5 Installation Tricks To Prolong The Life Of A Concrete Patio

A patio improves your home by adding outside living space for entertaining and relaxing. Concrete is a durable and relatively cost-effective method for installing the patio of your dreams. The right steps at installation can prevent damage from shortening the life of the patio. 

1. Site Stabilization

Cracks and sunken areas develop when the soil beneath the concrete patio pad shifts after installation. In soils with lots of movement, taking the time to stabilize the site before any construction begins can reduce or even eliminate the chances of future settling. Your concrete contractor will mix in a stabilizing component, typically lime, with the soil to a depth of a foot or more. Once moistened, the stabilizing substance hardens and prevents future soil movement. 

2. Base Construction

The other key technique for preventing settling damage to the patio pad is to construct the base correctly so that it doesn't shift or sink beneath the concrete later. Base materials typically consist of layers of sand and gravel, which allows for excess moisture drainage. These materials must be properly leveled and graded, and then compacted well so there is no movement in the future.

3. Drainage Management

Drainage under, on top of, and around the patio can cause damage in the event the runoff causes erosion beneath the concrete or along its edges. Routing runoff water from the roof away from the patio helps, but drains may also be necessary so that groundwater runs off properly. Your installers may install french drains around the perimeter of the pad or they may opt to put in drains beneath the pad, depending on runoff concerns.

4. Expansion Mitigation

Concrete does absorb moisture due to natural porosity, which can cause it to expand or contract in reaction to the temperature. Drastic expansion movements can lead to cracking or even uplift of the slab. Your concrete service can help prevent expansion problems by installing flexible joints at likely expansion points. These joints allow expansion to occur without any risk of stress and damage to the concrete.

5. Surface Protection

Damage to the surface of a patio can come from a variety of factors. Acid damage is the result of acidic compounds in rain, cleaning chemicals, fertilizers, and other items that may come in contact with the surface. Erosion and pitting can also occur as a result of grit, water runoff, or fertilizer salts. Sealing the surface at installation can protect the surface from compounds that lead to damage.

Contact a concrete contractor to learn more about installing a durable concrete patio.