concrete care & maintenance

Congratulations!! You are a new concrete owner. You have made an investment that will add value and aesthetics to your project for years to come. Like any building material, concrete requires some maintenance to maximize its service life. MCA recommends the following practices:

🏠 New Concrete Care:

What Every Homeowner Should Know

Welcome to the neighborhood of concrete ownership! Whether it’s a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or slab—you’ve made an investment that adds curb appeal and long-term value to your property. With a little care, your concrete can last for decades.

Here’s what to do to protect your concrete, especially during the critical first year. If you are looking for recommendations on concrete design and placement guidelines for driveways and sidewalks - CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE

⏱️ Step 1: Curing (Immediately After Installation)

Why it matters:
Curing is essential for concrete to gain strength and durability, as it keeps the surface most so the concrete is properly hydrated during the critical early hours/days after placement. In many cases, the contractor handles this as part of the installation. However, if you're unsure, it's important to ask whether curing is included in their process or if it comes at an additional cost.

What to do:

  • Start curing within 30 minutes after finishing the surface.
  • Choose an approved method:
    • Cure & Seal (ASTM C-1315)
    • White Curing Compound (ASTM C-309)
    • Wet burlap, plastic sheets, or soaker hoses
    • Cold Weather Tip: If temperatures drop, cover the concrete with insulated blankets for at least 3 days to prevent freezing.

📅 Step 2: Sealing (After 30 Days)

Why it matters:
Sealing protects your concrete from water infiltration, salt, and surface damage caused by Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles. 

What to do:

  • Ask your contractor what curing products were used. (Curing compounds naturally wear off after about 6-12 months, however they can be removed via power washing after 30 days to apply a sealer).
    NOTE: Cure and seal products contain a sealer therefore do not need to be sealed until the water no longer beads up on the concrete surface. (Typically 1-2 years after placement.
  • It is always recommended to power wash your concrete slab prior to applying a sealer to remove any surface stains.
  • Apply a high-quality silane or siloxane sealer after at least 30 days. (Call your ready mix concrete producer for recommended products)
  • Use a roller or sprayer—follow the sealer manufacturer’s instructions and do not apply damp concrete or in cold temperatures.

♻️ Step 3: Ongoing Maintenance

Keep your concrete in great shape with these habits:

  • Reapply sealer every 3–5 years or when water no longer beads on the surface
  • Avoid chemical deicers during the first winter
  • Use sand for traction on icy areas instead

❄️ Winter Care: Know Before the Snow

Concrete is most vulnerable during its first winter. As snow melts and refreezes, moisture inside the concrete can expand and cause cracking or flaking.

Avoid these deicers:

  • Calcium chloride
  • Magnesium chloride
  • Fertilizers
  • Water softener salts

After the first year, only use sodium chloride (rock salt).

Here are some safe options:

  • Morton Safe-T-Salt
  • Safe Step Rock Salt 3300
  • Merit Hall Bulk Road Salt (98% NaCl)
  • Compass Minerals / Cargill Bulk Salt (96–98% NaCl)

    Use only enough to provide traction. Remove any slush after the salt has worked. Never pre-salt before a storm.

    👉CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SUMMARY OF DEICERS

💬 Need Help?

Talk to your concrete contractor or ready-mixed supplier for specific care tips.

👉 Or visit www.miconcrete.org for more expert advice.

Concrete is tough—but with the right care, yours can be even tougher.
Take the time to maintain it now and enjoy strong, beautiful surfaces for years to come.