Stamped concrete can be difficult to replace or repair. Cracks or discoloration can lead to concrete having to be patched or removed completely. It may be difficult to match the repair with the original design.
Concrete that has been stamped is concrete that has had its texture or imprinted to look like brick, slate or flagstone. Concrete stamping has been practiced since the time of the ancient Romans. Concrete was stamped with the names of contractors and years in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, the term "stamped concrete", which is now used primarily for decorative concrete that has been produced using modern techniques, such as patios, driveways and pool decks, became a synonym for concrete with modern uses.
Stamping is usually done on freshly poured concrete. A stamped overlay can be used to cover existing concrete in good condition. This gives it the same look and feel as traditional stamped concrete. Learn more about stamped concrete overlays.
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.
Are you wishing your patio or yard was more inviting and well-designed for relaxing or entertaining?
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.
The concrete pour can now be started on the driveway. It usually takes a team of several people to quickly fill the forms using wet concrete that is purchased from ready-mix vendors. Then, they will quickly finish the driveway. A sufficient number of expansion joints should be made across the wet surfaces at predetermined intervals so that the slab can shift and break at controlled points. The natural shifting and settling effects can lead to slab fragmentation.
Rebar will be laid in the foundation of driveways that are going to be carrying a large load, or with a lot traffic. Rebar is also known as wire mesh and is placed inside concrete forms. Wet concrete is then poured on top of it to create a reinforced layer. The cost of laying rebar adds $1-3 per square ft because additional materials are needed and labor is required.
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.
A 10-foot-by-20-foot single-car driveway could cost $800 to $1600. But a larger driveway measuring 24 by 24 feet would run on average between $2,300 to $4,000. Concrete stamped with decorative designs will result in higher costs. Concrete driveways average 4 inches thick. But, heavy vehicles and equipment may require you to increase the thickness. Concrete is usually sold by the cubic yard. Concrete is typically priced at $125-$150 per yard.
After all the above work has been done, the curing process is one of the most critical parts of a concrete driveway. Concrete is not cured immediately. It undergoes slow chemical processes that harden and strengthen the concrete. It is important that the curing process takes place in the most favorable conditions. It all starts with the weather. Curing is best at 70 degrees. The surface should be kept damp, but not too wet. Curing in cold weather will take more time. Curing times will be slower in hot weather if the surface is regularly dampened with water.
You should obtain several written estimates before you hire any contractor to work on your business or home. Also, make sure to check out their references. It is important that you find a contractor who can show samples of their work as well as a portfolio for stamped concrete. Many decorative concrete contractors have their samples on display in their showrooms. You can also visit the contractor's site, which often has photos of their projects as well as a description about the type of decorative concrete that they specialize in.
It is not uncommon for new driveways to require extra work in order to prepare the ground for concrete pouring. Trees, rocks, and uneven ground will all be removed. If the terrain slopes naturally from the house to a street, the contractor will grade the driveway to ensure drainage. The cost of any heavy equipment needed during site preparation is extra.
The contractor will need to place rebar in the foundation if the driveway is going to be used for heavy loads or traffic. Rebar, or wire mesh, is used as a grid within concrete forms. Then the wet concrete is poured over the top to form a reinforced concrete surface. Additional materials and labor may be required to lay rebar. This adds an additional $1-3 per square foot.