While concrete is more expensive than asphalt, it is incredibly hard-wearing, making it an excellent choice for homes enduring cold New England winters. Concrete is also very low-maintenance, and its smooth surface makes for easy snow removal. Concrete driveways can last anywhere from 15 to up to 50 years with proper care, while asphalt driveways last about 15 to 20 years. This can be a mat of steel reinforcing bars tied in place, typically number 4 rebar on 12 inch (30.5 cm) centers, or 6X6 welded wire reinforcing wire fabric, available at building supply stores. Another option is to have polypropylene fiber reinforcing added to the concrete mixture at the concrete plant. Concrete is sold in cubic yards, so you’ll need to convert your measurements to feet for this calculation if they’re not already. To determine how many cubic yards of concrete you’ll need, multiply the length of your driveway by the width, then multiply that number by .35 (which is 4 inches in terms of feet).
The concrete slab has to last a long time, so paying extra for a good slab is worth the cost. Low temperatures significantly slow the chemical reactions involved in hydration of cement, thus affecting the strength development.
Company representatives should present a friendly demeanor and a willingness to spend as much time as needed discussing the project with potential clients. Avoid contractors who continually push back appointments, do not return phone calls or hesitate to answer questions.
Traditional conditions for curing involve spraying or ponding the concrete surface with water. The adjacent picture shows one of many ways to achieve this, ponding—submerging setting concrete in water and wrapping in plastic to prevent dehydration. Additional common curing methods include wet burlap and plastic sheeting covering the fresh concrete. During the curing period, concrete is ideally maintained at controlled temperature and humidity. To ensure full hydration during curing, concrete slabs are often sprayed with “curing compounds” that create a water-retaining film over the concrete.
How much does a concrete driveway cost per square metre in Australia?*
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thoughts on “How Often To Seal Concrete Driveway”
Shovel the mix into the formed area and level it with a straight 2×4 spanning from one side of the forms to the other. Sealing the cracks will help to prevent further damage and failures like alligatoring and potholes. Pouring a new concrete driveway is a complex job that requires special tools and experience.
Apply masonry crack filler with a caulk gun, and push it down into the crack with a putty knife. Use a knife or trowel to scrape off excess epoxy or filler, and make the solution level with the surface concrete. The width of the crack will typically dictate the repair method you’ll need to fix the crack.
A concrete driveway slab, no matter what the thickness, needs a stable support system to bear the weight of the slab and anything that rests on top of it. To provide that support, you need to build your driveway over a solid base. Will your concrete driveway be supporting the family car, or something much heavier, such as a half-ton truck or recreational vehicle? Knowing what your driveway will be used for on a regular basis is essential to determining its thickness and maximum load-carrying capacity. The best driveway concrete companies train their staff with a focus on interpersonal skills, clear communication and attention to detail.
Labor & material cost to pave concrete driveway
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These signs indicate that it’s time to consider sealing your driveway to prevent further damage and maintain its structural integrity. Regularly seal your concrete driveway every 2-3 years, considering climate, traffic, and usage. This proactive maintenance protects against damage and extends the lifespan of your driveway, saving you from costly repairs. You can damage your concrete driveway, both structurally and aesthetically, by driving or walking on it too soon. At a minimum, you may leave tire tracks, footprints, or scuff marks in the surface.
If your existing driveway is cracked or suffers from surface imperfections, resurfacing may be a viable solution. Resurfacing a concrete driveway costs about half the price of total replacement, and the repair could add decades to the life of the driveway. Consult your contractor to see if resurfacing may be an option for your driveway. A DIY concrete driveway costs$2 to $3 per square footfor plain concrete without stamping or staining, plus$200 to $500for driveway materials such as concrete forms and wire mesh or rebar.
This can set the tone for potential buyers that the rest of the property will follow suit. The durability, lower maintenance requirements, and longer lifespan of concrete (vs. asphalt) also adds to its ultimate value. The national average for concrete driveway cost is $5-$18 per square foot. Driveway repairs cost $800 to $2,600, depending on the severity of the issue. Repair issues include fixing large cracks and replacing entire sections of the surface.
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