As with anything, such as your vehicle, house, swimming pool, etc., proper maintenance will make your concrete slabs last longer and look better. Proper compaction before the slab is poured is a start, however, this may be out of your control or just simply over looked. Once the slab has been poured there are several ways you can make the life of the slab last a long time. We recommend sealing
all open cracks and control joints with a good quality polyurethane caulking. This is a simple procedure the average homeowner can perform.

CRACK SEALING PROCEDURE

1. Clean out the cracks and joints completely (making sure to remove as much of the old sealant as possible) with a high-pressure garden hose nozzle, wire brush, or grinding wheel, and let dry thoroughly.
   
   
2. Fill the cracks with white silica sand, dry play sand, or backer rod (available at most lumber yards or hardware stores).
   
   
3. Clean out the crack so both sides of the crack are free of any contaminates.
   
   
4. Place approximately ½” of urethane caulking on top of the sand. We recommend Vulkem products available at most hardware stores.

MORE TIPS

Re-route downspouts, or sump pump discharge lines, to drain away from the concrete. Simply by adding a different elbow and extension, you may be able to get them far enough away to not cause any problems. Adding dirt next to the slab as erosion occurs.