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Almost every home has some type of concrete surface, whether it’s a garage floor, porch, sidewalk, etc. Concrete is the product of choice for these surfaces because of its strength, durability, and relatively low maintenance requirements. Although this is true, concrete does deteriorate over time and a little bit of maintenance can significantly increase its lifespan, as well as keep your concrete looking good.

There are several factors that determine the strength and durability of concrete. The quality of the mix, weather conditions during and shortly after pouring, and finishing techniques play the biggest role. Some concrete mixes are stronger than others and are designed to withstand harsher conditions. Cool, humid weather during and after the pour promotes concrete strength as opposed to hot and dry conditions. As far as the finishing of concrete goes, the techniques used can be crucial to the surface strength of concrete. If water is added to facilitate finishing, the risk of chipping and scaling over time is greatly increased. These factors will dictate the susceptibility of concrete.

So what actually causes concrete to deteriorate? The weather and its elements are the biggest contributor. Rain and snow will slowly erode away the surface. Freeze and thaw cycles may be concrete’s biggest enemy. When water seeps into the pores and freezes, it expands and breaks apart the concrete. Spilled chemicals, such as oil and acids, also eat away at concrete. Constant foot and vehicle traffic gradually wear down the surface, making it more vulnerable to all the previously mentioned factors.

The best way to decrease the rate of deterioration is to keep a coat of sealer on your concrete. Sealer provides protection by creating a barrier that prevents the penetration of water and other foreign substances. It also acts as a wear coat. The sealer is worn away by weather and traffic, not the concrete itself. Periodic applications of sealer will add many years to the life of your concrete, making it a wise practice, considering the high cost of replacement.

There are other advantages of sealer in addition to prolonging the lifespan of your concrete. Sealed concrete makes for much easier cleaning. Dirt, dust, and spills can usually be broomed or rinsed away since the concrete’s pores are sealed off. Most of those hideous stains from leaky automobiles, rusty patio furniture, and dripping grills can be prevented with a good coat of sealer. Sealer can also revive the colors and textures of decorative concrete, especially acid stained surfaces.

Think of your concrete as low maintenance but not maintenance free. It is expensive to replace so protect your investment by keeping it coated with concrete sealer. For more information on concrete sealers, please visit www.all-things-concrete.com

Kirk Muhlhauser is a residential concrete contractor. Find ideas and instructions for enhancing and maintaining your home’s concrete surfaces.

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If you have a clogged drain due to a piece of sheetrock stuck in it you will have a continuing problem. Over a long period of time it will eventually break down but in the course of time it is accumulating hair and other stuff which will cause the clog in the drain to worsen.

You need to pull the drain apart to get the sheetrock piece out, or at least break it up into smaller pieces if it cant be reached with a wire coat hanger.

First of all, put a bucket underneath the drain to catch any excess water while taking the drain apart.

Second, take a pair of channel lock pliers and loosen the drain pipe nuts where the u curve is on the drain pipe. There are 2 drain pipe nuts, one on each side of the u.

After taking the u shaped pipe off, look if you can see the piece of sheetrock on either side of the drain pipe.

If you can see it, try to get it with a pair of needle nose pliers or other tool that can grab it to lessen the chance of it being jammed further into the pipe.

If you cant see it, use a wire coat hanger and feel for its position. If you can feel it with the coat hanger try to fish it out. If not, try breaking it up with the coat hanger being careful not to jam it further into the pipe.

After your efforts, if you are unsuccessful at removing the piece of sheetrock or breaking it up enough to flush it out, you may need to rent a drain snake.

After your efforts, if you are successful in removing the piece of sheetrock or breaking it up enough to flush it out, put your drain back together and run water through the drain for about one minute.

Sprinkle baking soda in the sink basin and around the sides of the drain opening. Get about one cup of white vinegar and slowly pour it down the drain. Watch it bubble and you’ll have no more trouble. Dont run the water in the drain for a while so as to let the chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar do its job at full strength. This will clear your drain of any left over debris and scum and save alot of money on plumbing costs.

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