Concrete Driveways
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| Asphalt Driveway | Concrete Driveway | Brick Driveway | Gravel Driveway | Stone Driveway |
A concrete driveway is smoother and nicer to drive on. But the most compelling reason to choose a concrete driveway is the startling array of choices in color, texture, surface stamping and appearance, and its versatility in design.
Adding curb appeal to your home enhances its perceived value, and a well planned and stunningly designed concrete driveway, which blends into your landscaping and site in an appealing and integrated way, will make a huge difference in your home's appearance. Choosing a concrete driveway gives you maximum design versatility.
Concrete Driveway Cost
Though the initial concrete driveway cost is approximately 40% more, concrete is more durable than other paving materials which means less maintenance over time, and less cost to you in the long run. with an expected lifespan of 50 years, as opposed to 30 years for asphalt paving.
Paving Concrete Driveway
For concrete paving, first the site is prepared by cleaning, grading and laying the subsurface foundation of aggregate. For colder climates a finer gravel is used to protect the concrete from frost. The base is compacted with a vibratory plate compactor. Steel reinforcement is added at this point to enhance strength and durability.
Forms are created and then the concrete is poured and finished. The most important part of the process is curing. A minimum of three days is needed, but 7 days is highly recommended, and will ensure that your concrete driveway hardens fully prior to use. Joints are then cut, and the final sealer applied.
Driveway Resurfacing
New technologies have allowed for concrete driveway resurfacing, a thing unheard of 30 to 40 years ago. The surface must be thoroughly pressure washed and coated prior to resurfacing, to allow the new layer of concrete to adhere properly.
Driveway Sealing
As with most paving, concrete driveway sealer is needed periodically, but you'll find that it's needed much less often than with other paving. Because asphalt paving is composed of oil, it needs sealing every 3 to 5 years.
Driveway Repair
If installed properly, concrete driveway repair will be minimal, but occasionally small cracks will appear. They can be easily filled and the seam recolored to match the surrounding concrete.
As with most paving, concrete driveway sealer is needed periodically, but you'll find that it's needed much less often than with other paving. Because asphalt paving is composed of oil, it needs sealing every 3 to 5 years.
Stamped Concrete Driveway
Choosing how you'll integrate the design of your stamped concrete driveway into your homesite is a fun aspect of design, and with a concrete driveway you have a lot of choices. There are over 90 stamped designs that can be integrated into a concrete driveway! Flagstone, wood, cobblestone, and ceramic tile are just a few of the choices available to you.
You can also choose an attractive color to blend into your overall landscaping and house colors to enhance your stamped concrete. A talented contractor who uses newer molds and pattern stamps, and integrates color and texture can create some stunning results!