Caring for your Concrete pool deck

 

Caring for your concrete pool deck

Frederick M. Hueston stoneforensics.com

Concrete is an ideal material for pool decks due to its durability, affordability, custom design capabilities, and environmental friendliness. It is perfect for high traffic areas like pools.

Just because concrete is low maintenance doesn't mean it requires no upkeep. Proper care is crucial to maintain its appearance, as the area has likely cost a significant amount of money. Neglecting debris, leaves, dirt, and potential animal intrusions can lead to damage if left unchecked. It's best to address any issues promptly.

Cleaning a concrete pool deck is not as challenging as commonly believed. With the correct tools and method, it can be easily maintained. It's important to keep some key considerations in mind during the process.

Cleaning Frequency

Concrete pool decks should typically be cleaned at least annually, but if the area is heavily used, more frequent cleaning may be required if stains appear.

Being a pool owner includes regular cleaning and maintenance. Initially, it may seem time-consuming, but with experience, you will learn effective methods to make the process more efficient.

Start the cleaning process by clearing the area of all furniture, pool toys, and other items. Remember that dirt and grime can accumulate under furniture and go unnoticed. This can cause mold or mildew spots if left untreated, so be thorough when cleaning to prevent future problems. Cleaning under furniture multiple times a year, even if not thoroughly, can prevent stains from developing and make future cleanings easier.

 How to Clean your pool deck

You'll need a few essential items in order to effectively finish cleaning the concrete pool deck. One of the most crucial tools is a pressure washer because it makes cleaning the area more quicker than trying to do it by hand. To get rid of any stains that have built up over time and are difficult to handle, you'll also need a cleaning solution and a scrub brush. You may either buy a concrete-safe commercial pool deck cleaning solution or prepare your own by combining warm water and dish soap.

If you decide to go this method, start with a ratio of 10 parts water to 1 part dish soap. For optimal results, use a light dish soap that degreases. When you start the procedure and realize the solution isn't strong enough, gradually add more soap to the mixture until the desired effects start to appear. To get the solution to work precisely how you need it to, it can require a little bit of trial and error.

For stubborn stains, mix the aforementioned dish soap with 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Below is further information on how to particularly remove stains.

Depending on the circumstance, you could also require a mop and a sizable, spotless bucket for combining your cleaning solution.

Following the removal of all furniture and other items from the pool deck, take the following actions:

• Use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the pool deck. Make several passes as necessary, depending on how much debris has accumulated. Be careful not to use a zero tip on the pressure washer. Use a fan tip and hold it at least 24 inches from the surface of the deck.

Use your garden hose instead of a pressure washer if you don't have one available, but keep in mind that the job will take longer.

• In the big, clean bucket, combine your preferred concrete cleanser.

• Apply the cleanser with your mop to the entire concrete pool deck.

• Pressure wash once more as necessary to get rid of the extra cleaning agent.

 

Keep an eye on the appearance of your concrete pool deck before, during, and after this procedure. Particularly if you're not dealing with any challenging stains, you ought to notice a sizable difference immediately. To return your concrete pool deck to its previous appearance and sparkle, you'll need to repeat the procedure as often as necessary.

 

Stain Removal?

As previously mentioned, you will have to work on those challenging locations by hand to remove stains that have grown on your concrete pool deck. Apply the cleaning agent to the surface and scrub. If you're using a commercial cleaner, read the recommendations carefully because you might need to let it sit in the area for a while for it to work most effectively.

Then, using a scrub brush, manually remove the stains. Don't be afraid to exert some power; this is unquestionably one of those circumstances where a little bit of effort goes a long way. Do not be afraid to let the area dry and try again if the stains cannot be eliminated on the first attempt.

Safety is a crucial factor to take into account while using any kind of cleaning solution, whether it is manufactured at home or bought from a store. Rubber gloves should still be worn even when you're outside and in an area that should be adequately ventilated to prevent coming into contact with the solution. Additionally advised as an additional layer of defense is eye protection. To prevent breathing in the fumes from the solution that can develop, several specialists even wear breathing masks.

Use your pressure washer to rinse the area one more to eliminate any remaining solution when you are certain that the stain has been removed and the concrete pool deck is as clean as you want it to be. Avoid coming into contact with any flowerbeds, trees, or other plants that may be a part of your landscape while carrying out this task. It's possible that the extra cleaning solution will hurt them. Additionally, you should refrain from touching the pool area's furniture during this time because the solution, particularly one that contains bleach, may result in long-term problems.

Maintaining the pool deck

You must carry out this kind of deep cleaning at least once a year, if not more frequently, to maintain your concrete pool deck. Many pool owners clean their pools twice a year, in the spring and the fall. If there has been a lot of foot traffic in the area, if soil is routinely moved onto the deck, or if there is a lot of trash buildup from nearby trees or plants, you might need to do this more frequently.

Also keep in mind that having animals around could make cleaning more necessary frequently. It's best to address the issue now rather than waiting for an eventual long-term problem to arise because animal droppings can quickly result in stains.

If you haven't already, consider spending money on a waterproof deck coating for your concrete pool deck to make the process simpler in the future. This helps to make the area easier to clean in general and can help to keep surfaces stain-free even when they are heavily used. Your pool deck will last longer and look better over the entire season, just as it should.

This is important to remember because unfinished concrete is porous by nature. Because of this, things like a pool deck made of unsealed concrete are naturally prone to mold and mildew. The problem is only made worse by the fact that this surface is situated next to a sizable body of water. Similar to how you can prevent immediate problems, avoid keeping wet towels, cloths, or other damp items on the surface itself.

Additionally, you should fight the impulse to grow big plants right next to your concrete pool deck. This will lessen the possibility of root injury.

When possible, always take out everything composed of metal from your concrete pool deck. With so much moisture present, even little objects can rust, staining the concrete deck surface.

Finally, you should take care of any little cracks or chips in the concrete pool deck that you uncover throughout the year to help make cleaning simpler and prevent long-term damage. Even if a tiny crack doesn't affect you particularly, you should nonetheless fix it right away. Almost always, small problems will grow into much larger ones that are far more difficult and expensive to resolve. They may also pose possible risks to the safety of those using the pool's perimeter.

 

 

Walk Off and Entrance Mats for your Stone Floors

 

Walk Off and Entrance Mats for your Stone Floors

By Frederick M. Hueston, stoneforensics.com

 

Marble and other stone flooring have long been prized as a symbol of elegance and wealth. However, the cold, hard truth is that if not handled carefully, they can be just that—cold and hard, not to mention expensive to replace. Walk off or entrance mats are necessary to protect your marble/stone floors from stains and scratches, prevent rugs from slipping, and add protection and cushioning.

 

To prevent slipping on marble/stone floors, walk off mats backing needs significant gripping force. Be sure to look for backing made of natural rubber rather than synthetic adhesives and glues, which can stick to and stain floors, to protect your priceless marble/stone floors and keep mats firmly in place. Natural rubber naturally and securely attaches to carpets and floors, whether used alone or in combination with felt. Heat-pressed felt, which delivers a blend of grip and cushion when paired with natural rubber, is also naturally long-lasting.

Keeping your Walk Off Mats Clean

Every floor mat needs to be cleaned frequently. However, this is particularly crucial for entrance floor mats. Entrance floormats are frequently subjected to highly adverse weather and environmental circumstances. This occurs as a result of the installation of entrance mats across the doorway. Others are positioned right outside the door, while others are placed right within the house. The doorway is covered with additional entrance mats that stretch both inside and outside the house or building. As a result, more dirt and moisture are present on the mat because it is exposed to exterior weather and environmental factors. The heavy use is another justification for routine entrance mat cleaning. Anyone entering your house or office building must tread on and scrape on the welcome mat. This implies that a lot of dirt, muck, wetness, and debris are collected by entrance mats. To make your entrance floor mats more practical and to maintain your building clean, you should give them a thorough cleaning.

Also don’t forget the underside. Many walk off mats can accumulate moisture under them and this can cause staining on the stone floor. You should remove the mats regularly and clean and dry the underside.

There are many types of mats available so be sure to check with your local janitorial supplier for recommendations. Even the best mats if not properly cleaned can damage stone floor so make sure to regularly clean these mats and if they are worn replace them.

 

Is a Stone Floor Safe for Older Adults

 

Is a Stone Floor Safe for Seniors(Older Adults)

By Frederick M Hueston stoneforeniscs.com

 

 

A simple google search will come up with hundreds of recommendations for flooring for older adults. Most of them are recommending carpet, cork, rubber or other non-slip type flooring. While these are good choices for older folks there is one thing they have not considered?  These flooring types may be slip resistant, but they are often a trip hazard. Here is why

A lot of older adults shuffle rather that step and walk normally. Also many use a cane or walker. Flooring like carpeting, cork or rubber can reduce the gliding resistance of a shoe and cause someone to fall.  So what are the other choices.

Stone

No, isn’t marble and granite shiny and it’s too slippery? You would think that these shiny surfaces would be slippery when in fact they are not if properly polished.  Most of the slip fall accidents that occur are not on stone flooring.  The top reason for falls is tripping over something and the second is uneven surfaces. Fortunately, a properly installed stone floor is very flat. This means that shuffling or using a walker is very easy and will not catch like it would on carpet or other type flooring

In addition, unlike most ceramic tile, stone has a very narrow grout joint. The advantage to such a narrow joint it is unlike to catch in one shoe or the leg of a walker or a cane.

What if the stone gets wet? Any surface that gets wet can be a slip hazard. Even wet carpeting can be very slippery when wet. The good news for marble and granite is that there are treatments that can be applied to give the stone surface a safe walking surface even when wet. These treatments create microscopic depressions in the stone which act like tiny suction cups. They provide just enough grip when wet to prevent a slip but not enough to catch and cause a trip.  They should be applied by an experience applicator or stone floor restoration contractor.

What about vinyl or wood flooring? These materials can also be slip and trip resistant if properly installed. However, unlike stone they will need the application of a finish which can not only increase maintenance cost and frequency but choosing the wrong finish can also make the floor more slippery.

 

Thousands of slip fall accidents occur each year and installing the proper flooring can not only prevent these but can be safer for the older adult.

 

My Stone and Tile Floor Has Flooded, Now What?

 

My Stone and Tile Floor Has Flooded, Now What?

By Frederick M. Hueston, www.stoneforensics.com

 

Flooding that accompanies hurricanes and other storms can potentially ruin stone, tile, wood, and other types of flooring. The most pressing concern home and property owners have after a flood is whether the floor can be saved. Answering this question can be tricky, because it depends on a variety of factors, including the source of the water, how long the water remained on the surface, and the environment. Let’s look at each of these factors, as well as actions to take immediately following a flood.

Water Source

Is the flood water source fresh water or salt water? If the property is near an ocean or a saltwater source, the salts contained in the water can dry and cause stone, tile, grout, and concrete to pit and fall apart. If the flood water contains sewage, contaminants may be introduced into the pores of the surface material and harbor harmful bacteria. Any type of water can cause a wood floor to warp.

Dwell Time

How long has the water remained on the surface? The longer water sits, the more it can seep into the floor, including the slab or wood substructure under the flooring. The longer water sits, the greater chance for mold and mildew to develop. It only takes 24 to 48 hours after a flood for mold and mildew to start growing. As long as moisture remains, these fungi will continue to grow.

Temperature

Hot and humid climates can also increase the damage to many flooring types. Without air conditioning, flooring materials can expand, which causes stress to the material. Expansion joints can mitigate this stress, but if the floor was installed without proper expansion joints, stone and tile may tent or crack.

Floor types that generally can’t be saved or repaired include wood, certain laminates, vinyl, linoleum, and carpeting. Stone, tile, terrazzo, and other hard surfaces can often be saved.

Preparing for Cleaning Up

Before removing debris, do the following.

1. Make sure the flood has receded. There is no sense in cleaning up if additional flooding will occur.

2. Wear protective gloves and goggles. Flood water may contain some nasty contaminants. For anyone concerned about getting sick, consider wearing a Tyvek suit, which provides protection against a wide range of chemical threats and hazards.

3. Turn off the power. Water can easily seep into outlets and cause electrocution.

4. Take plenty of photos for the insurance company. This is something that many people forget to do, but documenting the damage can be very helpful, especially if you have expensive furnishings. Call your insurance company to report the damage.

Removing Debris

Next, remove any furniture or other items that may have been soaked. After the area is cleared, remove any mud or muck with a shovel.

Remove the Water

Remove the water with a wet vacuum. If there is a lot of water, rent a commercial wet vac. If the flood is minor, soak up the water with towels or a mop and bucket. Vacuum out floor heating or air conditioning registers, as well.

Sanitize the Floor

After the water is removed, clean the floor with soap water. Mix 1/4 cup mild dish soap and 3 cups warm water for marble and limestone flooring. Mix 1/4 cup dish soap, 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups warm water, and 1/2 cup lemon juice for other types of hard flooring.

In a large bucket, combine 5 gallons of water and 1 cup of bleach. Spread the bleach mixture on the floor with a mop or squeegee to sterilize the area. Do not rinse the floor with water. Allowing the bleach to dwell will help facilitate the sanitization process.

Here is a bleach-free alternative formula for sanitizing. Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide that has a 3% concentration. Spray the surface until it is completely saturated with the hydrogen peroxide.

After the floor surface has dried, clean the area with the previously mentioned dish detergent mixture. A good store-bought, pH-neutral cleaner can also be used in place of the dish detergent formula.

Dry the Floor

Place dehumidifiers in the flooded area or use fans to move the air. This will help accelerate the evaporation of water and moisture. Turn on the air conditioner, as well, because it will function as a dehumidifier.

Monitor the moisture of the floor with an inexpensive moisture meter, available at any big box store or online.

Carefully watch the floor for any color changes over the next few days or weeks. Some flooring types can yellow, change color, or fade.

Do not apply any sealers to the floor if it is not completely dry.

Call a Professional

If the floor is turning color or appears to be deteriorating, consult with the property’s insurance company and a professional flooring inspector.

It may take months to properly clean and make the required repairs after a flood. If the humidity level in the flood area is high, be prepared to wait at least 6 months after a flood before starting the remodeling process.

 

About the Author

Fred Hueston, aka, “Dr Fred” has been a floor professional for over 40 years. To read more about him and his company visit StoneForensics.com.

MOLD & MARBLE- WHATS IT ALL ABOUT

 

Mold & Marble- whats it all about

by Frederick M. Hueston, stoneforensics.com

Mold Oh My!  I can’t tell you how many calls I have received over the years with homeowners worried about mold. This concern usually happens after a flood.  Should you be worried, Is marble or any other stone for that matter prone to the growth of mold.  Fortunately, In addition to being an expert on stone I am also a degreed biologist so let me solve this concern:

Let’s first look at what mold needs to grow. Mold in general needs six things to grow and thrive. Without these molds cannot develop.

Moisture- Being a living thing mold needs moisture to thrive. Of course, to prevent mold all you need to do is eliminate the water source. But what about a shower or wet area? Yes, this area can be prone to mold, etc. but it is only one thing that mold requires.  What if I have a flood or leak on my marble floor other than the wet area. Again, moisture can contribute to the problem, but it is not the only factor required for it to grow and thrive.

Tip: To prevent mold from growing in your shower simply take a squeegee and remove the water from the walls after every use. You can also use towels to dry the floor.

Oxygen- Mold and every living thing needs oxygen to survive. Or more technically air. If you remember your grammar school biology air contains 78% nitrogen and only 21% oxygen so I guess, we can say that mold needs air not just oxygen. So, if air cant get behind your marble floors or walls than mold cannot grow. But don’t be fooled, air can find its way into the tiniest of spaces so don’t assume your walls or floors are airtight.

Food- Mold also get hungry and with a food source it cannot survive. So what does mold eat. A nice cheeseburger perhaps. Mold is not a picky eater, and it can survive an almost anything organic which can include the food we eat but also drywall, wood and other building materials that contain organic materials. Yes, even cheeseburgers.

 

Light- No, mold hates the light, especially UV light. However, it loves the dark. Therefore you will find mold in dark corners or areas where no light can shine. This is one of the reason molds does not grow outdoors in direct sunlight. Sunlight has strong UV(ultra violet) light and will kill mold. As a matter of fact, UV lights are used by professional mold remediators to kill mold.  So, you could put UV lights all through your house but only if you want a good tan. No, NO, No. just kidding. UV light can cause skin cancer so please don’t do that.

 

Temperature- Have you ever noticed that mold does not grow on your food in the freezer but does in the refrigerator. The reason is that mold needs a warm temperature. Anything over 32 degrees F and mold can grow but the ideal temperature for most mold is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit or for your metric people out there 16 degrees centigrade. As the temperature rises so does the mold growth. Summer can be a real mold producer since its not only warm but there tends to be more mold spores in the air. More on this next.

 

Spores- Mold spores are everywhere. The air you are breathing right now contains mold spores. So don’t run for the mouthwash, it can’t be prevented unless you are breathing through a filter. So, why doesn’t these spores cause mold to grow everywhere. The answer is simply they need someplace to attach and all the requirements about are met, then and only than can mold take root and start to grow and thrive.  Now if your really grossed out you can always install an air purifier in your home, but this won’t eliminate 100% of the spores.

 

Marble and Mold- So to answer the question can marble contain or harbor mold? The simple answer is yes, if it has moisture, air, food, warmth and a dark place.  In many cases once the marble is dried and cleaned mold is not going to be a concern on marble or any other stone surface. However, if the proper environment is present, it can be a place for it to grow and thrive. In most cases this is rare but not impossible. The reason is that most marble installations do not have enough of a food source for the mold to thrive. Without food or any of the other factors described above, mold will surely die.

Become a Stone and Tile Consultant and Earn Over $250 per Hour

 

Become a Stone and Tile Consultant and Earn Over $250 per Hour

By Frederick M. Hueston

 

Are you a tile installer, stone restoration contractor or someone that provides physically demanding stone and tile services? Is your back giving out? Do your knees hurt? Do you have trouble getting up? Are you concerned about of all those aches and pains now and in your future? Or maybe you are just looking for new ways to capitalize on your hard-earned years of experience.

Become a forensic stone and tile inspector and expert witness and make as much as $250/hr or more sharing your knowledge and experience. The number of failures, poor installations and other issues with stone and tile flooring are on the rise and the demand for experts is greater now than ever.

Many years ago, I fell into the stone and tile consulting business by accident. One day I received a call from someone who wanted me to look at a stone tile installation that was failing. The tile was popping up all over the place. They told me they needed someone to do an inspection of the problem and find a cause for the failure. I told them I could take a look at it, but in my mind, I had no idea what to charge. After some research I told them I could look at it and provide an opinion for about $500. They didn’t hesitate. I drove about 30 minutes out of town, and it took me less than 30 minutes to identify what the problem was. It was just a poor installation. I spent a total of and hour and half and made the most money I had ever made in that amount of time. Suddenly, a light bulb went off and I thought, I wonder if I can do this for a living? Well 20 years later I am making a good living doing just that. No more painful time on my knees, no employees, no payroll, and the only equipment I need is testing meters. Now I am consistently earning over $250 per hour—and many times as much as $3500—for one single inspection.

After providing inspections for the last twenty years, I have come up with a comprehensive course that can teach you the same thing that has taken me nearly all my life to learn.

Stone Forensics’ Stone and Tile Troubleshooting and Inspection Workshop will teach you about stone and tile failures, how to troubleshoot, and how to leverage your expertise to offer consultation, professional troubleshooting and inspection, as well as expert witness services and soon you too can be generating a great income just for your knowledge.

All you need to qualify is to have experience in the stone and tile industry and willingness to learn. For more info check out https://stoneforensics.com/em_event/stone-and-tile-troubleshooting-and-inspection-workshop/

Is Acid Rain Ruining my Stone

 

Is Acid Rain Ruining my Stone

By Frederick M. Hueston

 

Many of us have heard the stories on the news about how acid rain can affect our waterways, potentially killing fish and plants and destroying the environment. But what about your exterior stone surfaces? Are Pool decks, sidewalks and buildings made of stone affected by acid rain. The simple answer is yes but let’s explore a little deeper.

 

What is acid rain?

Any type of precipitation that contains acidic elements, such as sulfuric or nitric acid, that falls to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms is referred to as acid rain, also known as acid deposition. Rain, snow, fog, hail, and even acidic dust might fall under this category

When sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are released into the atmosphere and carried by wind and air currents, acid rain is the result. Nitric and sulfuric acids are created when the SO2 and NOX react with water, oxygen, and other substances. Then, before hitting the ground, they combine with water and other substances.

So, what causes acid rain?

fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity. Electric power generators are responsible for two thirds of the SO2 and one fourth of the NOX in the environment.

vehicles and large machinery.

businesses like manufacturing and oil refineries.

Acid rain is an issue for everyone, not just those who live close to these sources because winds can carry SO2 and NOX over large distances and across borders.

 

How does acid rain affect stone surfaces

First you need to know that marble and limestone and the most susceptible to acid rain. Granite and sandstone are resistant. Marble and limestone are made up primarily of calcium carbonate. This mineral easily dissolves in acid solutions. So, you can imagine if the rainwater that is exposed to these surfaces would dissolve the calcium carbonate. The result produces a rough surface on the stone and over time can even cause the stone to break apart and even turn to powder.

You could anticipate that acid precipitation wouldn't harm protected sections of stone home and buildings. However, protected portions of limestone and marble exhibit blackened crusts that, in some locations, have spalled (peeled off), exposing deteriorating stone beneath. Gypsum, a mineral created by the interaction of calcite, water, and sulfuric acid, makes up the majority of this black crust. Gypsum can form anywhere on carbonate stone surfaces that are exposed to sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) and is soluble in water; however, it is typically washed away. It only persists on covered areas that are not directly wet by rain. Gypsum is white, but the networks that form between the crystals capture dirt and impurities, giving the crust a black appearance. What this means is that even exterior stone not directly exposed to the weather can also be affected.

How do I protect Marble and Limestone from Acid Rain?

 

The answer is not that simple. There is protective coating that can be applied that will resist the acidity however coating any stone in an exterior can cause other problems.  See my article on how sealing exterior stone can be detrimental. If you suspect acid rain maybe the cause of your stone deterioration, then a stone consultant should be called in to evaluate the installation and possibly suggest a remedy. Don’t be surprised if that remedy is to replace the stone.