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New concrete?

the first 30 days: A simple care checklist

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Welcome to Anchor Crete

Where Quality and Integrity are as Solid as Concrete

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Hours 0-48

Protect & Start Curing

  • Keep all people, pets, and equipment off the surface.
  • Don’t place planters, grills, or furniture on fresh concrete.
  • If it’s hot, dry, or windy, light misting may help (unless a curing compound/sealer has already been applied).
  • Protect from accidental sprinkler overspray and pooled water.

RELATED

Browse our Residential Concrete Services and Commercial Concrete Services.

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Within hours 6-24

Cut Control Joints

  • Contractors will typically saw‑cut control joints during this window to manage natural cracking. Don’t fill these yet.
  • Keep the surface clean; avoid dragging wheelbarrows, ladders, or pallets.
  • Rain is okay, but prevent concentrated drainage that causes erosion along edges.

GOOD READ

Concrete: Repair or Replace?

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Day 3-7

Light Use Only

  • Foot traffic is usually fine; keep vehicles off until about day 7.
  • No jack stands, motorcycle kickstands, or trailer jacks directly on the slab. Use pads if needed.
  • Skip pressure washing—especially high PSI or tight nozzles—until after 28 days.

PROJECT IDEAS

Thinking patio or walkway upgrades? See why Textured Concrete Walkways & Patios Are Trending.

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Day 7-14

Ease Into Vehicle Traffic

  • Passenger cars are generally okay; avoid tight steering on hot days (fresh concrete + soft tires = scuffs).
  • Keep heavy trucks, dumpsters, and lifts off the slab.
  • Clear nearby downspouts and keep water draining away from edges.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Extend the Life of Your Driveway

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Day 28

Full Strength & Sealing Window

  • Concrete reaches design strength around 28 days.
  • This is a common window to apply sealer (or as directed by the sealer manufacturer).
  • Consider edge/drainage fixes now to prevent long‑term issues.

SEASONAL CARE

Summer Concrete Care: How to Protect Your Concrete Surfaces.

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FIRST WINTER

Play It Safe

  • Avoid de‑icing salts on your brand‑new slab; use sand or grit for traction.
  • Keep snow shovels with plastic edges; avoid metal blades and snowblower skids scraping the surface.
  • Rinse off road salt tracked from vehicles when temps allow.

FOR FACILITIES

Joint repairs, loading zones, and high‑traffic slabs—start here: Industrial Concrete Repair: Choosing the Right Product.

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WHEN TO
CALL US

If you notice standing water, scaling, pop‑outs, or cracks wider than a quarter inch, let’s take a look. Sometimes localized issues can be managed; other times, tear‑out & replacement is the long‑term value play.

EXPLORE

All Concrete Services

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READY FOR A QUOTE?

Contact Anchor Crete

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Our Locations across Tuscarawas, Knox, Coshocton, Holmes, Wayne, Ashland, and Stark Counties.