Concrete for driveways, sidewalks and patios enhances the appearance and value of the home and can provide many years of maintenance free service if the following guidelines are adhered to:

• Proper curing of concrete is essential for long term durability.
  
  
• Do not drive on new concrete for at least seven (7) days after placement of a concrete driveway. Keep heavy trucks off for at least 6 months.
  
  
• Drainage from your house or street should not undermine the concrete subgrade. Unsightly settlement cracks can occur if erosion under the slab is allowed.
  
  
• DO NOT use de-icing chemicals (salt or calcium chloride) for snow and ice removal the first winter after placement of the concrete. If needed, use sand to provide traction.
  
  
• WARNING: Never use deicers containing fertilizer ingredients such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate. Concrete should also be protected from exposure to liquid fertilizer systems used on lawns.

What are concrete sealers and can they be of value to me?

Quality sealers provide protection to the concrete surface where harmful materials such as de-icing salts may be inadvertently deposited on the surface. Snow removal from streets that were salted and cars parked in driveways in the winter can deposit enough of these materials to cause surface deterioration.

Sealers may be applied:

• 30 days after placement of concrete.
  
  
• When the surface is dry and ambient temperatures are above 50·F.
  
  
• Preferably before the first freeze.
  
  

Use a product from a reliable manufacturer and apply as directed.

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