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Unfortunately, concrete cracks happen, so there’s no surefire way to avoid them long-term. To slow down the cracking, apply a sealant every two to three years and use sand rather than salt to melt snow or ice. Using salt speeds up the freeze-thaw cycle, which may increase the likelihood of cracking. Additionally, keep vehicles and heavy machinery off of your concrete, as the weight can lead to more cracking.

Penetrating sealer seeps into concrete pores to protect it from moisture and staining, cracking, and mold caused by water. This means you cannot remove penetrating sealers like topical sealers. The good news is that penetrating sealant doesn’t have to be removed before resealing, as most topical sealers must. Instead, you’ll want to buy a compatible penetrating sealant (often the same kind already in the concrete) and apply it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Concrete houses will last for between 75 and 150 years, depending on the environmental factors in your area. Unlike lumber in stick-built houses, concrete doesn’t rot, and it’s more resistant to wildfires and earthquake damage, so you’ll almost always get a longer lifespan from a concrete house than you would a traditionally framed one.

Yes, thicker concrete is less likely to crack. The thicker the concrete is, the less susceptible it is to extreme changes in weather conditions that often cause concrete to crack or chip. If you’re unable to install a thicker concrete driveway for any reason, you can also ask your professional to install more rebar or wire mesh to provide greater strength and better resilience to damage.