Precast concrete is fairly easy to maintain, but you still do need to care for it if you want it to last.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to best maintain your precast concrete in order to avoid damage, and some basic tips for cleaning. We’ll also advise when you should clean your precast concrete, and where to go for assistance from the experts.
Maintaining Your Precast Concrete
One of the biggest benefits we’ve found our clients enjoy when using precast concrete is its low maintenance. But fuss-free maintenance shouldn’t be confused with maintenance-free.
Here we’ll discuss some of the main things you should do to maintain your product’s integrity, and help increase its lifespan.
Avoid Extreme Heat
While precast concrete is often more fire-resistant than poured concrete solutions, you should be careful when it comes to extreme heat. It’s not 100% foolproof and will crack or become damaged when exposed to extreme heat on a regular basis.
To maintain your precast concrete - particularly precast concrete panels used for building structures or walls, avoid using equipment with a naked flame or sparks (like welding gear).
Check Your Surroundings
Before installing your precast concrete panels or walls, be sure to check your surroundings. Ensuring you are not placing your precast concrete in harm’s way - like under a tree that is in danger of falling - is crucial if you want your precast concrete to last.
You should also avoid encounters with machinery such as excavators or even lawn mowers. Precast concrete is pretty durable, but it will deteriorate and develop damage if repeatedly exposed to this, just like poured concrete.
Reduce Risk of Graffiti
Precast concrete walls and panels can be attractive to vandals. While it’s not something anyone should encourage, there are ways you can help prevent (but not necessarily eliminate) potential graffiti artists being drawn to your building.
Some of our clients have found that adding bold lighting features to their precast concrete panels to be enough of a deterrent, whereas another solution might be hiring a painter or mural artist to design something for your panels.
Not only will this hopefully reduce the risk of graffiti, it will also give your precast panels or walls an extra creative flair.
Apply Sealant
Applying a good quality sealant to your precast panels upon installation is crucial if you want to maintain their integrity.
It is important, however, to apply this sealant on an annual basis, and maintain any chips to your panels by filling them in as soon as possible. This will help prevent damage or exposure to water, which in turn may damage your panels.
How Often Should Precast Concrete Be Cleaned?
Precast concrete should be cleaned at least once a year, probably around the same time as you re-apply your sealant.
How Do You Clean Precast Concrete?
Pressure washing or hand washing is often the best way to clean your precast concrete. The former is particularly useful if you have a large space to clean, such as a fence or building.
You can hand wash if it’s a smaller space or object, usually with detergent and water. If the staining is particularly bad, you can use a small amount of pH, alkaline or bacterial cleaner.
Where to Go for Help with Precast Concrete Maintenance
At Specialty Precast, we’re experts in developing and maintaining precast concrete solutions for you. With over 40 years in the industry, we’ve seen it all. There’s nothing we can’t solve when it comes to the cleaning and maintenance of precast concrete products.
If you need help with cleaning and maintaining precast concrete, or want a quality product you can trust, contact us today.
