Your driveway takes a beating from heavy vehicles. It also endures freezing and thawing cycles that damage the concrete. Unless repaired promptly, these damages will lead to cracking and crumbling.
Concrete Contractors Colorado Springs offers several benefits over asphalt. Its longevity and superior durability are just two of the advantages. In addition, you can customize the surface design and add extras to enhance curb appeal.
When deciding on a new concrete driveway, get at least three estimates from reputable contractors. That will ensure you get a competitive price and a high-quality finished product. When requesting quotes, be specific and tell the professionals what features you want in your new driveway. It would be best to ask about the warranty and any additional services in your contract. It is important to note that the cost of a concrete driveway will increase as the size and design become more complex.
In addition to estimating the cost of your concrete driveway, you should consider the materials needed for construction. A new concrete driveway costs $2 to $3 per square foot. That includes materials and labor. Remembering that a driveway is only as good as the sub-base used underneath it is also important. Using the best quality type 1 stone for the sub-base is critical as it will provide the most strength and durability.
If you choose to install a concrete driveway, you’ll also need to pay a contractor to remove any existing surfaces and lay the foundation. The contractor should dig at least 300mm at a depth of 150mm below the damp proof course (DPC) and grade the ground appropriately for drainage. That will include introducing channels to move surface rainwater away from the house.
You can also opt to have your concrete driveway reinforced with rebar. That will significantly improve the durability of your driveway, especially if you plan to park heavy vehicles on it. However, rebar is more expensive than standard concrete and will add to the overall project cost.
A new concrete driveway can add curb appeal and value to your home. In addition, it can be safer for your vehicle than a crumbling asphalt driveway. Additionally, a new concrete driveway is less likely to crack and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
If your driveway has a slope or is uniquely shaped, you must hire a structural engineer. The fee for this service ranges from $100 to $200 per hour. Choosing a qualified structural engineer with experience working with concrete is important.
Concrete is an excellent choice for driveways because it is durable enough to support heavy vehicles and withstand years of environmental exposure. It also holds up well to repeated freeze-thaw cycles and is less likely to crack than asphalt.
However, environmental factors or poor installation can damage a concrete driveway. Moisture penetration, rebar too close together, and sub-grade material that doesn’t compact properly can cause the concrete to crack. These problems can be corrected by a contractor that follows proper construction practices.
Depending on the age and condition of your current driveway, replace it rather than repair it. If it’s older than 30 years, consider a replacement regardless of the repair type.
A concrete driveway can be resurfaced to extend its life, but choosing the right type of surface is important. It would be best to look for a smooth texture to minimize the debris trapped on the surface. A smooth surface is also easier to maintain than a rough surface.
Resurfacing a concrete driveway can also improve its appearance. You can use stain, tint, etching, or stamps to create a desired style for your driveway. If you choose a stamped or textured surface, the cost will increase compared to plain concrete.
In addition, a stamped or textured surface can hide oil and tire marks more effectively than plain concrete. However, engine oil, gas drips, and other stains can show up on the light surface of a concrete driveway more easily than on dark asphalt.
It’s also a good idea to check the drainage system of your driveway. If water pools in areas, it can weaken the concrete and lead to sinking slabs. That can be a safety hazard for drivers and children. To prevent this, you can have the drainage piping re-routed to flow away from the driveway instead of toward it. You can also add strip drains to help keep your driveway dry and prevent puddles.
Concrete is a favorite driveway building material, but it can be expensive. Regular cleaning and applying a sealer is the best way to keep your concrete driveway looking good. The sealer helps prevent damage caused by sun, rain, and traffic. It also protects the concrete from stains and fading due to oil spills. Choosing the right sealer is important; your concrete contractor can help you choose the right one.
A concrete driveway should be resurfaced after about ten years. A resurfacing job includes removing the old surface and applying an overlay with a new color or pattern. The overlay can be a concrete coating, cement, or crushed rock. You can choose a color or pattern to suit your taste and the style of your home. A resurfacing job will cost less than replacing the entire concrete driveway.
The earliest signs of a damaged driveway include cracks and spalling. Whether or not the cracks extend to the driveway’s foundation and require replacement depends on their severity.
Some cracks are superficial and can be repaired by a professional, while others require full replacement. If a hole is found, it is a sign of structural damage and should be replaced immediately.
A good concrete company should provide a free estimate before beginning work. When shopping for a contractor, consider factors like their work quality and customer service. Avoid those who continually push back appointments or do not return calls. It is best to interview several contractors and select the best combination of quality and price within your budget.
Unlike asphalt, which can be laid over existing concrete or gravel, a concrete driveway must be poured where none existed. The soil should be graded and compacted before laying the paving slabs. The base of a concrete drive is usually made up of a layer 8 to 10 in. deep of 3/4-minus gravel. A layer of geotextile fabric and drain tile is often added to stabilize the subsoil.
It is a good idea to wait at least a week before driving on a newly installed concrete driveway and a month before parking vehicles larger than a small car. It would be best to allow a week for the concrete to set before removing the formwork.
Concrete is durable, but like any other surface, it needs to be maintained and repaired regularly. That is especially true in northern climates where freezing and thawing cycles can cause damage to the concrete’s integrity. Some of the most common problems are cracking, sinking, and delamination. Repairing these problems as soon as they occur is important to avoid costly repairs and replacements.
In addition to repairing cracks, it is also important to keep the driveway clean. Oils and fluids from vehicles that leak can deteriorate the concrete. That is why it’s important to sweep the concrete and wash it with a garden hose occasionally to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants. It’s also important to keep weeds from growing in the concrete. If left unattended, these weeds can grow and block the water flow to the surface of the concrete, which causes it to expand and crack.
It’s also important to avoid using de-icing chemicals on a concrete driveway. These chemicals can cause damage to the concrete by forcing thawing and refreezing moisture in the concrete, which can result in surface scaling and spalling. If you need help caring for your concrete, consult a professional.
A well-maintained concrete driveway will last for years. It also adds to the value of a home and increases its resale value. Whether you need to replace or repair your concrete driveway, many options are available. These options range from tearing out the existing driveway and replacing it with a new one to pumping material under the concrete, lifting it, and filling in any voids underneath. The best option for your home depends on the type of damage, how long it has been in place, and the location.
Regardless of the repair type, hiring a contractor with experience working with concrete is important. They will have the knowledge and tools to repair your concrete driveway properly. In addition, they will have a license to work with concrete, which is a C8 license, and use high-quality products.
