It is pretty uncommon for a home not to have concrete somewhere on the property. Concrete is used for flooring, patios and sidewalks, foundations, basements, retaining walls, and the list goes on from there. An invaluable material, you want to be sure to keep yours in top-notch shape.

To help you out a bit, we’ve created a new category in our CalFinder Home Improvement Library. Concrete is relatively low maintenance, but occasionally does require repair. We’ve researched various methods for cleaning concrete, such as pressure washing, abrasive blasting, flame cleaning, water blasting, chemical cleaning, and mechanical cleaning. Additionally, we touch briefly on how to maintain its structural integrity by repairing cracks and installing reinforcements. If you want to dress it up a bit, there are a few tips for staining and sealing as well. (more…)

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You may be surprised at how dirty your concrete has become, even if you don’t see any drastic stains. Dirt slowly accumulates on the porous concrete, so slowly that it often goes unnoticed until it is cleaned, and the difference can be amazing to the previously unaware homeowner. It is a good idea to schedule regular cleaning of concrete surfaces to prolong the life and look of your driveway, patio, or other surface. (more…)

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Concrete is known to be a solid surface, one that will last a long time. Modern methods of installing concrete require measures to reduce cracking, staining, and other deterioration. However, how do you deal with old patios, driveways surfaces, and sidewalks that have not aged quite so well?

Tearing out old concrete requires nothing short of a jack hammer, a strong back, and a lot of clean-up. It definitely can be done, but won’t always be a fun project. So why not consider a few alternatives before you get out that sledge hammer? (more…)

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