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CARING  FOR YOUR
NEW DECORATIVE CONCRETE BORDERS

CURING PERIOD:

            Concrete in its most basic form takes approximately 28 days to fully cure.  It takes around two hours for you new edging to withstand rain.  A day after installation your edging can withstand foot traffic. 

It is advisable to prevent any type of activity around your new edging such as trimming or edging before the full 28 day cure period.  After that period you edging will be fully cured.

CRACK PREVENTION:

            We have done all we can to prevent cracking in your new edging.  Steps such as fiber-reinforcement and installation of control joints have been taken to minimize cracking of your edging.  

There are some things that you can do to further prevent the possibility of cracking.  During the cure period it is advisable to wet the ground around your edging to help your edging keep the necessary water balance that it needs.  Dry ground will increase the chance of cracking by absorbing the water in the concrete.

SEALING:

            Sealing should never be done prior to the 29 day cure period.  Concrete must be allowed to "breathe" as it cures and sealing would prevent this crucial process.

Once the cure period has completed, wash your edging with a strong solution of muriatic acid (available at most pool stores in town) and then allow the edging to fully dry.  This step will help clean the edging as well as etch the surface to allow the stain or sealer to penetrate the edging.

Most home improvement stores will have sealers or stains that are meant for concrete.

STAINS:     

            Stains from mold or mildew can be removed with a fairly strong bleach solution then lightly scrubbed with a small brush. After a day or two you can wash the area with a strong stream of water from a hose or pressure washer. 

Once you have removed the stains reapply a second application of chemicals to help prevent future re-occurrence.

Sealing you edging will help in prevention of this stubborn problem. 

 DAMAGE FROM ROOTS:

            Tree roots will over time cause the edging to lift and break.  This is easy to remedy by removing the broken edging and removing the root then backfilling with dirt to create a foundation prior to replacing the broken area. The support from the fill dirt will prevent "dropping" of your edging.

COLOR FADING:

Does colored concrete fade?

The color can't fade, but the concrete can. The active ingredient we use for coloring is pure inorganic pigment which is made in a process of oxidizing metal, in essence, "fading" metal into a pigment powder. The resulting powder pigment concentrate is impossible to fade. That's why it's the same active ingredient in another permanent coloring application: tattoos. Concrete, on the other hand does change with time and weather exposure. Even uncolored concrete which turns yellow, erodes and darkens as it accumulates dirt, dust and grime from the environment. Left unprotected or weakened by a poor mix design or finishing job, the surface of concrete "dusts" and erodes slowly until fine aggregate and sand particles are exposed. This same process occurs in colored concrete. Then keep colored concrete fresh looking by protecting it with periodic applications of a good clear sealer.

A Note on Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a salt deposit that forms on the surface of concrete, masonry, clay brick and porous stone. It causes unsightly white stains which can be particularly objectionable on colored concrete. Efflorescence forms when water migrates through concrete, dissolves soluble compounds (calcium hydroxide) and evaporates leaving the solids on the surface. Water, concrete permeability and soluble content determine how much and when efflorescence will occur.

Call us today for a Free on-site esitmate (Phone 540-903-6883 or 540-891-6449)  (E-mail: curbsgon@curbsgonewild.com)
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