You may hear many things about what to do with your newly placed concrete - some are good ideas, others are myths and misconceptions.  Here are a few guidelines to help you, the homeowner, understand what is needed for healthy concrete and to separate these myths from reality.  While the information will not make you a concrete engineer or contractor, it will help you to make informed choices when planning your concrete driveway and walkways.  In particular, this information is designed to help you understand the curing and sealing processes as these are often the homeowner's responsibility once the concrete has been placed and finished.

Concrete construction is a complex set of activities requiring professional skills and an extensive understanding of concrete.  Usually several parties are involved - the general contractor, the home builder, the concrete contractor, the ready-mix producer and the homeowner.  The technical aspects of installing concrete such as planning, preparation, mix specification, placing and finishing are the responsibility of the homebuilder, ready-mix producer and largely, the concrete contractor.  Concrete curing should be done based on a joint decision between the homeowner and the concrete contractor.  Ultimately, any ongoing maintenance is the homeowner's choice and responsibility.