If you live in a region with harsh weather conditions, you may frequently have to replace your concrete driveway. Exposure to rain, snow, and ice can damage the driveway’s surface. Furthermore, the sun can break down the concrete’s components, causing minor cracks and hairline fractures. If these problems continue, you may want to consider replacing your driveway altogether. However, the cost of returning the driveway may outweigh the benefits of its durability.
After installing concrete, you need to allow it to cure fully. Because concrete doesn’t cure quickly, it must be kept moist. It is critical to prevent the concrete from drying out. To achieve this, you must regularly dampen the driveway with water. After two days, you can walk on the concrete. However, it is not advisable to park your car on the driveway until it has fully cured. It will need up to 28 days to reach its full strength.
To make your concrete driveway stronger, consider reinforcing it with steel. You can buy steel mesh and install it in a grid pattern over the pour site. This will evenly distribute the weight and will increase the driveway’s strength. If you’re unsure whether rebar is necessary, consult with a professional concrete contractor to determine the suitable material for your concrete driveway. For more information, visit Total Concrete. Once you have the appropriate materials, you can pour your concrete driveway!
While installing a concrete driveway, there are several things you should take into consideration. The thickness of concrete should be uniform across the surface, not varying by three or four inches. If your concrete driveway is used for heavy vehicles, you need thicker concrete. Additionally, the driveway’s slope must be at least one-eighth of an inch. As far as the width of the driveway goes, you can make a double-car driveway as broad as fifteen to eighteen feet.
Unlike asphalt, concrete requires fewer materials and less maintenance. Additionally, it’s an eco-friendly material. The concrete itself can be recycled after thirty to fifty years. Another benefit of using concrete for your driveway is that it is entirely customizable. You can add decorative elements to it and paint it with vibrant colors and unique designs. This is a great way to add curb appeal to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Besides using concrete for the driveway, you can also choose to install a brick border. Brick borders are a great way to give your driveway an updated look without replacing the entire thing. Brick borders are an excellent option and can cost anywhere from six to fifteen dollars per linear foot. Most driveway contractors can install brick borders or subcontract the work out to a bricklayer. It would help if you also asked about the warranty when choosing a concrete driveway contractor.
The cost of a concrete driveway depends on its size and thickness. A traditional, rectangular driveway will cost less than an elaborately stylized driveway. However, you should be aware that the more decorative you want, the more you’ll pay per square foot. And remember that concrete is sold per cubic yard.
