Polished concrete is not recommended as an outdoor driveway material because it can slip when wet. Concrete driveways are usually left as-is or come with a texture, broom finish or exposed aggregate finish. Installation costs for a plain finish range between $6 and $8 per sq. ft. While basic finishes run $8 to $12,
Deicing salts should not be used on stamped concrete during the first winter after pavement has been installed. Deicers can cause damage to the concrete surface, including scaling and spalling. They also force moisture to freeze and thaw. Concrete is chemically attacked by ammonium-nitrates or ammonium sulfurates. Although they will cause less damage than calcium chloride or sodium chloride, they can also harm vegetation and corrode metal. Sand can be used for traction. This article explains how to maintain concrete driveways and the effects of deicing salts on sealer performance.
Concrete that has been stamped or textured is concrete that looks like brick, slate flagstone, stone tile, tile or other textures. The ancient Romans started stamping concrete for different purposes. Concrete used to be stamped with years and contractor names during public works projects. However, in the late 20th century, the term stamped concrete became synonymous with decorative concrete. It is concrete that has been poured with modern techniques and can be used in driveways or patios.
Concrete requires regular maintenance, including sealing, in order to maintain its long-term durability. The stains can be difficult to remove due to oily and other fluids.
After all the above work, the curing stage is crucial for a concrete driveway installation. Concrete does not harden, but it goes through a slow chemical process which strengthens and hardens the material. This curing must occur under the best conditions. Weather is key. Curing is ideal at around 70 degrees. It is important that the surface be kept damp but dry. Curing in cool conditions will take much longer. Curing times are slower when the weather is hot.
Stamped concrete quickly became a standard component in many building projects. Jon Nasvik, an American manufacturer, invented lightweight and strong urethane concrete stamps. He developed plastic stamps to imprint both pattern and texture onto wet concrete. This improved efficiency.
As evidenced by well-known structures like the Pantheon and other Roman buildings, basic concrete stamping techniques were used by the Romans. Concrete companies who were granted bids by the government to work on public works projects in late nineteenth- and early 20 centuries often used concrete stamps containing the company's name and sometimes the year. This provided a visual historical record of when specific sidewalks were made.
Sealing your concrete driveway can be a great finishing touch that will keep it in top shape for longer. Sealing concrete driveways can prevent cracks, prolong their lifespan, and protect them from chemicals that de-icing agents. It may be included in the estimate by some contractors, but you should always verify. It costs approximately $0.50 to $2.50 to seal a driveway. You must seal any specialty stain you have chosen to protect it.
For the lowest upfront cost, stamped concrete is cheaper than poured concrete. Concrete is relatively inexpensive and can be used to cover large areas of land quickly.
When the term "concrete driveway” is used, a standard, plain-gray driveway is what comes to mind. This is the most affordable concrete driveway cost option, at an average of $4-$7 per square foot. Although the labor and materials cost almost equally, the price will rise depending on the size and shape of your driveway.
Stamped concrete looks extremely realistic, as stamping mats can be molded from the same materials that they are intended to duplicate. Concrete contractors commonly use integral or dry shake color along with surface-applied colors to create natural-looking variations. Stamped concrete can look better than real concrete, as it doesn't harbor moss, weeds, or any other growth, and won't rot if you mimic wood planking.
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.
As evidenced by well-known structures like the Pantheon and other Roman buildings, basic concrete stamping techniques were used by the Romans. Concrete companies who were granted bids by the government to work on public works projects in late nineteenth- and early 20 centuries often used concrete stamps containing the company's name and sometimes the year. This provided a visual historical record of when specific sidewalks were made.
One of the biggest disadvantages of stamped concrete is its difficulty in repairing or replacing. Concrete can crack or become discolored. This concrete must be repaired or completely removed. It can also be difficult for the repaired parts to match with the original design.