For homes, concrete driveways are a must. There are many advantages to having these driveways installed in your home. For one thing, it allows you to use your backyard for anything you want to do – and not just a parking space. You can build a summer home, and a shed, a garden, or whatever you want. You can also put a small hot tub on the side of your house if you want.
A concrete driveway has a lifespan of about thirty years, but this depends on many factors. The number of years it takes to weather will depend on how you live and how your concrete driveway was made and installed. But most importantly, how well your concrete driveway is maintained will determine how long it lasts.
Concrete driveways are created with two different concrete mixes: the basic mixed type and the specialty subgrade type. The specialty subgrade is mixed with cement and other additives to create a specific look specific to a given location. This type of concrete has more wear and tear resistance than the basic type.
One reason driveways need to be repaired or replaced so often is because they don’t have any drainage. Driveways are designed to move sideways – so when you pour concrete down the sides, it starts to build up behind the weight. Over time, this can lead to cracks, holes, or tears in the surface. And since they’re nothing more than concrete, they’re going to get wet – possibly not enough to warrant any repairs, but certainly enough to cause some cracking.
As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do to prevent cracks in driveways. Driveway materials vary from slabs of clay, metal, gravel, sand to pavers and concrete. All have their own properties, but if your driveway is used frequently, consider a material that requires little maintenance. If it’s clay, consider repairing it every three to five years. Pavers are the perfect material for rapid construction and repair.
You might also want to consider an alternative to concrete if your area has extreme weather conditions, like high winds, rainstorms, or ice and snow. There are options like asphalt and concrete that crack or break apart easily under these types of conditions. If you’d prefer to mix your own upgrade, though, then it’s best to purchase the right slab. That way, you know it will resist damage from extreme weather, not to mention wear and tear from heavy traffic.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate slab, you’ll need to learn what types of finishes there are to use on it. For example, brick can be a terrific option, especially if your surface will be patrolled by police vehicles. For a more classic look, consider using a decorative textured finish or a textured aggregate one. There are many other options available, so be sure to contact All Star Concrete Contractors Tampa, a reputable concrete contractor, with questions about which ones will work best in your situation.
It’s also important to remember that you should allow plenty of time for your concrete slab to set. It doesn’t matter how attractive or unique it may be, and it won’t do you any good if it gets damaged during the final stages of installation. If you choose to use a finish that does not adhere well to concrete, for example, then you might end up having to rip out the panels and start again. Keep these things in mind when you choose a finishing method because it will make a big difference in the final appearance of your home.