If you’re looking for an easy driveway to install, concrete is probably the best way to go. Concrete driveway installation is a fairly straightforward process, which allows you to finish your driveway quickly and easily without having to pay for professional installation services. Of course, there are a few things you’ll need to know about the process of installing a concrete driveway, since it differs from most other types of driveway. First of all, it can be quite expensive to dig up a large section of concrete, which is why most homeowners opt for asphalt or wood-based driveway systems instead. The fact that these two types of driveway systems are built to last makes it a bit of a moot point; what matters most is that you know what you’re getting into and what you can expect out of the concrete driveway you choose.
It’s true that most concrete driveways end up with cracks and potholes after they’ve been in place for a while, but you can actually prevent this from happening by performing maintenance in the right way. Cracks and potholes usually form because of poor installation practices, poor maintenance, or both. In order to avoid these kinds of cracks and potholes, you should always pay attention to the three things that can cause them to form in the first place. Poorly installed concrete surfaces are prone to cracks, so make sure that you don’t skip any of these steps in the installation process:
The first thing you need to check when you’re installing a concrete driveway is the amount of concrete surface exposed on its surface. If you have lots of exposed aggregate on your concrete driveway, it can make your driveway slip off the road more easily. This is because loose aggregates can expand and contract depending on the temperature, the moisture content of the soil, and even the overall humidity level of your region. If your driveway is exposed more than two percent of its total area (including both the concrete and the aggregate) to atmospheric elements, then you should seriously consider applying a weather-stripping product such as Tarzanite to the concrete surface. Tarzanite is one of the most effective weather-stripping products on the market today.
You should also take care of cracked and uneven concrete driveways by repairing and cleaning them as soon as possible. Cracked and uneven concrete driveways are not only unattractive, but they can also pose a serious risk to you and your car. Exposed aggregate leads to water leaks and constant hydrostatic pressure. This can cause cracks in the concrete and increase the frequency of hydrostatic flow. If left unrepaired, cracked and uneven concrete driveways will eventually lead to hydrostatic pressure and eventual failure.
Some people choose not to seal their concrete driveways with any kind of coating because they believe that the sealer will not last very long. That’s simply not true; any coating will degrade over time, especially when exposed to moisture and UV light. A sealer will simply not last very long without some type of protection. There are a variety of ways to apply a protective coating to your driveways, from powder-coated pavers to highly durable natural stone chips. Both sealants and chips are equally beneficial and can dramatically improve the appearance and lifespan of your driveways.
Once you have sealed your concrete driveway, you should immediately repair any damage that may be present. Pavers can be used to completely level off your driveway and prepare it for installation of the proper gravel base. If there was severe damage to the pavers, you may have to remove them and replace them with new ones, or even a new set of stone pavers. Sealing and repairing your concrete driveway will not only provide a beautiful and durable finishing surface, but it will also protect the underlying surface from UV damage.