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You should water new concrete by spraying it five to 10 times per day for the first seven days. This process of moist curing allows the concrete to become as strong as possible to prevent cracks and weak concrete. Moist-cured concrete is 50% stronger than concrete that was not sprayed with water during the first week. The only exception is if you pour concrete in the winter. Then, spraying with water is not recommended.

If you don’t put gravel under concrete, the concrete can crack, sink, bow, or crumble. Even the concrete forming process will not go as smoothly if you are working directly on the soil or bare bedrock. The lack of a proper gravel layer can also lead to drainage issues below your slab, leading to water issues throughout your lawn and around your foundation.

Yes—as long as the area has been properly prepped. Different self-leveling brands and compounds have their own specific instructions for preparation; some may require that you add primer or grind the surface. Without proper preparation of the surface, the compound will not be able to fully bond to the concrete and fill the cure as a separate layer, which makes it prone to chipping.

Asphalt can get sticky in high temperatures and intense sunlight and is better for cooler or moderate climates, while concrete is more likely to crack in colder climates where water can seep into the slab and freeze. Asphalt requires more maintenance in terms of sealing, it has a slightly shorter lifespan, on average, and it’s a bit more expensive to install. Concrete will last longer with less maintenance, and it offers you more options for customization, including staining and stamped patterns. As such, a concrete driveway adds to home value more than an asphalt driveway in many cases.