Posts

How to Clean Concrete Patio

/in /by


With everything that happens on your concrete patio – weather, barbeques, kids playing, oil spills – it’s no wonder that it needs a good cleaning once in a while. By mixing up the appropriate cleaner, carefully cleaning the concrete, and addressing special stains, you can get your patio cleaned up in no time.


These products will break down the stains. Apply the degreaser to the stain, then scrub it into the concrete. Allow it to sit for a few hours or as prescribed by the product instructions. Pat the spot with a utility rag to pull up the stain, then remove the excess with clean water. Reapply the degreaser as necessary.


You can dilute the degreaser if the stain is fresh. Some stains may require multiple applications. You can purchase a concentrated degreaser online or from most home improvement stores. Alkaline products can also neutralize acids that have soaked into the concrete. Use bleach and laundry detergent to remove mildew.


If you have plants on or near your concrete patio, the moisture they trap under their leaves can leave mildew stains. Mix 1 quart (slightly less than 1 L) of bleach with 3 quarts (slightly less than 3 L) of water. Add 1/3 cup (237 mL) of laundry detergent and mix the solution well. Apply the solution with a stiff-bristled brush and let it soak until the stain turns white. Be sure not to let it dry.


You can also try moving your plants to another area of the patio, and letting the sun and air clear the mildew away naturally. Use vinegar to remove algae. If you have algae on your concrete, you can use undiluted distilled vinegar and a stiff-bristled brush to clear the stain. If you have a larger area affected by algae, you can also try filling a liquid fertilizer applicator with pool chlorine and spray it through a garden house.

How to Finding Replacement Pool Tiles?

/in /by

If your swimming pool is over 15 years old or has taken quite a bit of wear and tear, you may need to replace some of the tiles. Start by lowering your water level and removing any cracked or damaged tiles. Find some replacement pool tiles design and install them with thinset mortar, then seal them in place with grout. Once you’re done and everything’s dry, bring the pool’s level back up and reward yourself with a swim.

Use the old tiles if they’re still intact. If the cement tiles came off but they’re still in 1 piece, you can simply re-attach them! This will save you a lot of time, instead of trying to find new tiles that fit the pattern or space available. When the bathroom tiles fall off, keep them together in a safe spot where they won’t get bumped, cracked, or lost.

Ask your original pool builder for glazed rustic tile, if possible. If you know who built your pool and they’re still available, they may still have extra tiles handy. Send them an email, including a picture of the tile and a quick description, and ask if they have access to any extra marble tiles. You’ll also need to ask for a price, which may be discounted due to your past business.

Check online or at local pool stores for similar or identical tiles. Pool stores are good for comparing colors up close, but online pool tile catalogues will likely give you the most variety to choose from. Settle for a close match if the repair is in a less obvious area, such as somewhere you can’t see from the house. As long as the color is the same and the shape and size are similar, they probably won’t stand out too much.

Have tiles custom-made to match your original tiles exactly. This option is more expensive, but if you can’t find a match for your tiles, this will give you the most seamless repair. Consult with a custom rustic tile company to see if they can recreate your tile. Bring photographs of the original  common marble tile to give them a reference. To find a custom tile company, look online or locally and set up a consultation.