Q: I'm starting to see the usual build-up of road salt that begins to appear
on my garage floor each year at this time, and I need to know the best way
to clean it off the concrete. How often should the cleaning be done? Is once
at the end of the season enough? I've heard that salt deteriorates concrete
and I want to keep my floor in good shape.
A: Yes, besides looking bad, salt is hard on concrete. A garden hose and a
long-handled scrub brush do a good job removing salt (since it's so
soluble), though you should wait for a warm day to avoid ice buildup on the
floor. Doing this operation a few times a season, as weather permits, is
sufficient, though you can go one step further. To prevent long-term salt
damage, clean your floor in the summer, then apply an industrial grade of
masonry waterproofing compound. Check the Yellow Pages in your area for
dealers. Industrial products offer a much longer working life than
consumer-grade masonry waterproofing agents, saving you time and money in
the long run. If you go this route, consider renting or borrowing a pressure
washer to get the floor squeaky-clean beforehand. And if you ever happen to
be pouring a new floor someday, remember a product called Everdure Caltite
(www.cementaid.com; 905-832-4161 ). It gets added to the
mix while the concrete is churning in the ready-mix truck, and it makes
concrete completely waterproof forever. Flaking, powdering and spalling -
even on salty garage floors - simply doesn't happen.
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