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.
Stamped concrete can be more difficult to maintain over the long term. To maintain its best appearance, stamped concrete will need to be resurfaced or replaced by homeowners every 20-30 years.
The most durable and longest-lasting paving material, stamped concrete requires less maintenance than regular replacements. It is recommended that stamped concrete be cleaned and sealed every two to three years. However, this will vary depending on how much foot or car traffic the area has, the weather conditions, chemical usage, weather conditions, and other factors. A basic cleaning is enough to clean the concrete with a pressure washer or garden hose, mild detergent, and a push-broom. The surface is stronger and more resistant to abrasion. Sealers and color hardeners help prevent water, stains and chemicals from getting in. It's a good idea, however, to immediately remove any oil, grease, or other spillages. Call us for more information about how to seal and clean stamped concrete.
Concrete is not the most attractive of building materials, though color-etching as well as stamping are possible. These decorative techniques, however, are more difficult to maintain and last less time than plain concrete.
Concrete driveways offer strength. Concrete driveways will withstand any vehicle, provided they are installed correctly with reinforcement and the right base.
A stamped concrete color that is durable and weather resistant makes colored and stamped concrete the perfect choice for patios, decks and driveways.
To connect a driveway to a road, most municipalities require a concrete pron. It is typically of the same width and includes the location where a sidewalk will be built. Because it is cheaper to do everything at once, developers often use this apron when they prepare new housing developments. The average cost of building an apron is between $3 and $10 per square feet if one does not exist. They are considered public access spaces so make sure you check with the local authorities.
These materials can either be poured into molds or sanded until they are the right size and shape. There are many designs and materials that are cheaper than others. This means you can find something that fits within your budget.
Every concrete driveway must be replaced eventually. They are expected to last for 30-40 years so they don't need to be replaced often. But there are some signs that you can look out for to help you plan a replacement driveway.
There are many design options out there, but most homeowners prefer to use stamped concrete, pavers, and slabs. It is often a question of preference: pavers vs slabs or stamped concrete.
Stamped concrete can be one of the longest lasting and most durable paving materials. It requires less maintenance that the materials it replaces. Regular maintenance should be performed every 2 to 3-years on average. It will vary depending upon the type of use, foot and vehicle traffic, chemicals used, weather, climate, etc. The only thing that's required before sealing is to do some basic cleaning using a pressure washer or garden sprayer, mild detergent, and push broom. Color sealers and hardeners improve the surface's strength, resistance to abrasion, as well as blocking the penetration of water, chemicals, stains, and dirt. It's still a good thing to get rid of oil, grease, etc. as soon as you can. Give us a call for more information on how you can clean and seal stamped concrete.
When installed properly, stamped concrete is resistant to cracking. Even if there is minor cracking in stamped concrete, they are difficult to identify because they often blend with the pattern lines and joint lines. There are ways you can hide cracks from the eyes if they become a problem. Look at Why Concrete Cracks to see the most basic steps that you can take in order to minimize cracking, and still ensure high performance.
When you mention "concrete drive", a standard, plain grey driveway is what pops into your mind. The most cost-effective choice when it comes to concrete driveway prices, with an average cost of $4-7 per square foot. While labor and materials are nearly equal, both costs will rise with the driveway's size or shape.
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.