how long to wait before driving on new concrete

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Concrete pouring can be more difficult for driveways under construction. Trees and rocks will need to be removed and uneven ground leveled. To ensure drainage, contractors will grade driveways that are naturally sloped from the house to the street. Additional charges may apply for heavy equipment that is required during site preparation.

Concrete driveways are not limited to being rectangular or square. Depending on how much space you have, you may want to add a half-circle to make it easier to get to your garage. Because the contractor must build the forms specifically for the curved design, it will cost more to put in. Some homes are built with a slope that is not easily leveled. Therefore, extra labor and time will be required to properly complete the driveway. Contractors are well-equipped to assess how to prepare concrete's foundation, and pour concrete that maintains the desired grade.

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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.

Concrete driveways are often viewed as virtually maintenance-free. But it pays to keep them clean and sealed to prolong their life. The concrete sealer will provide protection and will be applied with a stiff brush and a hose. Sealer should always be applied at the least once a calendar year. The best time to seal driveways is in fall if you live in snowy areas. This ensures that slabs will resist salts and winter weather.

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Concrete is an affordable option, especially when you consider its durability. A driveway may only be required once you have your home.
Stamped concrete is a complex process that requires precision and quick execution. Concrete must then set evenly across the slab. You must have the blueprint and tools ready and prepared to start designing the pattern. After the concrete has set to the desired consistency, it's time to apply color hardeners as well as release agents. Before the stamp patterns are applied, the concrete is tested again. The project is completed with finishing work, detailing and the cutting of contraction joints.

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Stamped concrete must be poured, moulded, and then installed all on site. Pour the concrete into the desired place and press molds onto the top layer. It can also be poured in shaped molds to simulate tiles or cobblestones.
Plain concrete can look rather boring. However, concrete can be colored and stamped for a unique and beautiful surface.

how long should you wait before driving on new concrete

Concrete slabs need to be sealed and maintained annually. It is possible to stain concrete with oil or fluids that have leaked from vehicles.

Geographical location affects the prices of labor and materials. Costs for labor and materials vary depending on where they are located. Some climates prevent concrete driveways from being installed year-round, so expenses and demand can increase during this season.

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Concrete driveway prices are influenced by the size and thickness of the driveway. The driveway size will determine how much material is needed. An old rectangular driveway will be more expensive than one with brick pavers at the edges. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost per square feet is between $4 and $7 for a standard installation. This includes materials and labor. For a more complex driveway, you can expect to pay $8 to $18 per square feet.
The cost of concrete driveways is almost half labor. If the average cost is $4 to $7 per foot, then labor will usually make up $2 to $3 per foot and concrete costs the rest. It takes laborers to prepare the site, create the concrete forms and add rebar, then lay the concrete. Once the concrete has cured the forms will be removed.