Concrete driveways usually last 25 to 50 years depending upon how well constructed and maintained. A basic concrete driveway will cost from $4 to $10 per square yard when it is installed on top of a gravel basis by a professional crew. The national average for driveways 16x38 is $6/sqft. A driveway costing $3900 would be about $3900. The cost of a colored or stamped exterior can almost double. A demolition of an existing slab will result in a slightly higher cost.
Concrete manufacturers experimented with decorative concrete techniques from the 1890s. Brad Bowman (considered to be the "father” of modern concrete stampeding, invented and patents new methods for making concrete that looks like flagstones and other non-concrete substances in the 1950s. He used wooden stamps with multiple concrete pieces that could be imprinted at once.
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.
A concrete apron is required by most municipalities to connect a driveway and the road. The apron is usually the same width as your driveway and covers the area where you build a sidewalk. This apron is often used by developers to prepare a new housing development. It's usually cheaper to build all of them at once. An apron is available for $3-10 per square foot if it does not exist. You can use them as public access spaces, but you should check with your local authorities to ensure it is built to code.
Color can be affected by weathering and dirt as well as traffic. The concrete can be resealed and cleaned regularly to reduce any color shifts. Even if the color is faded from years of neglect, or lack thereof, you can often restore it to its original condition by cleaning and sealing.
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.
After all the work has been completed, the curing is the most crucial part of a concrete driveway. Concrete does not cure immediately. Instead, concrete undergoes a slow chemical reaction that hardens and reinforces it. This curing process must take place under the best conditions. This starts with the weather. The ideal curing temperature is 70 degrees, with a surface that is kept moist but not wet. Curing in cool weather will take longer. To speed up curing in hot weather, you should dampen the surface with water.
When concrete is wet, it can be slippery. Concrete is not the best choice for areas with high rainfall or near pools. Concrete can crack or expand under extreme temperature changes. It can crack or warp when it is subject to extreme heat or cold.
Concrete is an extremely durable surface. Concrete slabs can last as long as 50 years when properly maintained.
There are many advantages to each feature, but certain designs work better in specific situations. This is what you need to know about stamped concrete vs. pavers and slabs for your backyard.
Stamped concrete is easy to maintain, unless it's being misused. Concrete poured is less strong and can crack under constant heavyweight. Concrete may not be the best choice for large driveways or patios with heavy furniture.
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.
Because stamped concrete is a textured concrete, it is often more slippery than normal concrete. It can also become slippery if the sealer or film-forming agent has not been applied. There are many things you can do if stamped concrete is to be used in a high-traffic area such as an entranceway or pool deck. Talk to your contractor about any concerns.
Because it can be slippery, polished concrete is not recommended to be used for outdoor driveways. Concrete driveways can be left unfinished or have a textured, broom or exposed aggregate finish. This gives the driveway a natural look. The cost to install a plain finish is $6-$8 per square foot. Other basic finishes are $8-$12.