Concrete Care - Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios and Steps

There are a few simple steps as an example that will help ensure that your new concrete reaches its full potential:

Usage - Stop! Don't park there yet! If possible, we suggest that you stay off of the concrete for at least two weeks. We know that it can be inconvenient to wait, but you'll want to give the new concrete time to cure.

Curing - Curing is the most important step in concrete placement, yet is typically the most neglected. To ensure that concrete reaches its maximum designed strength and durability, it must be properly cured. This process must begin as soon as the concrete will accept the process without damage to the surface. There are two methods for curing concrete:

• Wet Curing is the process of keeping the concrete surface saturated. A garden sprinkler is typically used for this type of curing. Continuous wet curing for 7 days is the preferable method. Do Not allow the concrete to dry out during this time period. If you are not able to wet cure then consider a curing compound.



• Curing Compound is a chemical that seals in the moisture. They are typically applied with a sprayer but can also be rolled on with a paint roller.

Sealing - Water repellent concrete sealers can help to prevent surface defects from cold weather by keeping water from getting into the concrete slab. New concrete should dry for 30 days after proper curing. A quality concrete sealer helps maximize protection and lengthens the time between applications. Some sealers, primarily designed for industrial applications, darken or yellow the concrete. Ask if your sealer discolors the concrete and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Use Caution with Deicers - While concrete is the most durable product available for your home; proper care is a requirement for long-lasting beauty and wear. The use of deicing chemicals can be detrimental to a new concrete surface. Here are a few guidelines:

Avoid Using Deicers the First Year - Concrete continues to gain strength. While some deicers, such as salt, do not chemically react with the concrete, they increase the number of freeze/thaw cycles the concrete must go through. This has the potential of damaging the concrete until it has reached its maximum strength. Don't Use Deicers With Ammonium Nitrate or Ammonium Sulphate - NEVER use deicers containing ammonium sulphate or ammonium nitrate. These chemicals are often packaged and sold as deicers, but they will rapidly disintegrate concrete. Common garden fertilizers containing these two chemicals, or urea, may cause disintegration as well. Be cautious of products that claim to "be safe for use on concrete." Avoid any deicing material the first year if possible while the concrete is gaining strength.

Sand is Safe - Use Sand Anytime. One of the few safe materials to use to make the concrete surface skid resistant is plain sand. This can be purchased at several locations, frequently at your ready mixed concrete producer in your area. Always put safety before the appearance of your driveway, patio or sidewalk.

"Spotting" or "Speckling" during the curing process is not unusual. Don't be alarmed if your new concrete looks a little dotted - it should go away within a few weeks. Finally, even after your best efforts, dehydration and shrinkage cracks may be unavoidable. Typically these are barely noticeable and become less so over time.

Great! I want to schedule an appointment. What's my next step?

That's easy. Contact Us by filling out the short form. We'll be in touch soon to schedule an appointment that works for you. After discussing your project we'll provide a written proposal. While most often, we send our proposals via email for prompt delivery, we can also fax or US Mail...whatever works best for you! Upon receipt of an executed contract, whenever possible, most projects start within two weeks.