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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.

Tree roots don’t necessarily break through concrete on their own, but they can certainly take advantage of existing cracks, even very small ones. As roots grow, they expand the cracks, making them larger and leading to serious and costly foundation damage. It’s a good idea to have repairs on any foundation cracks you’re concerned about.

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.

Yes, you can pour a concrete slab on dirt, but only if you follow specific requirements. A wooden frame is a must, and the soil layer used for the base must be wet enough, thick enough, and compact enough to support the weight of the concrete slab. Consult with a concrete contractor to ensure you have the base you need.