Installing a new driveway at your home can be exciting but it requires numerous considerations. You may need to assess, the variety of concrete driveways you install influences how much care is required, throughout its lifetime, how long you can anticipate it to last, how it deals with flooding, and how enduring it is, among other things. To get the best guidance for your new concrete driveway installation, consult a concreting contractor for expert advice.
If you’re interested in building a new concrete driveway for your home, the different types of concrete driveways to consider while installing a concrete driveway are listed below:
What are the different types of Concrete Driveways?
The most common driveway concrete is plain concrete, also known as coloured concrete when created in colours other than the standard grey. This material is prevalent amongst homeowners and is known for its sleek, clean look and poured-in square slabs. Plain concrete can be used on any surface, though some may need more maintenance over the period.
If poured over regular soil, you could encounter sudden shifts and when the ground below inevitably moves. A plain concrete driveway is typically long-lasting but will require resealing at least every 5 to 10 years. It may also need resurfacing with asphalt paving about once every 15 years, depending on how well you maintain it. Therefore, concrete is a rather costly driveway choice over the long term.
1. Concrete & Aggregate Mix
The best concrete type for driveway installation is concrete mixed with aggregate (stone, pebbles). Plain concrete assorted with one or more aggregate varieties such as regular or multi-coloured pebbles. Once poured and dried, the slabs are polished for the pebbles to be visible, creating a subtle, textured look that many homeowners prefer.
Hire a concreting contractorto install this aesthetically pleasing driveway. Such exposed aggregate concrete is durable and lasts as long as regular concrete. However, it’s crucial to use the correct aggregate to the concrete ratio for structural integrity and the strength of your driveway. An improperly constructed driveway may require a complete do-over.
2. Plastic Pavers
Porous plastic pavers are an excellent alternative for concrete driveways. You can fill them with different types of crushed concrete to create a paver/concrete hybrid driveway, which is more durable. Plastic pavers give you a driveway that looks just as stylish as regular concrete and requires less maintenance than the sustenance of a concrete driveway.
It also eliminates flooding issues for good, keeping your concrete driveway clean and stable. Contact a concreting contractor to install this type of driveway as it requires more intricate work. Plastic pavers look great, stand the test of time, and surpass concrete in durability. They are eco-friendly and require low maintenance.
3. Stamped Concrete
A stamped concrete driveway is a prevalent choice for an extraordinary residential driveway and it presents a wide range of looks and structures. Concreting contractors create a unique driveway with stamped concrete that appears like a slate, a stone or a brick. A stamped concrete driveway gives a natural look of brick or natural stone without the added expenses and maintenance.
It combines the cost-effective durability of concrete with the stunning, realistic look of these classic building materials. If you wish to add asphalt paving to your driveway, choose an experienced concreting contractor.
Installing a DIY Concrete Driveway
If you are planning to install a new driveway at your home, knowing and learning about the process is crucial. Experts state that the price of installing a new driveway ranges from $1,500 to $6,000. If you plan to do it yourself, you will be shopping for the concrete mix. The best concrete psi (pound-force per square inch) for a driveway is 3,500 psi at a minimum. Moreover, the ratio of the concrete mix is critical. One driveway concrete mix ratio is “1-2-3,” which means a combination of 1-part cement powder, 2-parts sand and 3-parts washed aggregate.
New concrete driveway installation may be too technical for some homeowners. Consulting an expert is essential. Contact your nearest concrete installation services to get the best of the project.