When installed properly, stamped concrete is resistant to cracking. Even if there is minor cracking in stamped concrete, they are difficult to identify because they often blend with the pattern lines and joint lines. There are ways you can hide cracks from the eyes if they become a problem. Look at Why Concrete Cracks to see the most basic steps that you can take in order to minimize cracking, and still ensure high performance.
Plain concrete can appear rather boring. Concrete can be colored and stamped to create unique and appealing surfaces.
Sealing your concrete driveway will help keep it in good shape longer. It will prevent cracks and protect your driveway from chemical de-icing chemicals. Some contractors will include it in their quote automatically. If you are unsure, ask. Sealing a driveway will cost you between $0.50 and $2.50 on average. Sealing a driveway with a specialty stain is required to protect the color.
Wait at the least one week before driving or parking on the driveway. Let the concrete dry for a couple of months before sealing it.
Rebar will be laid in the foundation of driveways that are going to be carrying a large load, or with a lot traffic. Rebar is also known as wire mesh and is placed inside concrete forms. Wet concrete is then poured on top of it to create a reinforced layer. The cost of laying rebar adds $1-3 per square ft because additional materials are needed and labor is required.
Homeowners who want a stone or wooden look but don't have the budget or practicality of using unsuitable materials can stamp their driveways. Contractors can stamp the concrete in any desired pattern for $8-$15 per square foot. For a more attractive concrete driveway, choose from paving stones designs, inlaid or wood planks.
Now the driveway is ready for concrete pouring. The concrete pour usually involves several people working together quickly to fill the forms with concrete, as it arrives from the ready-mix vendor. To allow slabs to move and break in controlled areas, the finishing crew must ensure that there are sufficient expansion joints--grooves placed across the wet surface at the required intervals. A slab that does not have expansion grooves can fracture randomly due to natural settling or shifting.
When the phrase "concrete dyke" is mentioned, it's most likely to bring up a plain gray driveway. Concrete driveways cost an average of $4 to $5 per square foot. This is the most economical option. The cost of a driveway will be divided almost equally between labor and materials, although both will increase depending on its size or shape.
Concrete is a favorite material for driveways. Concrete slabs are strong and long-lasting and require little maintenance. Concrete is a good choice for large areas of paving because of its strength and durability. Concrete driveway surfaces are more expensive than asphalt or gravel. However, it is significantly less expensive than driveways made with cobblestone, brick, or concrete pavers. It also lasts much longer than these.
Stamped or textured concrete, also called imprinted concrete, is a way to replicate natural stones like brick, tile, brick, and slate. This concrete is great for beautifying patios and driveways as well as pool decks and pools. It is an affordable paving choice that requires less upkeep than other materials.
Stamped concrete is made on-site. It's poured, molded, then installed. To create the desired pattern, wet concrete can be poured into the desired location and molds are placed on top to press it in. To create the look of tiles or cobblestones, it can be poured into molds.
Concrete is designed on-site so that you can decide the color and design. Concrete layers can be modified to add cement coloring, to give it a natural stone-like or marbled look.
Concrete driveways do not have to be rectangular or square. You can add a half circle to improve access or an L-shape if your garage is not directly facing the street. A contractor will need to create the forms for curved designs. This ensures that the edges are durable and smooth. Sometimes homes are built on steep slopes that are difficult to level. This means extra labor and time are required to finish the driveway properly. Contractors can assess the concrete's foundation and pour concrete to maintain the correct grade.
It is possible for homeowners to put in a concrete driveway, but it is difficult work. It is essential to take your time as concrete can harden quickly once it has been poured. Professionals can quickly prepare the forms, pour the concrete, and finish the project. A professional crew can complete the whole project in less than a week, while a homeowner may need to take a week for excavation and preparation. Then, pouring and finishing takes another long day. The homeowner who is determined enough to pour his own concrete will need a team of capable, willing and able-bodied people on hand.