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THE   JOB  IS  NOT FINISHED  !

The best way to protect your concrete investment is to be knowledgeable on its proper installation and aftercare.  There are six requirements to achieve Quality Exterior Concrete Flatwork.  The contractor or person in charge of placing the concrete will follow the first five requirements.  After the contractor applies a curing compound to the concrete, directly after the final finishing process, the requirement of Proper Aftercare begins.

Proper aftercare is extremely important to retaining the quality of your concrete.

Don’t drive on new concrete for at least 7 days.

Don’t allow drain water to undermine the slab and cause settlement cracks or a wet sub-grade.  Don’t allow snow and ice to accumulate on the slab which will prevent good drainage and drying of the surface. 

Don’t use de-icing chemicals for snow or ice removal if possible.  Always read the labels for instructions and ingredients of de-icers.  If de-icers are needed they should be shoveled or swept off the surface after they have melted the ice or snow.  Sand can be used for traction.

Never use de-icers containing fertilizer ingredients such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and magnesium chloride which is used in many residential de-icers.  These chemicals attack and destroy concrete by chemical reaction.

In September your concrete must be sealed the first year to prevent moisture penetration of the surface.  The contractor may offer this service or the sealer compounds can be applied by the home owner.  Sealer should be re-applied as the last application wears thin.

If wear shows in high traffic areas (as sometimes happens with Wisconsin winters), clean the surface and reseal for further protection.

Protect your investment by sealing your concrete every September for two to five years depending on the type of product used.  Always remember to read the manufactures instructions, some products can cause a darkening of the concrete surface.  Concrete like any natural material must be protected against the freeze-thaw cycles and chemical de-icers of the harsh Wisconsin winters.  As the concrete sealer wears from year to year a new layer of water repellant sealer should be applied to add to the longevity of the concrete surface.

Contact your contractor or call us at Jackson Concrete, Inc. to complete and protect your investment.  A full line of concrete products and information is available through Jackson Concrete, Inc. call, 262-335-2321 or on our website:  www.jacksonconcrete.com