Common Causes of Fading in Decorative Concrete

Decorative concrete is one of the most popular construction materials that homeowners opt for when they’re having a patio or fireplace built for their homes. This is due to its versatility and durability. However versatile and durable it may be, decorative concrete still faces a recurring problem: fading.

Here are the common causes of decorative concrete fading:

Efflorescence

When decorative concrete is exposed to excessive moisture, a condition known as efflorescence can affect it. As efflorescence is actually a salty residue left behind by evaporated moisture, it can give your concrete’s colors a dull or smoky appearance, resulting in a faded appearance. However, while the powdery residue can easily be removed, you need to resolve the moisture issue to prevent efflorescence from occurring again.

Moisture

If your decorative concrete isn’t given enough time to cure or thoroughly dry before the finish sealer is applied, moisture can become one of your major problems. This is because any moisture in the concrete can make the colors look drab and dull if left unattended. To get around this, experts strongly recommend that proper sealant be applied to the colored concrete routinely. That way, you can offset the ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure and eliminate the efflorescence issue at the same time.

Weather

The weather isn’t something that anyone can control, and, as such, your decorative concrete can easily fade due to constant UV ray exposure in the summer or the freeze/thaw cycles of the winter. If left unattended, this can result in your decorative concrete fading in the long run.

Need more information about decorative concrete? Simply turn to the pros of NAV Construction. Give us a call at (540) 812-2277, or fill out our contact form in our homepage to get in touch with us today!