Concrete Masters

01/11/2024

Estimates available for your pickleball and basketball court needs! Call for your free estimate today (410) 551-4763

10/15/2023

Proud sponsors for the Crofton Elementary School PTA!

Thank you to our Paw Sponsor Concrete Masters!! As a CES PTA Community Partner for our Crofton Cub Fun Run, you have helped our Cubs hit the ground running!
🐾🏃‍♂️🐾🏃‍♀️🐾

09/01/2023

To all hardworking employees: Happy Labor Day! A special shout out to those who work hard to protect workers’ rights. Thank you all for making our world a better place to live and work in. Concrete Masters wished a Happy Labor Day weekend to our employees, customers, and partners.

06/20/2023

FUN FACT OF THE DAY:

"In 1909, the first concrete road was built on Woodward Avenue between Six and Seven Mile Roads in Greenfield Township, now northwest Detroit."

06/19/2023

06/17/2023

Looking for the perfect Father's Day Gift?

How about a concrete pad for your grilling master? A patio for that special someone to relax? An updated driveway for the car enthusiast? A shed pad that holds all of dad's equipment and tools?

We got you covered. Call us today for your free estimate 410-551-4763

www.theconcretemasters.com

06/16/2023

From all of us at Concrete Masters, we want to wish you a Happy Father's Day

06/15/2023

If you're lucky enough to have a patio, or looking into designing one, you probably want to get as much use out of it as possible.

Any size patio can be a comfortable and stylish that you can enjoy year-round if you put a little extra consideration into how you furnish and arrange it. The right concrete patio being natural, colored, stamped or textured along with decoration ideas and landscaping can quickly transform an overrun (or neglected) backyard space into a special place to unwind.

We're here to help you make that happen.

06/14/2023

How to Care for Residential Concrete and Why It’s Important

Sometimes it’s easy for homeowners to overlook concrete care during spring maintenance.

Whether you have a concrete driveway, patio, fire feature, or other outdoor spaces, it is likely the winter season took its toll. Here are some tips that will help you maintain your concrete each year.

The rise and fall in temperature during winter, along with rain and snow, can wear and tear concrete. In addition, the accumulation of snow and ice has the potential to pe*****te pockmarks and small cracks on your concrete surface.

Ice is certainly an element that causes damage because of its natural expansion and contraction on the concrete surface.

Now is the perfect time to inspect concrete surfaces for any damage such as gaps, cracks, and crumbling. Winter elements can create new damage or worsen existing issues.

When minor problems are unattended, they can worsen and cause concrete to experience severe distress. Thus, regular maintenance each spring that includes the repairs of any damage or potential issues is well worth it!

Besides, you’ll want your concrete to look as beautiful as it can be. Plus, by following a simple maintenance regimen, you’ll prolong the life of your concrete surfaces.

Begin by Cleaning All Surfaces Thoroughly:

To start this simple spring cleaning project, clean all outdoor concrete surfaces. This includes sidewalks, driveways, pools, and anywhere in the outdoor spaces of your home where you’ve installed concrete.

Be sure to use a soft broom to sweep away any debris such as leaves and branches. This will allow you to do a close inspection of the condition of the concrete. Look closely for any alterations even if they seem insignificant.

Check for signs of algae growth, stains, mildew, moss growth, or mold. Although these occur naturally, they will alter the appearance of your concrete and can create dangerous slippery surfaces.

Be especially vigilant for moss growth as it can damage concrete causing cracking and crumbling. If you notice any of these stains or growths after sweeping, use a soft brush to scrub away accumulated compounds. When a gentle scrub is not enough, you’ll have to perform a deeper cleaning.

We are here to assist you with your seasonal maintenance needs to prolong the life of your concrete and keep it looking beautiful all year.

Our clients like to check in with us each season so we can help them with the maintenance your concrete should have throughout the year. They prefer the quick service we provide and the assurance that the job is done at a professional-grade level.

Check For Damaged Areas
After a thorough cleaning, you’ll be ready to check the surface for its integrity. You may start to notice cracks or other damage. One important clue is to check for areas where water pools after the rain. This is an indication of some type of structural damage.

Another clue that indicates structural damage is w**d growth. Check the whole surface for w**ds and other types of growth breaking through the concrete. This is a sign of crumbling concrete that must be addressed immediately.

Some issues may not seem like a big deal, but if these red flags are ignored, it can lead to more significant damage in the long run. Not to mention unnecessary costs.

The best practice when you have concrete installations is to address any damage, even if minor, to avoid extensive repairs in the future.

Perform Repairs and Reseal Surfaces
Leaving cracks and other damage unattended can lead to tripping hazards and lowers the curb appeal of your home. It is best to do repairs sooner rather than later, so keep a vigilant eye on your driveway this spring!

After determining which areas need attention, all repairs can begin. If you’re not the DIY type or if you want to ensure the most quality work, you can leave this step to professional concrete experts that have the experience, knowledge, and tools to easily do the job.

To start repairs yourself, remove all w**ds and other growths. Concrete paint can be used to repair small cracks. Larger cracks will require a sealer that needs to be allowed to dry for 24 hours for its full activation.

Seek the Help of Concrete Professionals

For the best concrete maintenance and repairs, it is recommended to call the experts. Concrete Masters perform seasonal maintenance for many of our clients. We ensure all of your concrete surfaces get the attention they need after a long winter. With specialized instruments and expertise, you can have peace of mind knowing your concrete surfaces are receiving the care required to keep them intact and long-lasting.

It is worth protecting your concrete investment! Concrete is a durable surface that will stay in great condition for decades. Of course, only when it is properly maintained. Regular seasonal maintenance is essential in increasing your concrete’s lifespan and protecting its beauty.

Your spring maintenance team at Concrete Masters has you covered for all your seasonal needs!

Call us at 410-551-4763 or fill out our online contact form to book your appointment.

Concrete Masters LLC in Lanham, MD provides superior concrete solutions for commercial and residential projects. Contact us today to request a free estimate.

06/09/2023

Your driveway does more than serve as a place to park your car. When it is in good condition—with a smooth surface instead of breaks, cracks, and potholes—it provides a safe surface for walking and driving. And a nice driveway really boosts your curb appeal too, making your home look attractive and well cared for.

But eventually, every driveway begins to wear down. So, how can you tell if your driveway needs replacement instead of repairs? Look for these signs.

5 Features of Driveways that Need Replacing
1. Large or Many Cracks
One of the first signals that your driveway is wearing down is the appearance of cracking on its surface. Both concrete and asphalt will crack over time. Other factors besides age that cause or worsen cracks can include hot summers and cold winters, freeze and thaw cycles, and damage from chemicals, such as de-icer.

If the cracks in your driveway are less than one-quarter inch wide and are few and far between, you may be able to patch them. But once you have wider cracks, multiple cracks, or a web of connected cracks—it’s time to replace the concrete or asphalt. At that point, patching won’t be effective.

2. Annoying Potholes
Hot and cold temperatures, as well as wet weather, can lead to frustrating potholes in your driveway. Even small potholes can cause damage to your vehicle’s wheels and suspension system, and they can become a tripping hazard that causes someone to twist an ankle.

Worse, potholes tend to get bigger because as time passes, moisture gets into the concrete or asphalt and makes the problem worse. Patching tends to be a temporary—and generally unsightly—fix, so getting a new driveway surface is often the better, more lasting choice.

3. Poor Drainage
As mentioned above, moisture plays havoc on asphalt and concrete surfaces. The problem is worsened when your property doesn’t properly drain when it rains. This issue can be the result of failing gutters, a lack of French drains, or an inadequately sloped surface. Puddles and pools result, and the standing water seeps into your driveway to create cracks and potholes.

If you’re noticing standing water on your driveway, it’s a good idea to make sure your property is sloped smoothly away from your home’s foundation. Laying a smooth, sloped new driveway surface may be just what you need to solve the issue.

4. Old Age
No matter how carefully your concrete (or asphalt) surface was installed, time will eventually take its toll. Wear and tear from weather and usage will eventually mean your driveway needs to be replaced.

A driveway made of concrete typically lasts 30-50 years, while asphalt can last 20-30 years. This lifespan may be shortened with harder than normal wear and tear, as well as mistakes during installation. If your driveway is 20 years or older and showing its age, get it evaluated by a pro team to see if replacement is a good idea.

5. Discoloration
As concrete ages, its bright color (a distinctive, clean white-gray) will darken to a heavier gray. If you choose to add tint to the concrete when it is first poured, the color will fade over time.

In itself, this doesn’t mean you must replace the driveway. But if you have other concerns such as a broken or aging slab, or if you want to invigorate the appearance of your front entrance, a newly laid driveway with fresh, stamped, or tinted concrete can create an eye-catching look you’ll admire.

Transform Your Driveway with Fresh Concrete
Nothing lasts forever—not even concrete or asphalt—so don’t be too surprised if yours needs some attention. If your property’s driveway is showing any of the above signs of wear, it may be time to replace it with a fresh, professionally laid surface. Concrete is an attractive, lasting option that works well in the Tulsa area’s demanding weather conditions.

At Concrete Masters , we’ve been beautifying residential and commercial driveways in the DMV area for over 30 years—and we’re here to serve you. Discover how a new concrete driveway can benefit your home.

CALL US AT 410-551-4763 TO SECHEDULE YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

06/08/2023

Seven Maintenance Tips for Concrete Patios
The low-maintenance facet of concrete patios is one of its most popular features. It’s also cheaper to install than pavers, a wood deck, or stone.

You get greater value for this particular investment, but it’s still not something you want to see go down the drain because you didn’t take care of it properly. You can make concrete last for decades only as long as you maintain it. Follow these seven rules for to preserve your concrete for years to come.

1. Keep It Clean
There’s a natural process called erosion, in which passing entities such water and soil, particularly if they have high mineral content, wear away at stone and natural metals. If you don’t keep your concrete clean, this can happen to it. Your surface will develop holes and start to crumble sooner than normal.

Ideally, you should take a pressure washer or standard garden hose with a spray attachment and wash away dirt, debris, or other foreign contaminants every week or two. You can use liquid dish soap and a broom to scrub away spills or bird p**p, then rinse with a garden hose.

If the concrete gets stained by grease, food spills, or something else, try to clean up the spill as soon as possible. Pressure washing and stain removers will generally eliminate such spotting.

2. Apply Sealer
As explained previously, the sealer will protect your concrete from early corrosion. It will also preserve the shine and color of stamped concrete. The standard recommendation for reapplication of sealer is once every two or three years, but if you notice the color fading or the sheen disappearing, you can have it reapplied sooner.

If you decided to reapply the sealer yourself, make sure to do it properly. The area should be fully cleaned, as described above. It should also be completely dry, because wet surfaces can make the sealant bubble or break. A second coat may be applied to ensure full coverage.

3. Use Rugs
People love concrete because it’s resistant to scratches and damage from furniture. But over time, chair and table legs can scratch the sealant. To avoid this, you can use rugs and soft tabs to protect the surface.

Rugs will also protect the floor from stains and spills. Because these are easy to clean on concrete, this isn’t a huge priority, but many people like to take precautions. It’s also the case that rugs look great on an outdoor patio!

4. Avoid Destructive Chemicals
The sealant on concrete patios is designed to resist strong elements and normal wear and tear. Certain heavy-duty chemicals can corrode it and eliminate the sheen prematurely, however. Products that contain ammonium nitrates and sulfates are particularly harmful because they’ll attack the concrete directly.

It’s especially smart to avoid putting deicing salts on stamped or treated concrete. They may be terrific for clearing ice from your walkway, but they can cause damage to the surface. It’s especially vital to avoid using salts during the first winter after your concrete has been installed, since the sealant is more vulnerable at that point.

5. Polish or Wax Stamped Concrete
The sealer will protect your sheen for the most part, but it doesn’t hurt to polish or wax the concrete in the summer to get an even brighter shine. This will help to combat the copious amounts of foot traffic your patio may receive on a daily basis and reduce the risk of wear patterns.

It’s not essential to extend the life of your patio, but it can add an extra layer of protection against wear, scratches, scuffs, and grime.

6. Provide Overhead Cover
The less direct interaction your concrete patio has with the elements, the longer it will last. So you can extend the life of a concrete patio by a few extra years with a canvas patio cover or pergola. You might desire this addition for looks and comfort anyways, so the protective aspect makes it more worth the investment.

7. Manage Plant Growth
Tree and bush roots can compromise the integrity of your concrete if you don’t manage it properly. Roots will grow beneath the concrete, push it up, and cause it to crack. Unfortunately, you can’t repair cracked concrete; it can only be replaced.

You can avoid this substantial cost with preventive measures. Have the roots in your yard trimmed regularly so they don’t endanger your concrete. You might also need to remove trees that develop extensive root systems to avoid future problems.