Want a concrete driveway that will hold up for years without losing that freshly-paved look? Proper installation and care is essential for keeping your driveway in good shape while boosting your curb appeal.
Here at Supreme Concrete, we want Columbus Ohio homeowners to feel confident in the integrity, longevity, and design of their driveway so that coming home is always a joy. Here are 5 tips we share with our clients for better concrete driveways!
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Get to know your concrete options
A lot of our clients are surprised to learn that there’s more than one type of concrete driveway. In fact, because concrete can be finished in a variety of ways, homeowners have a lot of control over the final look of their driveway.
On the one hand, you can go for a more streamlined, classic concrete driveway look with a brushed, smooth or sandwash finish. These options are elegant without diverting attention away from other visual elements of your home’s exterior, like your landscaping or siding. You can also opt for a range of pigments in your concrete mixture that will help your driveway align with your exterior aesthetic.
Or, you can go with decorative stamped concrete, which gives your driveway more texture and visual intrigue. Whether you like the look of European fan pavers, natural stone or herringbone brick, concrete can be stamped in a variety of different styles to create an aesthetic that elevates your driveway.
Iron out the details of your budget
Concrete is one of the most affordable and long-lasting materials you can use in driveway construction, but you’ll want to get a sense of what a project will cost before you get started. In general, some factors that will impact your budget include:
- Whether you require resurfacing or replacement. In some cases, you can extend the life of your existing driveway with concrete repair rather than replacement. This is a budget-friendly option if your driveway is in pretty good shape.
- The size and specifications of your driveway. Not only will the length and width of your driveway factor into the overall cost, but there may also be cost considerations regarding slope and uneven areas of your property. Our priority is to lay a concrete driveway that is durable and long-lasting, so spending more time laying down a strong foundation is an important step.
- Your vehicles. Industry standard for concrete driveways is acceptable for most families with sedans and even SUVs. But, if you’re going to park heavier vehicles, such as large trucks, RVs, or trailers, on your driveway, the concrete will need to be thicker to withstand the additional wear and tear.
- Concrete mix and finishing. The most economic style of concrete driveway is a standard smooth finish in a natural concrete color. Aesthetic alterations, such as colors or decorative stamping, will impact the overall cost of your driveway. Of course, these upgrades can also boost your curb appeal, so many homeowners feel that the investment is worth it!
If you want to learn more about how much your concrete driveway will cost, give us a call at Supreme Concrete Solutions for a free quote.
Prepare your driveway for Columbus conditions
Our winters here in Columbus can be variable, fluctuating between mild spells and periods of snow and ice. And that means that our driveways need to be able to handle the extremes of the freeze and thaw cycle.
There are a few ways that we recommend homeowners weather-proof their driveway to extend the life of their concrete:
Keeping up with repairs
Cracks in your concrete allow for water to seep in and expand when frozen, which will drastically reduce your driveway’s lifespan. So, it’s always best to repair damages, such as cracks, sloping, or areas of visible wear, as soon as you see them.
Applying a sealant before winter
Water-repellant sealer can be a good addition for your concrete driveway by protecting your driveway against moisture. Sealing should be done about once every 1 to 3 years to keep your concrete driveway in good condition.
Making winter-smart decisions during replacement
When it is time to replace your concrete, there are installation considerations that can set your driveway up for success during winter. These include installing proper drainage below the concrete and using a concrete mix that is designed for use in cold-weather climates.
Allowing for appropriate curing
Curing is an essential part of the concrete installation process, allowing for strengthening of the material during the drying phase. But cold weather and stress on the concrete can impact the curing process, making your driveway more susceptible to future problems. We’ll work with you to find an installation window that will give you enough time for curing so that your driveway is ready for next winter.
Avoiding ice melt solutions during winter
Many of the most common ice melts on the market are damaging to concrete surfaces, effectively speeding up moisture damage and breaking down the surface of the concrete.
While the best solution is to not use them at all, there are a few options that are less corrosive than others. In general, salt-free ice melts will do less damage than rock salt or sodium-chloride options. You can also look for packages that are labelled “concrete safe.”
Hire a concrete company you can trust
Overall, the best way that you can ensure a long-lasting, beautiful driveway is to hire the right concrete company. You want professionals who will be meticulous, thorough, and completely transparent throughout the process.
Our team here at Supreme Concrete is committed to providing you with a driveway that you and your family can depend on for decades. So, give us a call with any questions you have about:
- Driveway design and installation
- Budgeting
- Repairs and resurfacing
- Weather-proof sealing
- Permit acquisition and building requirement compliance
Supreme Concrete has over twenty years of experience working with driveways, walkways, pool decking and more, and we offer our services to the larger Columbus Ohio area. We’ll be happy to install a gorgeous new driveway for your home in Grove City, Whitehall, Dublin or elsewhere in Franklin County!