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Concrete cracks can occur at any time. Many cracks actually happen within a few hours or days of pouring the concrete because of mistakes made during the process; here are a few reasons for freshly poured concrete cracks.

If you’re nervous about causing cracks when pouring concrete, hire a pro to handle the work, rather than tackling it yourself. You can also prevent ongoing cracks by taking care of your concrete pathway or driveway with a little sealer. Here’s how often to reseal your driveway to reduce the risk of cracks.

Spraying water on concrete will slow down the curing process and can help create a stronger slab. Spraying your concrete may be necessary if you’re pouring in hotter temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, if it’s particularly windy, or if your new concrete is exposed to intense sunlight. Avoid spraying for the first four hours, and then spray five to 10 times a day for the following week.

Concrete walkways cost around $1,800 for 200 square feet. At an average width of 3 feet, that price will likely cover a walkway that’s around 65 feet long. This price is also for walkways that are 4 inches thick. If you need thicker concrete to support vehicle traffic, you will pay more. This price includes the cost of the concrete itself, as well as the cost for delivery and installation.

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.