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.
Stamped concrete, also known as imprinted or textured concrete replicates stones such slate and flagstone, brick, tile and brick. It's popular for beautifying patios or driveways with its many color options and patterns. It is also more affordable than other paving options and requires less maintenance.
The concrete design is made on the property. This means that you can choose the exact color and design. Concrete layers can include cement coloring to give the desired appearance.
Stamped concrete is a durable, long-lasting paving material that requires less maintenance than other materials. Stamped concrete needs to be cleaned and resealed every 2 to 3 year. This will vary depending on what the area is exposed to, whether it is used by foot or cars, weather, chemicals, and so on. Before sealing, you can clean the surface with a gardenhose or pressure washer and some mild detergent. Color sealers and hardeners make the surface more durable, harder to abrasion and prevent the penetration of chemicals, stains, water and dirt. It is still a good idea for oil, grease, and other spillages to be removed immediately. We can help you clean and seal your stamped concrete.
Pavers require some maintenance to be in top condition. Pavers are often sealed with sand in the spaces between them. These tiles might eventually become damaged or lose their seal, and will need to be resealed.
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.
Do-it-yourself projects are not advised. If you run out time or can't take it apart to re-do it, you will not be able finish it later. You can't do it all. Sub-base preparation, concrete mix, gauging when the concrete is ready to be stamped, and finally finishing the job before it hardens are just a few of the many problems that can occur. If you plan to use your stamping tools and materials on multiple projects, they can cost hundreds of bucks. You should read these nine reasons why stamping concrete is not for you.
The driveway is now ready and waiting for concrete pour. This usually involves a crew of several people working fast to fill the forms and finish the surface. To ensure slab movement and breaking at controlled times, the finishing crew must also make sure that sufficient expansion joints are created across the surface. A slab can become fractured randomly from natural settling and shifting if it does not have adequate expansion grooves.
You can add a border along the edges of your concrete driveway to add style and elegance. Concrete driveways can look more attractive with borders made from bricks and pavers. For a brick or paving stone border, expect to pay $6-$15 per foot. These borders can usually be installed by driveway contractors or they will subcontract it to a bricklayer.
It is a different way to prepare the site for a new concrete driveway. If your driveway is in poor condition, it will need to been broken up and taken to the dump. A driveway contractor can access the necessary equipment to complete this job quickly. Usually, they charge $1 to $4 per square feet.
Concrete can look dull and boring, but it can be colored or stamped to make it unique.
In the 1970s, stamped concrete was a more common component in construction projects. Jon Nasvik, a manufacturer of lightweight and durable concrete stamps, created them in the late 1970s. His plastic stamps could be used to imprint pattern and texture on wet concrete.
Concrete prices will vary depending on what type of concrete is used. The majority of driveways are made from plain gray concrete. However, you can make it more appealing by having a stamped or stained driveway. These decorative features are more expensive, but make for a great feature. A stamped driveway can be purchased for $8 to $15, while a stained driveway will cost $6 to $12 per square feet.
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.