Concrete is one of the most durable substances, but you wouldn’t believe it by looking at flaking and crumbling surfaces on thousands of driveways located primarily in areas where there is frequent freezing and thawing.

Industry experts say flaking or scaling shouldn’t occur if concrete is made, poured and maintained properly.

The following tips should minimize the risks:

Before Hiring A Contractor

• Get bids from at least three contractors & inspect their work.
  
• Insist the concrete is made , poured and cured according to the specifications below & include the specifications in the contract.
  
• Consider hiring a testing lab to check the concrete as it is poured.

Specifications

• The ground should slope one-eighth inch per foot & should be moist when the concrete is poured.
  
• Insist on six bags of cement (564 lbs) per cubic yard of concrete.
• Demand air-entrained concrete.
  
• Strength should be at least 4000 pounds/square inch.
  
• Use one inch or smaller aggregate & the concrete should not be overworked.
  
• Limit the water. It’s called the slump & should be about five inches.
  
• Surface water should evaporate before finishing.
  
• Use curing compounds immediately after finishing or by moist curing for seven days.

After It’s Poured

• Don’t park on it for 30 days.
• Seal it every fall to prevent water from penetrating.
• Clear snow & ice away as quickly as possible
• Don’t use salt or chemicals

Further Information

The Concrete Promotional Group
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
Portland Cement Association (PCA)
American Concrete Institute