Concrete driveways are a relatively common type of pavement to see as there are an estimated quarter-million acres of paved roadways. They are made of a thick layer of concrete laid over an underlying layer of gravel or some other substance. The thickness of the concrete layer is set by the manufacturer and can be varied to suit the needs of the particular application. Concrete Driveway sealers are used to help protect these types of driveways and make them more durable.
Asphalt is one of the most popular materials for concrete driveways. Although it is relatively easy to maintain and work with, concrete driveways tend to chip and stain. Asphalt cracks and chips often form because of road salt, chemical treatments, or vehicle tire tread wear. These stains can be removed using acid-based cleaners, but if they are already heavily stained, it may be necessary to use a penetrating sealer to repair the damage. Not only does a penetrating sealer protect from future staining, but it can also significantly reduce the amount of maintenance needed to keep the driveway looking its best. Several types of sealants are available for concrete driveways; it is a good idea to research different types and how they can be used on the specific type of pavement being installed.
One of the most noticeable features of concrete driveways is the inevitable white streaks and low spots that develop over time. These stains are caused by the small fractures in the concrete and are caused by rain water penetrating the surface and evaporating into the air. This water absorption typically occurs when the temperature is warm enough to evaporate the moisture from the surrounding ground, such as in the summer. As the day wears on, the sun then contributes to the water vapor leaving the soil and eventually turning into mud when temperatures rise. The white streaks and low spots generally do not affect driving in most cases, and if they do, it is usually for the briefest period of time.
Although these blemishes are unsightly, they can be easily avoided with proper care. To begin with, an area rinsed of water on a regular schedule will greatly diminish the occurrence of white streaks and low spots. For concrete driveways that are sealed with an asphalt sealer, you can soak the area in water mixed with a small amount of water-based asphalt repair paste. In areas where this is not possible, there are other options for cleaning that do not require using water. A mild soap and water mixed with a small amount of water and a sponge or brush can take care of light to moderate dirt stain.
Some homeowners wonder whether it is better to contact a concrete contractor for the installation of new concrete driveways. Before making your final decision, you should consider the fact that it is much more costly to hire a professional than it is to purchase the materials yourself. There are numerous benefits to contacting a reputable contractor; they have the necessary equipment and training to perform the work properly. It may also save you time since you will not need to search for a contractor and waste your time driving around. Furthermore, some concrete contractors offer free estimates, which can help you make your decision as well.
Another important factor you should consider before choosing to hire a concrete driveway contractor is to check whether they belong to a reputable concrete driveway contractor organization. The National Concrete Driveway Contractors Association is the largest association of concrete contractors in the United States. With the assistance of the NCDC, you can find a reputable contractor that belongs to the organization. The most prominent advantage of becoming a member of the NCDC is that you will be provided with a listing of member contractors. These contractors have been reviewed by the association and are ensured of high quality work. You can also be certain that they have obtained the necessary licensing and insurance to ensure customer satisfaction.
Before you choose a concrete contractor to carry out your project, you should ask whether they can use the type of concrete you want for your project. Most concrete suppliers and finishing operations provide customized concrete services, so you should specify the type of upgrade you require. There are different types of concrete subgrade including rock chips, coarse gravel, limestone, bluestone, sand and pervious layer. If you want to use natural stones for your project, you should let the concrete supplier or the finishing operations know so they can give you the best advice on the material you should use.
In addition to using appropriate concrete materials for your project, the driveway should also be maintained properly so it will last for many years. One of the best ways to maintain the exterior concrete exposed to weather is to apply a concrete sealer. A concrete sealer helps protect the concrete from weather, stains and wear and tear. By providing protection to the concrete, the sealer ensures its durability.