Concrete and flatwork · Lubbock, TX
How long before you can drive on new concrete in Lubbock
Walk on it in about a day, drive a car on it in about a week, and give it a month before heavy loads.
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The usual timeline
- About 24 to 48 hours: foot traffic
- About 7 days: passenger cars and light pickups
- About 28 days: full design strength, so wait this long for RVs, loaded trailers, and heavy trucks
What changes it in Lubbock
Concrete gains strength faster in warm weather and slower in cold. On a cool spring or fall pour, especially between about October 31 and April 10, when freezes are possible here, add a few days. In summer heat and wind the surface can dry before it cures, which weakens the top layer. Curing compound or keeping the slab damp matters more than the calendar.
Keep vehicle tires off the edges for the first few weeks. Edges are the weakest part of a new slab. Ask your contractor what mix strength they poured and when they recommend driving on it.