By Syd Martin, owner of Crete Concepts
Getting ready for pour day
- Move cars, boats, trailers and outdoor furniture out of the work area and the path to it the day before.
- Turn off sprinklers in that zone a day ahead and keep them off until we say it's fine to run them.
- Keep pets and kids inside while the truck is backing in and the concrete is being placed.
- Unlock gates and make sure the side yard is clear so the truck or pump can reach the pour.
The first 24 hours
- Stay off the surface completely. Footprints, paw prints and leaves press right into fresh concrete.
- If it rains, don't try to cover or touch it yourself. Call us and we'll take a look.
The first week
- Light foot traffic is usually fine after a day or two.
- Wait about a week before driving a car on a new driveway, longer for trucks, boats and RVs. We'll give you the exact timing for your job.
- Keep sprinklers, fertilizer and pool chemicals off the new concrete. Fertilizer and well water can leave rust-colored stains.
The first month
- Concrete keeps gaining strength for about a month. Avoid heavy equipment, dumpsters and delivery trucks on it during that time.
- Don't pressure-wash it yet. Rinse with a garden hose if it needs it.
Year-round care in Southwest Florida
- Rinse off sand, leaves and pool water so they don't stain or stay damp.
- Clean oil drips on driveways quickly with a degreaser and a stiff brush.
- Keep downspouts and sprinklers aimed away from slab edges so water doesn't wash out the soil underneath.
- Stamped and decorative concrete looks best with a fresh coat of sealer every few years. We can reseal it for you when it starts to look dull.
About hairline cracks
Concrete shrinks as it cures, which is why we cut control joints into every slab. Their job is to give the concrete a planned place to crack, in a straight line inside the joint. A fine hairline crack along a joint is the joint doing its job. If you see a crack that's wide, uneven or growing, send us a photo and Syd will take a look.
Common questions
How long before I can drive on new concrete?
Usually about a week for a car, depending on the weather and the mix. Heavier vehicles should wait longer. We tell you the exact timing for your job.
When can I walk on a new patio?
Light foot traffic is usually fine after a day or two. Stay off it completely for the first 24 hours.
Should I seal my concrete?
Stamped and decorative concrete should be resealed every few years to keep the color and shine. A plain broom finish doesn't need sealer to do its job.
Is a small crack in my new concrete normal?
A fine hairline crack along a control joint is normal; that's what the joint is for. If a crack is wide or growing, send a photo and we'll take a look.