Maintenance Tips For You To Prevent Unnecessary Concrete Repairs

One of the more popular materials considered during exterior construction is concrete. This is largely because concrete can be used for an assortment of applications ranging from driveways to walkways and more. Moreover, concrete is a sturdy material. However, some homeowners tend to be under the assumption that since concrete is strong, it can be neglected without any repercussions. The truth is that if concrete is not well-maintained, you will find yourself having to deal with unnecessary concrete repairs on a regular basis. This is why it is prudent to know how best to care for your various concrete surfaces to prolong the lifespan of this material. The following are some handy maintenance tips you could use on your concrete driveway to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary concrete repairs.

Let newly laid concrete cure sufficiently

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when concrete has been laid on their driveway is not giving the concrete enough time to cure sufficiently. On average, concrete needs to be left to cure for at least a week once it has been installed on your driveway. This gives it enough time to dry from the inside out, rather than simply having the top surface dry and the interior stay soft.

Once the concrete is cured, it is recommended to avoid any heavy traffic on it for a few more days just to be on the safe side. You can walk on the driveway, but do not drive vehicles on it or store heavy items on its surface. If your concrete is left to cure sufficiently, you reduce the chances of it pitting or cracking before its time.

Ensure you de-ice your concrete with the right compounds

Although concrete is a durable material, it is susceptible to damage when snow and ice are allowed to freeze on it. A mistake some people make is resorting to salt to melt this frozen ice. Although the ice will begin to thaw, you also pose the risk of damaging your concrete. Instead of salt, opt for chemical compounds such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride to de-ice your concrete during the winter months. These will be less corrosive to your concrete driveway as compared to the sodium chloride that salt is made up of.

If it is your concrete driveway's first snowfall, then you should consider skipping the de-icers altogether. This is because they may seep into the concrete and cause long-term damage that you may not be able to spot immediately. Instead, consider pouring some soil on the concrete driveway to provide you with traction during the winter months.

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