Stamped concrete is a way to go to add a decorative feature to your patio. It is a fairly simple process some can even do it themselves and is much cheaper than other decorative items like pavers.
Do stamped concrete patios crack? Yes, stamped concrete patios will eventually crack but a concrete patio will last between 10 and 15 years before it will need severe maintenance or replacing. Some concrete patios can last up to 50 years.
Read the article below to find out more about ensuring your patio lasts as long as possible and how to repair it when it does need some help.
How Concrete Product Affects Cracking
Pay attention to the aggregate particles. Good aggregates put into the mix will improve the concrete patio’s lifespan. Aggregate particles should be round and angular for best results.
Aggregates that are elongated and flaky make concrete more permeable so it will soak up some water and be weaker.
Other Factors Affecting Concrete
Several factors besides the mix affect how concrete will behave in the coming years. Some of those factors include:
- The quality and building of construction joints
- How the concrete patio is cured
- Whether or not it was sealed
- Weather in your area
- The ground placement
Improperly constructed joints will shift and that can cause cracking. One of the most important aspects of installing a stamped concrete patio is curing and sealing it to protect it from weather, bird poop, and other environmental factors.
Weather and the ground where the patio is placed can drastically affect its durability and lifespan. Those who live in extremes, either hot or cold or a mix of extremes, will see damage sooner than those living in moderate climates.
Low-lying ground that collects water will also shorten the lifespan of your patio. Many people make an extra investment in installing proper drainage around their stamped concrete patios to make sure water runs off and doesn’t pool around or underneath their patio. It’s a good idea.
The ground will eventually shift and that contributes to cracks. There isn’t much you can do about that and one area isn’t necessarily worse than another.
What Happens When There’s a Crack
A crack in your stamped patio can aggravate you because, in your eyes, it destroyed the look.
However, it doesn’t prevent you from using your patio. Stamped patios will fade and crack over time but your patio is still usable even though it doesn’t look good.
However, you may feel cracks and fading should be fixed and there are ways to remedy those issues.
Remedies for Cracked Concrete
There are remedies for fixing cracked concrete. You may need to restamp or paint areas of it where the cracks go over the stamp after fixing the cracks. That is still cheaper than installing a new stamped patio.
Filling in Cracks
You can use a crack repair product to fill in most concrete cracks. Be sure to use a flexible caulk-based product and understand how it works. Also pick one that blends in with your concrete, especially when you have stamped concrete. They come in different colors.
You will also need a caulk gun and a utility knife to complete this task. Once you’ve filled the crack, seal it to protect it.
Resurface the Slab
A patio with many cracks and issues can be repaired by resurfacing the top. That will mean restamping it but resurfacing will resolve your problem and make your patio look new.
There are resurfacer products to create a fresh surface on your patio. These products create a uniform surface and are something you can use yourself instead of hiring a professional.
You will need to deep-clean the patio with a pressure washer and then patch up any damaged areas like the corners. Then, you will mix water with the resurfacing product and pour it into small sections of the patio. Use a squeegee to smooth it out.
From there you can use a push broom to give it texture or restamp it. Be sure to cure it properly and seal it afterward.
Fixing a Stamped Patio
Stamped patios are difficult to fix because the seal on them prevents things like paint from adhering properly. It is also challenging to fix it where it matches the original texter and colors.
However, some techniques and products will revitalize a stamped patio.
Sealing doesn’t last forever and it is typically older patios that crack so chances are the seal has worked down enough where you can work with the stamp. Instead of trying to recreate the stamp exactly the way it was originally, you can reinvent it into a new stamp that looks fresh.
You can do this by adding a different color or texture all over after the patio is repaired so the stamp is reincorporated into the new look. This is a way to save time and money on restamping the entire piece.
FAQ
Is it normal for stamped concrete to crack?
Having it stamped doesn’t make any difference on whether it cracks or not. Stamped concrete is still concrete and it’s going to eventually crack after several years. However, it should last at least a decade.
Should you use a pressure washer on stamped concrete?
While a pressure washer is a great way to clean a concrete patio, you shouldn’t use it on stamped concrete because the pressure will break down the sealer, ruin the shine and shorten the life of the sealer. You should use a gentle cleanser and a car wash mop.
Do you need to reseal stamped concrete?
You will eventually need to reseal stamped concrete. Usually, a good sealer will last about five years or so. You will notice when a sealer is breaking down when you see areas that don’t look like surrounding areas or you see flaking.
Do you have to use a sealer on stamped concrete?
You should always use a quality sealer on a stamped concrete patio to protect your investment. Without a sealer, you will soon get water marks, and stains, and the colors will quickly fade.
Conclusion
Stamped concrete is a great way to enhance your patio. However, it will eventually start to show wear and tear. At that point, you have a few options for repair including filling in cracks, resurfacing, or even restamping the patio. Be sure to understand the pros and cons of each method before you begin any work.
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