If installed correctly, stamped concrete is very resistant to cracking. Even if stamp concrete does experience some cracking, it is often difficult to see because cracks often blend into the pattern or joint lines. There are many ways to conceal cracks that become an eyesore. Check out Why Concrete Cracks to learn the basics of how you can minimize cracking and maintain good performance.
Now the driveway is ready for concrete pouring. The concrete pour usually involves several people working together quickly to fill the forms with concrete, as it arrives from the ready-mix vendor. To allow slabs to move and break in controlled areas, the finishing crew must ensure that there are sufficient expansion joints--grooves placed across the wet surface at the required intervals. A slab that does not have expansion grooves can fracture randomly due to natural settling or shifting.
Pavers or slabs may look like stamped concrete, but are made with smaller, pre-poured tile. This gives homeowners more control over their design and style.
Each feature has many benefits. However, some designs are better than others in certain circumstances. Let's take a look at what to do when choosing stamped concrete or pavers for your backyard.
After all the above work is completed, curing is an important part of concrete driveway installation. Concrete does not undergo a rapid chemical process to harden or strengthen it. It is crucial that this curing occurs in the best possible conditions. The weather is the most important factor. Curing is at its best when it is around 70 degrees and the surface is kept damp but not soaked. Curing in cooler weather will take longer. Curing times can be slowed down by soaking the surface in water during hot weather.
Ready to install concrete driveways? The average cost of a concrete driveway is $3,000 in the US, and can range from $1,800 to $6,000. You can protect your landscaping, reduce erosion and increase curb appeal by making a concrete driveway investment. Because the material is easy to use and affordable, traditional concrete driveways are very popular. Concrete driveway costs depend on the size and thickness of your driveway. However, labor costs and other structural factors will impact the price. Professional driveway contractors have the ability to work with terrain while laying a durable concrete driveway.
Concrete driveways can be very sturdy. They can withstand even the largest vehicles if they are properly installed and reinforced.
You can also use stamped concrete in combination with other decorative concrete elements like exposed aggregate and acid staining.
A few additional things to keep in mind when budgeting for concrete driveway prices. It is possible that the terrain will require extra work or materials in order to ensure a stable driveway. You may also need specialty designs at an additional expense.
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.
The biggest problem with stamped concrete is the difficulty of replacing or repairing it. It can be difficult to repair or replace stamped concrete if it cracks or becomes discolored. It is not always possible to match the new design with the old.
Stamped concrete will require more maintenance over the longer term. Most homeowners will have to have stamped concrete resurfaced and replaced every 20-30years to keep it looking great.
A plain, gray driveway is the most common choice when you hear the term concrete driveway. With an average cost of $4 to $7 per square feet, it's the most economical concrete driveway option. Materials and labor are almost equal in cost, but they will vary depending on how large or small the driveway is.
Although permits are not always required for driveway construction, it is a good idea to contact your local authorities. Most often, permits will be waived if a concrete curb has been installed in a subdivision. The average permit price is $50 to $200 if it has not been installed.