There are many options for design, but homeowners tend to prefer slabs or pavers over stamped concrete. Many people are often confused about which option is best: stamped concrete or pavers or slabs.
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.
Each concrete driveway will eventually need to be replaced. They should last between 30 and 40 years so it is not an expensive expense. However, there are common indicators that will help you know when to plan for a replacement driveway.
Stamped concrete can be affected by weathering, erosion, dirt, and traffic. Regular cleaning and resealing concrete can help minimize color changes. You can often restore concrete to its original color by cleaning it and resealing, even if it has been affected by years of neglect.
Every concrete driveway will need to be repaired at some point. They will need to be replaced every 30-40 years.
Depending on your region, driveways can be made of asphalt or concrete. Concrete driveways have a long life span and are affordable. These are the three types of concrete that you should consider when budgeting for concrete driveway expenses.
Concrete is a highly durable surface. Concrete slabs can be lasted up to 50 year if properly installed and cared for.
Concrete slabs need to be sealed and maintained annually. It is possible to stain concrete with oil or fluids that have leaked from vehicles.
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.
Concrete is an affordable option, especially when you consider its durability. A driveway may only be required once you have your home.
Sealing concrete driveways is an option to prolong driveway life. Sealing your concrete driveway can help prevent cracks from forming, protect it against deicing chemicals, and extend its life expectancy. It is often included in the price of a contractor's quote. You should verify this. Sealing a driveway costs between $0.50 and $2.50 per square feet. To protect a specialty stain, it will need to be sealed.
The Pantheon is a well-known example of a Roman structure that used concrete stamping. Concrete companies that won government bids on public works projects used concrete stamps that included the company name and sometimes the years of concrete pouring. This allowed for visible historical records about the construction of sidewalks.
Concrete producers started to experiment with modern decorative concrete techniques back in the 1890s. Brad Bowman, the "father" modern concrete stamping, was a pioneer in developing and patenting concrete techniques that looked like non-concrete materials such as flagstone or wood. He used wooden platform stamped that could imprint multiple pieces simultaneously.
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.