Get matched with top concrete leveling pros in Lake Arthur, NM

Drying concrete faster after rain is tricky because you’d need to increase the temperature or airflow over your slab, both of which are challenging to do outdoors. It can help to remove water from your concrete quickly, though, as the faster you remove rain from the surface, the lower the risk of the water affecting the ratio of your concrete mix. Use squeegees or mops to remove water, and consider covering your slab with a tarp to protect it from future rainfall.

Most standard concrete patios are around 4 inches deep. However, concrete patios that need to support very heavy items, like a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, should be around 6 inches thick to support the full weight of these items. You'll also want to make sure you install rebar for patios that need to support a lot of weight like this.

Thicker concrete is less likely to crack due to extreme weather changes. At a minimum, concrete slabs should be at least 4 inches, but if you’re worried about the concrete cracking under the weight of heavy machinery or from the freeze-thaw patterns of your climate, you should use even thicker concrete. A professional concrete company near you will be able to advise on the best thickness for your climate and use case.

With an average lifespan of 30 years, concrete driveways last the longest of any material on the market. That’s why it’s the go-to choice for most contractors throughout the nation. Gravel driveways can also last up to 30 years but require much more maintenance—and regularly buying and adding more gravel—to make it that long.