid soil build up in the porous surface having a deleterious effect of the aesthetic quality of this product. The frequency for washing the resin will depend on the environment it is laid in...1 time per annum should be adequate for most situations. The resin be cleaned using a portable pressure washer up to 150 bar pressure rating. (Not hot water) The pressure washer fan jet should be held no closer than 200mm from the resin bound surface. Detergent may be used in the sprayer as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Alternatively the resin surface can be cleaned using a soft / medium bristle brush and warm water (not hot) containing a detergent such as hand wash dish liquid or similar. This should be brushed into the gravel surface and rinsed of with clean cold water. (Not hot water) After washing flush the resin well with cold water. Please call us if you would like a quotation for us to carry out the maintenance.
Washing-up liquid may be used to remove soiling. Where washing-up liquid is applied to the resin surface it should be well rinsed with clean water to avoid discolouring of the surface. Household detergent/washing-up liquid can be used to remove oil, petrol or diesel spillages or leaks. Use these products in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remove fuel spillages from the resin bound gravel promptly to prevent them damaging the resin.
Regularly sweep the surface of the gravel with a medium/stiff brush or broom. Mechanical sweepers with metal bristles should not be used on resin bound gravel. Use a leaf blower or sweep the resin surface in the autumn to prevent tannin from decaying leaves staining the resin surface.
Some of the aggregates contain a natural occurring element of iron. If this is released from the mix it can cause a dark stain. There are, however, two different types of stains that can occur and require different methods to resolve. Seek advice from the installer/aggregate manufacture in the first instance. They will help identify the cause and remedial action needed.
Algal growth can be removed using detergent/washing-up liquid. If necessary proprietary moss or weed treatments should be used in accordance with the manufacturers’ guidelines.
Solvents can damage the binding properties of the resin. If a spillage happens wash the surface immediately and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. The resin surface should not be exposed to objects such as burning candles or other extreme heat sources. Extinguishing cigarettes on the bound surface will damage the resin.