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No, cement cannot be used on its own except for rare circumstances, as it's only a binder to form other products, such as concrete or mortar. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to create a concrete or mortar mix. Concrete, for instance, needs cement, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Using the right amount of water and water temperature is essential to ensure you have the right concrete slump and the mix spreads easily and cures well.

The most common cause of concrete cracks is shrinkage when the concrete hardens and cures. The stress from the shrinkage exceeds the concrete’s strength. Concrete cracking can also occur when it experiences extremely cold or hot temperatures, such as a particularly harsh winter or a firepit built into a concrete patio.

Yes, masonry is more expensive than concrete because the labor is much more involved. With masonry, your expert will build your project from the ground up, one piece at a time, ensuring they use the proper amount of mortar or grout during construction and keeping the project level or plumb. Pouring concrete can also be labor-intensive, but it’s a bit less involved. It requires building a mold, pouring the concrete, and letting it cure. The less intensive labor makes concrete a more affordable option in most cases.

Yes, concrete driveways benefit from a driveway sealant. However, applying the wrong sealant to your concrete driveway can actually make it a safety hazard by turning the surface slippery if wet, so avoid epoxy or polyurethane sealers and go for an acrylic or a penetrating concrete sealer instead.