When building a concrete patio, one of the first things we think about is the material to use. It helps us decide what designs to go with (not all materials are versatile) and possibly get a rough idea of how much the project will cost. With numerous materials to choose from, there is one that stands out. Whether it is durability, affordability, or versatility, this material offers so many benefits. Wondering what this awesome material is? You guessed it! It is concrete. But as with everything else, it’s not all peaches and cream. Though it offers so many advantages, it also has its drawbacks. So, if you are considering installing a concrete patio, it is best to understand the two sides of the coin and also work with an Albuquerque concrete contractor you can trust.
Lying in the Chihuahuan Desert, Albuquerque has an arid, semi-cold climate. With 310 sunny days every year, we are bound to stay outdoors most of the time. But while we enjoy the Annual Ballooning Fiesta in summer, hardscapes are facing challenges dealing with the high temperatures that reach as high as 93°F! As we are having fun watching colorful balloons lift off to dot the cerulean sky, our driveways, patios, and decks are bashed non-stop by the unrelenting sun.
There’s also the unpredictable monsoon rains that we see from June to September. Although it is a welcome respite from the heat, it quickly brings down the ground temperature, stressing the paving with the sudden temperature change. Considering all these and the challenges of caliche, your chosen material for outdoor structures must be able to withstand the elements.
To help you make the right decision, let’s discuss the pros and cons of using concrete for your patio and driveway.
Comparing various materials available in the market, the durable concrete shines through! It’s as tough as nails. Here are the pros of using concrete patio:
- Easy and Quick Installation: Excluding demolition and clearing, a standard concrete patio only takes a day to install. Unlike concrete pavers and wooden landscape, concrete is definitely quicker to install. Wait another 24 to 48 hours for the initial set and you can start walking on it. In 7 days, you can start using it for light foot traffic. Wait 28 days and it would have gained full strength.
- Low Maintenance: We know you’d rather be elsewhere than at home cleaning your patio. For busy homeowners, concrete is a good choice as it requires minimal upkeep. You can simply do light sweeping every few days to remove dried leaves and other debris. Hose it down at least once a month to remove grime and keep it looking pristine. Do deep cleaning every 6 months or so. And lastly, reseal it every 3 to 5 years to protect it from natural elements and prevent staining and cracking.
- Versatility: Are you thinking of a boring gray slab when you hear concrete? Well, a few decades ago, that would have been correct. But you can now do more with concrete. You can get it stamped and stained to look like natural stones or wood. You can even add aggregates to give it a more luxurious look.
- Eco-Friendly: We are committed to sustainable living, and concrete is sustainable. It can be recycled completely and has less environmental impact compared to other materials. Crushed concrete can be used as an aggregate and added to new concrete mixes. It can be used for the base of roads and other constructions. Because of this, you are using less virgin materials. Moreover, it requires very little upkeep, so you save on water and cleaning products.
- Cost-Effective: No matter how you look at it, concrete is cost-effective. Initial installation cost less than other materials. Cleaning and maintenance costs are minimal. Furthermore, with proper care, it can last for 50 years. Imagine how much savings you can make in that time you are not getting a new one installed!
As mentioned earlier, using concrete will not guarantee you a bed of roses. It’s more like our favorite Green Chile Cheeseburger - expect it to have sting in it! So, what challenges are we looking at? Let’s discuss the cons so you’d be prepared to deal with them.
- Cracking: A few factors cause cracking. First is incorrect base preparation and wrong installation. Caliche may not have been handled properly by the contractor, causing the ground to shift, resulting in cracks. Another is extreme weather conditions. While heat causes concrete to expand, low temperatures during winter can cause it to contract. If the temperature goes below freezing, any water that’s permeated inside can turn into ice and cause internal stress. Lastly, overloading can result in cracks to appear. However, rest assured that most of these can be prevented with proper installation and regular cleaning and sealing.
- Costly Repair: Fine hairline cracks are easy to repair. However, once those cracks extend and become bigger, repair costs can go over the roof. We’re lucky if it can be resolved with simple filling. But if the damage is extensive, replacement may be necessary.
- Heat Retention: Since we live in the desert, it can be terribly hot, especially in summer. Keep in mind that concrete is inherently a heat magnet and can result in your flooring being too hot to walk on. Expect your home to be hotter as well due to the heat emitted or released by the concrete, so you may have to spend more on air conditioning to keep your home comfy. But you can rectify this by strategically placing awnings and umbrellas on your patio.
- Appearance: Though we can reproduce the look of natural stone or wood, it won’t be a hundred percent accurate. The texture and visuals, especially wood, won’t be exactly the same. You may also be a little limited when it comes to design. However, keep in mind that innovations are ongoing, and soon, we might have concrete that offers more versatility than what it can today.
To make sure your concrete patios last for as long as possible, here are some maintenance tips you can follow:
- Sealing and Staining: To protect your patio from the harsh desert elements, sealing and stain your concrete. By sealing it every 3 to 5 years, you can prevent staining and discoloration. Development of cracks can also be averted.
- Cleaning and Upkeep: Regular sweeping and hosing down will keep your patio looking its best. Clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent staining. When dealing with stubborn stains, use mild detergent when doing deep cleaning. Try to avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the concrete. If the stain is not coming off, you may want to consider getting professional cleaning services. They have the right tools and know-how to effectively deal with tough stains.
