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Concrete floors can last 50 to 75 years or more when properly sealed and maintained. Some concrete finishes, like polished concrete, will need to be refinished periodically—depending on the finish and foot traffic, you may need to refinish or reseal your concrete floors every five to 20 years. Keeping the concrete properly sealed will prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your concrete floors. 

A layer of exposed aggregate concrete should be 1 to 2 inches thick if you’re installing it on top of existing concrete. If you’re pouring a new slab with the finish, slab thickness will depend on the application. Exposed aggregate concrete driveways should be 4 to 6 inches thick in most cases or 8 to 12 inches for commercial vehicles. Sidewalks, patios, and walkways should be 4 inches thick.

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, you can drive on concrete after seven days. While doing so, take extra care around the edges of the freshly poured concrete surface, as these areas may not be as strong as the main concrete surface. You should also avoid driving heavy trucks and machinery on new concrete until it’s fully cured, 28 days after it’s poured.