To connect a driveway to a road, most municipalities require a concrete pron. It is typically of the same width and includes the location where a sidewalk will be built. Because it is cheaper to do everything at once, developers often use this apron when they prepare new housing developments. The average cost of building an apron is between $3 and $10 per square feet if one does not exist. They are considered public access spaces so make sure you check with the local authorities.
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.
Forged, stamped concrete also has lower labor and installation costs than other options. The first step is to prepare the space for workers and then set up drainage portals, frameworks and frameworks. The concrete will then be poured into place and stamped with the desired designs and textures. This could take only a few working days.
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.
Natural stone patterns like flagstone, slate, and fieldstone are the most well-known types of stamped cement concrete. Close behind are bricks, cobblestones and wood patterns. There are also seamless stamped that add texture to the concrete, but with no joint patterns. Even complex projects with stairs and fountains, you can still press patterns into concrete.
Are you wishing your patio or yard was more inviting and well-designed for relaxing or entertaining?
Stamped surfaces can last for decades, just like regular concrete. They are easy to install and maintain, even in harsh winter conditions. Stamped concrete can sometimes be even more durable that standard concrete. This is especially true when a color-hardener was used during its construction. Sealers are applied by contractors to stamped concrete to prevent it from abrasion and wear.
Stamped concrete requires more care over time. It will be necessary to have the concrete resurfaced or renewed every 20-30 years by most homeowners to maintain its beauty.
It is durable and lasts longer than most other paving materials and requires less care than those it replaces. The average frequency of cleaning stamped concrete and sealing it should be every 2 to 3. This is dependent on the amount of foot traffic, weather, chemicals, weather, and other factors. You can do a basic clean with a garden hose, pressure washer, mild detergent and a pushbroom before sealing. Color hardeners or sealers strengthen the surface and make it more resistant to abrasion. They also block the penetration water, stains, dirt, and chemicals. It is a good practice to clean up oil, grease, and any other spillages as soon as possible. Contact us to learn more about sealing and cleaning stamped concrete.
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.
Rebar is required for driveways that are expected to bear a large load or to see a lot of traffic. The contractor will place rebar or wire mesh as a grid in the concrete forms. Next, the concrete is poured onto top to create a reinforced surface. Rebar is an additional $1-$3 per square foot because it requires additional labor and materials.
Every concrete driveway will need to be repaired at some point. They will need to be replaced every 30-40 years.
You can add a border to your standard concrete driveway to give it some personality. A border made of bricks or paving stones can be used to enhance the look of a concrete driveway. You can expect to pay $6-15 per linear feet to add a brick- or stone border. These borders are usually installed by driveway contractors. Bricklayers can also be subcontracted.
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.