An old driveway must be removed in order to create a new concrete driveway. Driveways in disrepair must be dismantled and hauled off to the dump. A driveway contractor usually charges $1-4 per square foot and has the ability to access the equipment necessary to perform this huge job quickly.
Concrete is a preferred material for driveways. Concrete slabs are extremely durable and sturdy and require very little upkeep. Concrete slabs have a high value price for large areas. Concrete is more expensive to use as a driveway surface than gravel or asphalt. But it is far less expensive than driveways made out of cobblestone, brick, and concrete pavers. Concrete also tends to last longer than all other driveway materials.
A sealant can help preserve your concrete driveway for a longer time. Sealing your concrete driveway will help to prevent cracks or protect it from chemicals. It also prolongs its life span. It's common for contractors to include it in their quotes. Ask to verify. A driveway sealant will typically cost between $0.50-$2.50 per square foot. If you have used a special stain, it must be sealed to protect its color.
Stamped concrete is a complex process that requires precision and quick execution. Concrete must then set evenly across the slab. You must have the blueprint and tools ready and prepared to start designing the pattern. After the concrete has set to the desired consistency, it's time to apply color hardeners as well as release agents. Before the stamp patterns are applied, the concrete is tested again. The project is completed with finishing work, detailing and the cutting of contraction joints.
You should wait at least one week before driving on the driveway and at least one month before parking large vehicles on it. You should wait a few months before sealing the concrete.
Concrete poured is also a good choice if you prefer a smooth finish. Most builders recommend stamped, poured concrete for wheelchair-accessible spaces since it creates a more even surface. It's also ideal for large areas and oddly-shaped spaces.
Concrete driveway prices are influenced by the size and thickness of the driveway. The driveway size will determine how much material is needed. An old rectangular driveway will be more expensive than one with brick pavers at the edges. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost per square feet is between $4 and $7 for a standard installation. This includes materials and labor. For a more complex driveway, you can expect to pay $8 to $18 per square feet.
If you are considering hiring a contractor for work around your property or business, get several estimates in writing and make sure you check references. When you are looking for stamped concrete contractors, it is crucial to have a portfolio and actual samples of their work. Some decorative concrete contractors also have showrooms that display all their samples. Another option is to visit the contractor’s website. You will find photos and descriptions of their decorative concrete specialties, as well a description.
Concrete is sometimes incorrectly called cement. But, in reality, cement refers just to one component of concrete. Concrete is a combination of several types of stone aggregate and a mixture with water and lime-based binding agents, usually Portland cement. A pulverized mixture of clay and limestone makes the cement. The concrete mixture's size can vary depending on its intended purpose. Concrete is made using gravel-sized concrete aggregates. Finer sands can also be used to create smoother surfaces and finer work. A mix of gravel- and sand-sized aggregates are used to make driveway slabs, sidewalks, as well as other paving surfaces.
The process of removing an old driveway requires a different type of site preparation in order to make a concrete driveway. Disrepair driveways will need to be taken apart and hauled to a dump. This big job can be done quickly by a driveway contractor who usually charges $1-$4 per square foot.
Stamped concrete (also known as textured or imprinted cement) replicates stone like slate, flagstones, brick, tile and brick. You can use it to beautify patios, driveways, pools, decks, and other areas. It is also an affordable option for paving that requires less maintenance than other materials.
The driveway is now ready to be concrete poured. A crew of several people will work quickly to fill in the forms with the concrete. In order to ensure the slab's ability to shift and fracture at controlled locations, the finishing crew should make sure there are enough expansion joints--grooves dotted across the surface. Natural settling and shifting can cause slab fragmentation.
Although slabs or pavers can look similar to stamped concrete, they are made of smaller pre-poured tiles. This allows homeowners to have more control over how their slabs look and feel.
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.