If you have recently redone the Concrete on your driveway, you are probably wondering how long you should wait before you drive on it. We will answer that question and more in the following blog.
While Concrete is considered one of the strongest building materials, it does require time to set and cure. On average, it takes about 28 days for Concrete to cure completely. Now, this doesn't mean you can't drive on new Concrete for almost a month.
You should at least wait 24 hours before you let foot traffic, such as people and pets, onto your new concrete driveway. In terms of driving your vehicle on it, it is recommended that you wait at least a full ten days, but keep in mind that concrete achieves its full strength the longer it cures, so if you can, we recommend waiting the full 28 days.
If you drive on your new Concrete driveway before the seven days are up, you will start to run into some problems later down the road. While the issues may not be immediately visible, they will start to appear over time. If you drive on the Concrete in the early curing/setting stages, the Concrete will already start to weaken and eventually start to crack. Remember to apply your sealer prior to allowing vehicle traffic onto the driveway. Protect your investment!
Your new driveway will be a significant investment, so it is essential to take all the necessary steps to maintain it.