How to Make Your Concrete Last Longer

Concrete is a durable and versatile material, commonly used for driveways, sidewalks, patios and more. However, like any construction material, it requires proper care to ensure optimized longevity. By implementing certain practices, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your concrete surfaces. Here are some simple tips to make your concrete surface last longer.

7 Tips to Expand Your Concrete's Lifespan

Allow Proper Curing Time: After concrete installation, patience is crucial. Wait at least 36 hours before walking on new concrete, and give it a full 7 days before driving vehicles on it. This allows the concrete to attain its maximum strength and durability.

Manage Water Drainage: Proper water drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation around concrete slabs. Ensure water is directed away from the concrete surfaces, as standing water leads to cracks and erosion over time.

Winter Maintenance: During winter, act swiftly to clear snow and ice from your concrete surfaces. The freeze-thaw cycle causes damage as water seeps into cracks, freezes and expands. Prompt removal of snow and ice helps prevent this cycle.

Choose the Right Deicing Agents: Avoid using rock salt and deicers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate. Ammonium sulfate and nitrate contribute to concrete deterioration. Instead, use sand for traction on icy surfaces.

Regular Cleaning: Perform routine cleaning at least once a year. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to remove dirt, stains and debris from the surface. Grime buildup degrades the concrete over time.

Apply Sealers or Coatings: Applying a concrete sealer or epoxy coating provides an extra layer of protection. Sealers create a barrier against moisture, chemicals and stains, enhancing the concrete's longevity.

Prevent Moisture Trapping: Items like flower pots, doormats or furniture trap moisture against the concrete surface, leading to prolonged dampness. Make sure moisture-trapping objects are elevated or relocated periodically to allow the concrete to dry.

See more concrete maintenance tips or check out our full section of concrete resources.

Importance of Proper Concrete Maintenance

Proper maintenance isn't just about aesthetics; it's essential for preserving the structural integrity of your concrete surfaces. Cracks, erosion and surface degradation compromise the durability of the material. Neglected concrete not only looks unsightly but becomes a safety hazard over time. By following a regular maintenance routine, you enhance the visual appeal of your property and protect your investment by extending the life of your concrete.

The Best in Concrete Installation & Repair Across Southeastern Wisconsin

Dornbrook Construction offers installation, repair and replacement for industrial, commercial and residential concrete surfaces. Our concrete services are tailored to meet your specific needs, and we ensure the longevity of your concrete structures with proper installation. Whether you're considering a new concrete driveway, patio or sidewalk, Dornbrook Construction has the expertise to execute the project with precision. Contact Dornbrook today to experience Southeast Wisconsin’s best in concrete installation and repair.

Back To Blog

The Dornbrook Difference: Customer Testimonials

We were so pleased with our new driveway, sidewalk and the work that Dornbrook Construction did for us. Larry, the owner, has a great crew working for him. Matt and Rudy have everything and everyone running like teamwork. They came on time, were pleasant and very clean. We would recommend them for you.

- Katherine

I can’t say enough good things about this company. From my first inquiry and throughout the entire driveway replacement, they have been amazing. Great communication, walked me through everything, and patiently answered all my questions. Even when they unexpectedly uncovered an old cistern, they didn’t miss a beat & took care of that. Cost was below competitors, but they did quality work & didn’t cut corners. Crew showed up promptly every morning, and Larry was onsite to oversee the project. Stellar job!

- Carol

Dornbrook Construction did a great job with our cement patio! Their quote encompassed taking out bush stumps, old small cement patio, cement benches and posts from wood deck. They were quick and efficient in their work. It looks great!

- Christine

Larry and his team at Dornbrook Construction are awesome. Over the past 2 years, they have poured 2 large stamped concrete patios at our home. Both look incredible. Larry’s team is professional and friendly. Larry personally came out to see the area we had planned, gave us recommendations, and provided a professional quote. When the time came to begin the project, Larry continued to check in with us to make sure we knew exactly what the process was and make sure we were all still “on the same page” for the project. Larry continued to offer his recommendations with color and design that fit our home environment. We took their advice both times and we are more than happy we did because the patios look incredible. The Dornbrook construction team was also family friendly with my kids who watched the whole time. Watching Larry’s teamwork was incredible to see their skill and dedication to making each line perfect and seamless and that we were happy with the end result. What they are able to create with concrete is truly impressive. Our patios are perfect and we continue to get compliments about them. We will continue to use Dornbrook Construction for their expertise in the future and absolutely recommend their services to everyone. Thank you Larry and thank you Dornbrook Construction.

- Sean

Driveway install went great, no stress. Additional things found were dealt with well. Since the install was clean there was very little debris to clean up, they did a great job keeping it tidy for a big and typically messy work. Will certainly work with them in the future.

- Mark

See all our customer testimonials