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Yes, you should always wet concrete before jackhammering to avoid harmful dust from becoming airborne. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, they recommend a wet-cut method that involves continuous spraying of the concrete where the jackhammer bit hits. Use a jackhammer with a built-in sprayer attachment, or have a work partner spray the area with a garden hose and spray nozzle.

Vinegar has become popular because it’s wallet-friendly, easy to find, and sounds like a great alternative to harsh chemicals and expensive machinery. However, vinegar isn’t strong enough to remove concrete sealant. Sealants can resist acid, and vinegar is a much weaker acid than chemical removal agents. And worse, vinegar can damage concrete by dulling it and causing pitting.

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. 

Concrete can cure in 24 hours if the temperature remains above 40 degrees, but it might take up to 48 hours for the initial curing if the temperature drops close to freezing. You can speed up the curing process in cold weather by using accelerants, or you can insulate the slab or enclose and warm the area with heaters.