A Concrete Driveway can be a great way to add curb appeal to your home. The process
for installing one will vary depending on the type of driveway you want. Learn more about design options and the cost of installing a driveway. Continue reading for tips on the process of installation and how to maintain it after it is completed. There are many benefits to having this type of driveway installed. If you are interested in learning more about how to build a concrete driveway, read on!
Cost of a concrete driveway
The cost of a concrete driveway varies widely. The type of concrete used, the area it is installed in, and labor prices all factor in to the final cost. For a basic driveway, it will cost anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot. However, if you want to be more creative, you can use patterns and contrasts to make your driveway look even more beautiful. A concrete driveway is a good choice for homeowners who want to improve the look of their home without breaking the bank.
The amount of concrete used for a driveway can be four to six inches thick, and the price of this will be based on the thickness of the driveway. Although four inches of concrete is usually sufficient for a standard-size vehicle, thicker concrete is better for heavier vehicles. If you’re not too particular about the look of your driveway, a standard concrete driveway will do just fine. However, if you want to increase the value of your home, you should consider getting a nicer-looking driveway.
Construction process
The construction process of concrete driveway starts with preparing the site by clearing it of any tree roots or grass. A contractor will mark the location of utilities, and will remove any other debris. Then, they will use a mixture of hand tools and power equipment to lay down a sub-grade. The finished surface will be smooth and even, thanks to the use of a combination of power tools and hand tools. The finishing crew will also make sure that the concrete driveway has enough expansion joints, which allow the slab to shift or break in controlled areas. Without expansion joints, the slab would deteriorate randomly due to natural settling.
The sub-base for your concrete driveway is the foundation beneath it. It must be sturdy and compacted to provide adequate support for the driveway. The concrete mix used for the driveway should adhere to ASTM C-94. A proper mix of concrete can help prevent cracks and other damage caused by the material. The right mix is essential to a well-constructed driveway. In addition to using the correct concrete mix, you should also make sure to follow the installation guidelines.
Design options
If you’re considering adding a custom-made concrete driveway to your property, you have many design options to choose from. You can choose to match the appearance of your house to the surrounding landscape, or make your concrete driveway stand out from your neighbor’s. However, you should keep in mind that a customized concrete driveway may require more labor and material than a standard grey-colored one. However, if you’re looking for a unique finish for your concrete driveway, you can opt for a stained-concrete finish. This finish is achieved by soaking up a chemical-based stain and reacting with the minerals in concrete, producing a patched, mottled effect.
Unlike asphalt, concrete driveways last longer. If you’re looking for a long-lasting surface that won’t require a lot of maintenance, concrete is a great choice. It is relatively inexpensive compared to paving stone options, and it has a very low maintenance cost. One of the most obvious disadvantages of concrete is that it is boring and lacks patterns or styles. While this is true, a concrete slab can complement a modern house, or be an elegant complement to a traditional home. Unfortunately, concrete driveways are prone to cracking and are difficult to match if you’d like to change it.
Maintenance
One of the most common tips for maintaining your concrete driveway is to keep it dry at all times. However, this tip cannot be applied to all situations, as some problems may be subtler than others. Heavy trucks, for example, should not be allowed to drive on your driveway for 30 days after installation. Heavy equipment may damage your driveway, especially if its tires track on it. To avoid this, use a floor squeegee to clean your concrete driveway after heavy rain.
Regular cleaning of your concrete driveway is necessary to keep it looking good. Depending on the amount of traffic it receives, you may have to reseal it every couple of years to avoid fading and chipping. Similarly, if you have an oil-burning car, you should immediately clean up the spill. Depending on the amount of traffic that your driveway sees, you might have to refinish it every few years. If the concrete is exposed to extreme temperatures, you should avoid the use of hot surfaces.
