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Old 09-01-2024, 04:09 PM
BrianL99 BrianL99 is offline
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Originally Posted by villagetinker View Post
Generally the concrete pad installer will come back and make 'stress' cuts, so when the concrete cracks it will usually be at these cuts. Since these cuts in the driveway tend to collect dust, etc., and then weeds, I cleaned these out and filled in with a 25 year silicone caulk several years ago, and no weeds.

I build automobile dealerships up north, so have some experience with large concrete slabs and how they crack.

There's a trick to it. You need to make sure your "saw cuts" are laid out prior to pouring the concrete. Then position your wire mesh (or whatever is being used), along those saw cuts lines, so there's a space where you plan to cut.

Almost all concrete cracks, but if you line up your reinforcement with your saw cuts, you have the best chance of keeping the cracking to a minimum. (Or, pour 5000-6000 lb concrete. It doesn't cost much more and will probably never crack.)

Using quality caulking in the saw cuts, should keep them mostly weed free.