If you’re considering a concrete driveway contact Commercial Concrete Contractors Dallas TX it is important to consult with the local building department for ordinances and codes that may apply. Also, consider the soil underneath the slab, as it could impact drainage, elevation, and support.
For example, topsoil and peat soils are unsupportive and should be replaced with a gravel or sand base. Rebar is also recommended to strengthen the concrete and help it withstand weather conditions like extreme freezing and thawing and heavy loads.
- Durability
Concrete is used to build everything from roads to foundations, and it’s no wonder it also makes a sturdy choice for a driveway. With the ability to withstand heavy loads, freezing and thawing cycles, and chemical exposures, concrete is a great choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting surface that will withstand years of wear and tear.
While homeowners can pour concrete themselves, it’s usually best left to professionals who can quickly and efficiently excavate, prepare the forms, and finish the surface. They can also ensure that the concrete is poured consistently and with optimal weather conditions to minimize cracking.
In addition to being able to withstand the elements, concrete is also an eco-friendly material that doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the environment like asphalt does. This is a plus for any homeowner who wants to protect the surrounding wildlife and environment.
Another benefit of choosing a concrete driveway is that it’s highly versatile. Unlike paver or gravel driveways, your concrete driveway can be shaped into a unique design to match your home’s landscape and style. Concrete is easy to clean and withstand harsh winter elements such as snow and ice.
Compared to other materials, concrete is a durable option that will last decades with little maintenance required. Concrete can withstand harsh winter conditions and heavy traffic, as well as various chemicals and oils that may be used on vehicles.
Although it may be more expensive than other materials, a concrete driveway will last longer and require less maintenance over time. In fact, with proper maintenance and a quality sealant applied once a year, a concrete driveway can remain in good condition for up to 30 years or more. Other benefits of a concrete driveway include hosting outside gatherings with family and friends and playing a wide range of outdoor games on solid ground. In addition, a concrete driveway can increase your home’s value and offer more options for the functionality of your property.
- Low Maintenance
Concrete is a very durable material that reduces the maintenance requirements on a driveway. Other hard landscaping materials can be more susceptible to weed growth, paver shifting, and damage from cars, trucks, and construction equipment.
As a decorative concrete company, we use various methods to achieve the desired appearance of a concrete driveway that suits the property style. These techniques include using colored aggregates in the mix, color spraying the finished surface, and adding patterns to the wet concrete while it is still pliable.
This means the finished result will be a decorative and eye-catching concrete driveway that will not require ongoing attention aside from regular sweeping and an occasional pressure wash. This is much less than the care for other popular options such as gravel, tarmac, and resin.
A well-installed concrete driveway should last 30 to 40 years and not suffer from the same problems as other hard landscaping materials, such as clay bricks or cobblestones, which are prone to cracking and crumbling. Concrete is also resistant to weeds and is much more affordable than other paving solutions.
However, it is important to remember that a concrete driveway requires regular cleaning and should be swept before the winter. In addition, it is advisable to avoid using de-icers on a concrete driveway as these chemicals force the thawing and refreezing of moisture, which can significantly damage a concrete surface.
Choosing a decorative concrete company can make all the difference when choosing a low-maintenance paved driveway. With a little care, your decorative concrete driveway will not only increase the value of your property but will be in keeping with the surrounding garden and landscaping, which will help to create a seamless appearance on your landscaped estate.
While it may be tempting to take a DIY approach to your paving project, pouring concrete on-site is a highly labor-intensive and time-consuming job that needs a team of experts, commercial-grade equipment, and truckloads of concrete. For these reasons, we recommend a professional installation to ensure that your concrete driveway is built to the highest quality standards and lasts 30 to 40 years.
- Recyclable
Concrete is a resource that is not only durable, long-lasting, and sustainable, but it is also recyclable. Unlike asphalt pavements made from nonrenewable petroleum, concrete pavements use natural rock, sand, and cement. Concrete can even be mixed with recycled aggregates, reducing the amount of raw material used to make the concrete and keeping waste materials out of landfills. When using a ready-mix supplier for your concrete project, ask about their ability to mix with recycled and waste materials. Typical recycled materials include fly ash, ground blast furnace slag, and silica fume- all byproducts from power plants, steel mills, and other industrial processes. By using these waste products as partial cement replacements, you can lower the water-cement ratio and improve the strength of your concrete, resulting in a longer-lasting driveway.
When a structure, road, sidewalk, or parking lot is demolished, the concrete can be put in a landfill to take up space and never break down or be recycled for new construction projects. Recycling concrete starts with the original building material being sent to a concrete plant to be crushed and sorted. It can be used in various applications, such as making concrete blocks or as aggregate for a new paving project like a concrete driveway.
Recycled concrete can be sourced locally and is often cheaper than raw aggregates. Looking around for a good deal on crushed concrete can save you much money on your driveway. You can find crushed concrete online or contact local concrete and paving companies to see if they have any leftovers from previous jobs.
The repurposed concrete can also create permeable concrete for outdoor surfaces, such as patios and walkways, that allow rainwater to penetrate the surface and help replenish groundwater levels. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your driveway, consider choosing a LEED-certified crushed concrete option. The LEED Green Building Rating System lists a point system for using recycled aggregates in your construction project, with credits available for including up to 25% of recycled content.
- Versatile
While concrete is typically associated with useful structures such as buildings, roads, and driveways, its versatility knows no bounds. From artistic sculptures to sustainable infrastructure, concrete is used in many construction projects to meet various aesthetic and functional requirements.
Modern installers can customize concrete in many ways, allowing homeowners to create a unique and visually appealing driveway that suits their taste. A bespoke concrete driveway can offer more flexibility in function than a traditional asphalt or paver option, potentially increasing the resale value by adding a strong visual element to your property.
A concrete driveway can be shaped and colored to replicate the look of other materials, such as stone or wood, which gives them a much more attractive aesthetic than standard grey-poured concrete. It is also possible to incorporate a decorative finish into the concrete, adding a pattern or color that isn’t easily achievable with other material options, such as pavers or block paving.
In addition to the versatility of concrete in terms of design, it is a highly durable material that can withstand the weight of heavy vehicles with greater ease than other types of driveways. A non-reinforced concrete driveway four inches thick is sufficient to accommodate most passenger cars, although a thickness of five inches can be used for heavier vehicles.
Unlike other driveway materials, which can trap heat and lead to cracking over time, a properly maintained concrete driveway will reflect light and absorb less heat, making it more comfortable to walk on in warm weather. This helps lower energy costs, minimize environmental impact, and reduce the risk of slips and falls on the surface.
The most obvious benefit of a concrete driveway is that it can last many years compared to alternative materials, with proper maintenance practices, including regular cleaning and immediate stain removal. Concrete is also a cost-effective choice compared to pavers or paving slabs, as labor and material costs are generally less than other materials.