Get matched with top concrete driveway pros in University Park, PA

For handy homeowners, concrete projects are DIYable, and DIYing is a good way to save on the cost of a concrete slab, walkway, or other concrete work. If you’re completing a larger project or one that’s subject to building codes, you should always hire a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

To remove carpet padding glue from concrete, scrape away as much of the top layers as possible with a sharp-edged scraper or putty knife. You can be more aggressive on a concrete floor than on hardwood, so scrape off as much as possible. Then you can soak the area with hot water for a few minutes before continuing to scrape. If there is still glue left behind, use a solvent that is made to remove adhesives and apply it to the area. Then scrape the rest of the glue off.

For most homeowners, wood and wood screws are the best materials to make concrete forms because they’re affordable, readily available, and easy to work with. Steel is a better concrete form material because you can use it thousands of times for repeated work, but this is most useful in commercial applications where one job is necessary many times over.

Magnesium chloride is often said to be the safest salt-based option for pet owners. Potassium chloride and calcium chloride are other common choices. For homeowners with dogs, urea is generally safe for their paws and won’t be harmful if ingested. You might also consider opting for an ice melt brand designed with pet safety in mind.