It’s hard to believe but the summer season officially ended on September 22nd . Hopefully, you, like many families, enjoyed camping, beach vacations, and pool parties over your summer break. Now that fall has arrived, kids are back to school, temperatures are beginning to drop, and the daylight hours shorten. Time to cover the pool, store the outside furniture and reduce the number of days/hours your sprinklers are running. What about your epoxy-coated concrete surfaces?
Fall for Concrete Coatings
As fall approaches, homeowners with epoxy-coated concrete should take a few steps to protect their surfaces from the seasonal changes. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Clean the surface: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the epoxy-coated concrete. Remove any dirt, debris, and stains that have accumulated over the summer. Use a mild detergent and water, followed by a rinse with clean water. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the epoxy.
- Inspect your concrete for damage: Check the epoxy coating for any cracks, chips, or areas where the coating has worn thin. Fall is a perfect time to address these issues before winter sets in, as freezing temperatures and moisture tend to make existing damage worse.
- Apply a fresh topcoat: While epoxy is durable, it can show signs of wear over time. Consider applying a fresh topcoat to rejuvenate the surface if you see such signs. This helps maintain the epoxy’s protective qualities and extend its lifespan.
- Seal cracks: If any cracks have developed in the concrete, seal them before the colder weather arrives. Moisture can seep into cracks, freeze, and expand, leading to further damage.
- Consider weather protection: Depending on your climate, you might want to apply a protective sealant over the epoxy to guard against the increased moisture and temperature fluctuations typical of fall and winter. This is particularly important in areas that experience freezing conditions.
- Remove leaves and standing water: As leaves begin to fall, it is important to remove them from your epoxy-coated surfaces regularly. Organic material stains epoxy if left too long. In addition, standing water damages epoxy coatings by promoting mold and algae growth, so ensure that your epoxy has proper drainage.
By following these steps, homeowners help ensure that their epoxy-coated concrete remains in good condition through the fall and into the winter. If you have questions or want help with inspection, sealing of cracks, fresh topcoats, or weather protection for your epoxy-coated concrete, reach out to Nevada Custom Coatings by phone or our online contact form. We are ‘seasoned’ experts at epoxy-coated concrete surfaces.
