by Bailey Shelton
Step on a crack… so the saying goes. And while superstition shouldn’t drive most home maintenance decisions, there are some easy ways to avoid the dreaded crack in your freshly poured driveway.
First, concrete maintenance is not just about the quality of the work itself. While a skilled hand can go a long way, experts like FLATMADE Concrete Co. can extend the life of flatwork with some simple follow-up treatments. On the day of, the concrete will cure to 50% of its total strength and be sealed. But the surface will need to be resealed about 28 days in, once moisture has been completely released from the concrete.
Ben Driskell and his team at FLATMADE recommend that you always book and schedule a followup visit once the initial project is completed. This maintenance process extends the longevity of driveways and concrete of any kind around a home.
Driveways and high-traffic areas need special attention, as the more they’re used, the more potential there is for damage. For example, if the driveway goes in before a major landscape or home build project kicks off, heavy trucks will be driving over and parking on the freshly cured concrete. If someone is after the absolute best for the concrete, keep heavy traffic off the pavement or deep clean before the final visit. This will keep tire marks or mud from being sealed into the concrete, even though these extra steps might seem like a hassle to homeowners.
Be careful, too, of temperature fluctuations. The first freeze thaw cycle will put flatwork to the test- anyone who has driven on bumpy spring roads will understand the downside when a drive isn’t properly maintained. The correct thickness of concrete will help keep its surface intact, and properly placed joints can help too, but be sure to clear your driveway after heavy snowfall to keep water and ice from dwelling on the surface. Rock salt can damage the drive, so try not to use it unless in emergencies, where it should be scraped away immediately after the ice pack is broken up. Sand can be a good alternative for concrete drives and hardscaping.
Driskell says, “A lot of all these little details hinder 90% of homeowners from getting it resealed.” However, proper finishing is helpful for any concrete surface. These details help your property look new for longer, and avoid the need for patching or repouring down the road. Touch ups can go beyond maintenance, too—a second treatment can fix imperfections or correct any dissatisfaction with the look of the final slab.
Let FLATMADE help with your next project for the perfect finish, every time. Visit flatmadeconcrete.com to learn more.
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15290 Allisonville Road
Noblesville, Indiana 46060
