Stamped concrete renovation

dilby00

Hi all -

The house I recently moved to has a large stamped concrete driveway, which looked pretty good when we moved in but now, a year and half on, it's becoming really pitted. I have recently been away overseas for christmas, and when i came back it's really got bad fast.

My first question is if anything knows what causes this? I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that it was done by cowboys, as the previous owners were really fussy, but it's possible it wasn't installed correctly. It hasn't been particularly cold, and I haven't been putting salt on it. I've kept it fairly clean, although I haven't done any other maintenance to it although I'm not sure if I'm meant to be.

My second question is if anyone knows a cheap way to fix it. I know that from a previous few quotes in another house that stamped concrete is a fortune (and is meant to last for years), and it would be even more to remove what i have before starting, so I really want to try to rescue what I have. Is there a way of topping it etc?

I've attached a picture to show what is going on. Please ignore the state of it - as I said I've been away and haven't cleaned it!



Thanks!

Artytarty

That looks to me like natural mild growth, I wouldn't worry, it gives the concrete more of a real stone look.

dilby00

Hi thanks for the reply Artytarty - I'm not sure if that's meant to say 'mould growth' - if it yes, there is mould as it needs a clean, but those darker patches are pitted hollows and they are getting worse and don't go away when cleaning as they're actual deformities in the surface.

Artytarty

Sorry, yes Mould! Perhaps the pitting is from tiny bubbles encased in the concrete mix becoming exposed by wear and tear.
Honestly, I'd try and see it as a virtue rather than a failing, but I know it's not always that easy!

Doozergirl

I'm in agreement. The point of stamped concrete is for it to age and look like stone! It will have pitts and they will fill with dirt and lichen that isn't easy to remove.

It looks right to me. If you don't like it, then upgrade your pressure washer, presuming that's what you're using.

usefulmale

Looks fine to me.

stator

Looks like cavities in the concrete being exposed by wear and tear (or possibly someone using a high pressure water jet cleaner). Not much you can do but fill them in if they bother you.

dilby00

Thanks all - it's an interesting thought that the jet washer could be exposing the bubbles. I might try using a patio cleaner attachment. Either way, I feel a bit better with how it looks given all your replies, so thanks!

ST1991

I think it looks really nice! Definitely gives it a 'stone' like look

Wookey

If your pressure washing this regularly then that is probably the cause, your basically tearing at the concrete surface allowing minute water droplets in, winter hits and those parts that have water in them freeze and blow the concrete apart albeit in a very small way but over time that starts to increase, one of the worst things you can do to concrete is power wash it regularly, btw never powerwash a roof nothing will shorten the lifespan of concrete roof tiles as having some clampit up on it with a powerwasher.