Concrete driveways have come a long way since their early introduction into the world of high-performance driveways. The original design was made with flat black concrete to reflect heat away from vehicles and to keep them cool in warmer climates. Now, concrete is a popular choice for driveways because of its variety of styles and designs. If you’re looking for a new driveway for your business, home or property, consider one of the following new driveways:
Concrete driveways require minimal maintenance, but they do need some repairs and upkeep on occasion. As with all types of driveways, they do require periodic maintenance and repair to make sure they remain strong and flexible. Concrete driveways that are cemented will need to be painted every three to five years depending on what the weather is like where you live. For instance, driveways in areas that receive heavy snowfall will have to be repainted more often. Homeowners can prepare their driveways before painting by making sure they prepare the surface properly by using a degreaser and brush, and by making sure there are no tree branches or other debris on the surface.
When you are ready to install concrete driveways, you should choose the best material for the area where you live. Although wood is durable and long lasting, it does not work well in extremely cold or extremely hot climates. Wood also does not hold up well to extremely harsh temperatures and it can crack under pressure. Pressure on a wooden driveway can come from road salt and oil. When you are shopping for a driveway material, you might also consider the longevity of the surface material.
Concrete and asphalt driveways both require maintenance, but the maintenance levels for concrete driveways are much lower than asphalt. Concrete driveways that are sealed and maintained correctly will last for decades. By sealing the surface and applying a sealant, homeowners can reduce their maintenance costs by about thirty years. A sealant will prevent stains and water damage that will lead to the need for sealcoating again. If you seal your concrete driveway once and never apply another sealant, it can last for about three decades.
If you are looking for a durable, attractive driveway, plain concrete may be the best choice. Plain concrete can be made to resemble almost any type of surface, including brick, pavers, and even railroad ties. Because plain concrete is fairly easy to shape into patterns, homeowners can create interesting and unique designs. However, plain concrete is not the ideal material for driveways because it does not hold up well to heavy traffic. Driveways that are made from concrete do not need to be resealed between cleanings. In addition, stamped concrete paved driveways will last for twenty to thirty years without damage or fading.
Many homeowners want to purchase affordable, durable paving materials for their outside walkways, but many different types of materials are available in the market. However, if you are interested in investing in a more expensive option, there are several different options you can consider. Concrete paved driveways that are stamped with design patterns or lines can add a creative element to your home.
Both concrete driveways and asphalt driveways can benefit from some form of maintenance and repair. In general, the cost of concrete driveways is lower than asphalt ones, but both require regular upkeep and repair. For example, asphalt driveways may need to be salted before use and treated for protection against weather damage. Once properly protected, these types of drives can last for many years with little to no maintenance. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, though, concrete driveways typically take longer because of the thicker nature of the materials.
One of the most popular styles of concrete driveways is the stamped pattern, which offers a variety of textures and designs. Stamped concrete is made by placing thin layers of concrete over a thick layer of metal. Stamped designs will typically include bold geometric patterns, while flat designs will have smoother surfaces. These driveways are available in either flat finish or stamped finishes.