- Concrete will crack! Please understand that concrete is a porous material that will expand, contract, stress, and settle and therefore crack. It is inevitable and unless it is a crack larger than 1/4 of an inch in width than it isn't anything to worry about.
- Also, color variations in concrete are a common occurrence and are beyond the control of the builder or subcontractor.
- In most cases, exterior concrete cracks are due to expansion and contraction because of temperature variations, soil movement and slight home settlement. Driveways are not designed to handle the extrememe weight of dual axle and dual wheel vehicles.
- Lawn fertilizer left on the driveway, sidewalk, and patios will stain the concrete and cause rust spots. This can be prevented by immediately hosing off the driveway, sidewalk, or patio after applying fertilizer.
- Water used to irrigate lawns may also cause driveway, sidewalk and patio staining and mildew, and continuous contact should be avoided.
- A good solution to use is Clean concrete with a solution of five tablespoons of baking soda to a gallon of water. Before using the cleaning solution, wet the floor with clear water and losen the dirt with a steel brush or scraping blade.
- A concrete sealer may be applied to the floor, following the manufacturer's directions, approximately six months after you move in. This will make it easier to clean and will reduce concrete dusting.
- Note: Use of concrete sealer may make the floor slippery when wet.
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