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Yes, you can drive on concrete after seven days. While doing so, take extra care around the edges of the freshly poured concrete surface, as these areas may not be as strong as the main concrete surface. You should also avoid driving heavy trucks and machinery on new concrete until it’s fully cured, 28 days after it’s poured.

Concrete dries faster in the heat than in the cold, but when concrete cures too fast, it can cause weak concrete. It’s best to pour concrete when temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, watering it five to 10 times per day for seven days (unless you pour concrete in the winter). Slower cure times, such as when pouring concrete in cold weather, can cause strong concrete, but you need to monitor the temperature drop and moisture levels. Avoid pouring concrete when temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cost of asphalt driveway repair is usually similar to the cost of average concrete driveway repairs, but maintaining asphalt tends to be less expensive on a per-instance basis. For example, resurfacing asphalt costs about $1 less per square foot, but it doesn’t last as long as concrete and will need more frequent repairs. An asphalt driveway lasts 20 to 25 years, but a well-maintained concrete driveway can last twice as long, so the maintenance costs and timeline even out.

Yes, you can mix your own concrete for smaller jobs using premade bags of concrete. All you have to do is add water. There are different kinds of concrete, so make sure you get the right type for the job and mix according to the instructions. Too much or too little water can undermine the strength and durability of the final product.