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How to Maintain Your Stamped Concrete Patio (So It Lasts 25+ Years)

A stamped concrete patio is a major investment in your home — and with minimal maintenance, it'll look amazing for 25 years or more. Here's what we tell every ZBL customer after we finish their project:

Resealing: The Most Important Step

Reseal every 2-3 years. This is the single most important thing you can do. A good acrylic sealer protects the color, prevents staining, and keeps moisture from penetrating. Here in Illinois, we recommend resealing every 2 years due to harsh winters.

Clean it regularly. A garden hose and a push broom are all you need for routine cleaning. For deeper cleaning, use a pressure washer on a low setting (under 1500 PSI) to avoid damaging the sealer.

Winter Care Tips

Don't use de-icing salts the first winter. New concrete needs a full year to cure completely. Using salt or chemical de-icers in the first winter can cause surface damage. Use sand for traction instead.

After the first year, use salt sparingly. Calcium chloride or magnesium chloride are gentler than rock salt. Never use ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate — these will destroy concrete.

Crack Repair & Common Mistakes

Address cracks immediately. Small hairline cracks are normal, but if you notice wider cracks, call us. Early repair prevents water from getting underneath and causing bigger problems during freeze-thaw cycles.

The biggest mistake we see? Homeowners who skip resealing. The sealer protects everything — the color, the pattern, the structural integrity. It's a $200-400 DIY job that saves you thousands in the long run.

Questions about maintaining your stamped concrete? Or ready to install one that'll last decades? Call ZBL Concrete & Design at (312) 721-0835.