anchorcrete texture concrete background
gray checkmark block

New concrete?

the first 30 days: A simple care checklist

patterned graphic

Welcome to Anchor Crete

Where Quality and Integrity are as Solid as Concrete

gray textured gradient background

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.

anchor crete decorative concrete commercial

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?

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.

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

anchor crete concrete driveway residential

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.

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.

anchorcrete residential concrete driveway
anchorcrete block arrow icon white
anchorcrete block arrow icon white
concrete background with paths in it
white bell block icon

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

anchorcrete block arrow icon white

READY FOR A QUOTE?

Contact Anchor Crete

anchorcrete block arrow icon white

CHECK

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