How to Avoid Patio Deterioration

Patios often face many types of problems depending on their location, function and method of construction. Because these structures are commonly made of concrete, patio deterioration often comes from a chemical reaction when concrete is exposed to the environment.

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Below are some signs that patios are deteriorating or facing problems:

Sign 1: Cracking and spalling. Patios may show cracks and rents that indicate severe concrete strain. The strain may be due to sudden freezing and thawing temperatures.

Sign 2: Laitance formation. Too much water during concrete mixing can form laitance, which is a thin layer of cement that comes to the surface after the mix is poured.

Sign 3: Efflorescence. A white crystalline substance on top of the concrete surface indicates salt residue deposits caused by moisture exposure.

Sign 4: Incorrectly-cured concrete surface. Patios should be cured for at least 30 days before coatings application; otherwise the high moisture content in the surface can lead to coatings failure.

Sign 5: Corrosion of reinforcing steel. Patios use reinforcing bars for better structural integrity. But when steel is corroded, a rust-colored stain appears on the surface to indicate that the structural integrity is being threatened.

Patio Repairs and Coating Applications
It is good practice to enlist the aid of professional coatings contractors to assess the severity of patio deterioration. No amount of coatings can fix the problem in cases of severe damage. Coatings specialists can determine and recommend if the patio needs a complete renovation instead.
Damages in concrete patios should be fixed first before applying any patio coatings solutions. The surface should be carefully inspected for cracks. If the crack is still spreading, the surface must be completely repaired. If the reinforcing steel appears corroded, patio rehabilitation should be conducted.

Protective Patio Coatings
Patio coatings products are designed with concrete’s porosity in mind. These products prevent moisture, or soluble salts from penetrating the surface. Other products also offer chemical, corrosion and freeze/thaw resistance. The choice of coatings depends on the specific need of the patio in question.

Protective coatings are commonly thick-film formulations that provide barrier protection. They may be based from epoxies, vinyl, acrylics, polyurethane and elastomerics. They offer flexibility and waterproofing benefits to patio structures.
Surface preparation prior to deck coatings application involves achieving a rougher profile for better coatings adherence.

Any traces of moisture should be removed from the surface before coatings application, to prevent surface blisters. To assure low to zero moisture content, a moisture test should be conducted.

Water-Repellent Patio Sealers
Sealers have water-repellent abilities that are useful in exterior areas such as parking lots, where the chance of water exposure is greater.

Unlike thick-film deck coatings, thin-film sealers penetrate concrete and fill up every pore in the area, leaving no space left for water to penetrate. Sealers require a completely clean surface. Dirt, oil or grease prevents sealers from totally permeating the surface.
Many types of patio coatings may be used to repair patios. But it should always be done using the most appropriate product, with the most careful surface preparation, and by skilled patio coatings specialists.

Steve Parker, Sr. Estimator. RaiderPainting.com is one of the leading painting companies providing commercial and industrial painting services to over 1,000 Fortune 500 customers and small businesses nationwide. Call 877-724-3371 for a no obligation Estimate. Read our daily Raider Painting Blog.

by: Steve Parker

Watch this video for ideas about patio restoration: