Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Driveways
Is your existing driveway deteriorating, sinking, or in urgent need of renovation? Are you considering replacing your existing driveway with a new concrete one? If so, our company is here to help! As your trusted concrete contractor, we aim to offer you the knowledge and advice required to complete your new driveway done efficiently and accurately the first time. As your concrete driveway contractor we will assist you in learning about everything you need to know while providing you with trustworthy and dependable service.
Considering a Concrete Driveway?
Advantages of a Concrete Driveway
- Best value in terms of cost to life span – this is especially true if you factor in maintenance
- Less expensive than interlocking or pavers
- Can be maintenance free
- Does not develop sinkholes unlike asphalt
- Easy to shovel snow
- Depending on the finish you choose it can be slip resistant
- Durability
- Numerous combinations of driveway styles and textures
Disadvantages of a Concrete Driveway
- More expensive than asphalt
- Can develop surface cracks/chips even if all necessary precautions are taken
- Regular use of rock salt will tend to affect surface quality
- Concrete repair might be difficult
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Concrete Driveway?
What is the cost of a new concrete driveway? You might have read some articles stating that it will cost a single digit price per square foot, but the truth is that the cost of concrete work is highly variable. The cost will dramatically change based on many different factors including: location, price of concrete, labour cost, and complexity of your specific project. This makes it very difficult to give estimates without looking at your specific concrete project. Therefore, for a quick and free rough estimate for your specific project feel free to fill out our contact form.
Types of Concrete Driveways
Broom Finish Driveway
A broom finish concrete driveway is by far the most popular finish. It is the most widely used in finish in residential concrete applications because it is the most cost effective, maintenance free and easily repaired. A broom finish also gives you a very slip resistant surface without the need to seal your driveway unlike exposed or stamped. Broom finished concrete will cure bright white and tends to not hide tire marks for the first few years as well as the other two decorative finishes
Exposed Aggregate Driveway
The second most popular concrete type is exposed aggregate concrete. It is considered a decorative concrete finish just like stamped. This is because it is aesthetically more pleasing than a basic broom finish. You achieve the exposed stone look by spraying a concrete surface retarder on the surface of the concrete which is later washed off exposing the pea stone underneath the surface. One of the positives of exposed is that it can hide tire marks and stains much better due to its darker finish. The negatives with any decorative concrete driveway is that its must be sealed every 2-4 years. This is not difficult to do yourself, but it does add cost and maintenance. It is also more expensive to install than broom finished concrete.
Stamped Concrete Driveway
Stamped concrete (often called textured or imprinted concrete) replicates stones, such as slate, flagstone, tile, and brick. The process involves tamping specialized rubber mats onto smooth concrete. This process transfers the designs on the rubber mats to the concrete. Most people choose a stamped finish for its aesthetic appeal and variations in styles and colours. One important factor to note is that it has the tendency to become slippery in the winter. As a result, it is often used in backyard patios and not on driveways as it becomes much to slippery in the winter. There are a few things you can do to increase traction. One of these options includes adding nonslip additive to the concrete sealer.
Concrete Driveway Construction Process
Base Preparation
Once arriving on the job site, the first thing we would do is start the tear out of the existing asphalt driveway. It is important to be aware that most water mains are located on the driveway so caution should be used when working around it. For driveway projects we excavate to a depth of 5.5″-6″ from top of the concrete. Once this is done, the next step in the driveway process is to ensure there is sufficient gravel to support the concrete. If there is 6 inches of gravel you should not replace the current base. It is important to remember that over the life of your asphalt driveway you have been compacting the base as you drive in and out of your driveway.
Therefore, removing the current base for the same material will only decrease the compaction. On the contrary, if there is not a sufficient amount of gravel you will need to bring some in. We will then compact the base with a plate compactor to ensure we are ready to pour concrete.
Reinforcement
The 3 common types of reinforcement used in concrete driveways include fiber mesh, wire mesh and rebar. The standard method of reinforcing a concrete driveway would be to add wire mesh or rebar. The steel helps add structural integrity and flexibility to the concrete. This will help the concrete act as one unit which will avoid dips and humps from developing in the future. It will also reduce concrete cracks from expanding in the future.
Pouring & Finishing a Concrete Driveway
Once your driveway is formed and reinforced we can start getting ready to start pouring and finishing. The concrete mix ordered for a driveway will need to be 32mpa with quarry stone. Also, make sure that you know the amount of concrete you will need before ordering or else you might not have enough to finish your project. Based on the concrete finish there will be different finishing practices. Since concrete dries quickly it is usually recommended you do not try to DIY concrete finishing yourself. This step requires a team of specialized labour to spread, properly slope and apply the finished look.
Maintenance of Your Driveway
Depending on the type of concrete you choose the maintenance will vary. As an example, a broomed concrete driveway will have little to no maintenance involved. Therefore, the only maintenance would be an occasional power wash of the surface whenever you see fit. Whereas, exposed aggregate or stamped concrete should be sealed every 2-4 years. Although not necessary, sealing will help your driveway look new driveway for many years to come.
Your consumer guide to your the installation of your new concrete driveway from a trusted concrete contractor