Types of Concrete Driveways in Columbus, OH
When installing a concrete driveway, you’ll need to determine its thickness. This thickness will depend on several factors, including the load it’ll carry, the soil conditions, and your budget. Read on to learn more. This article also covers high-performance concrete and flexible concrete. You can choose from many types of concrete driveways depending on your needs. Here are some options:
Decorative concrete
Decorative concrete driveways have a variety of benefits. They are easy to clean and maintain and come in various colors, textures, and patterns. You can also add natural pavers to make your driveway even more unique. Decorative concrete driveways use colored concrete mixed with ready-mix concrete. The pigment may wear off over time, but a sealer is added to help protect them from the elements. In addition to the aesthetic value of the driveway, a decorative concrete driveway will add instant curb appeal to any home.
You can opt for a stamped concrete driveway for a different style. Stamped concrete is a great way to add texture to a concrete driveway. Stamped concrete mimics grouted stone and pavers and used a rubber stamp to imprint a design on the concrete overlay. Stamped concrete can be stained or dyed to achieve various colors and patterns. It also lasts for several years.
High-performance concrete
A new breed of concrete has just entered the marketplace, known as ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). This cementitious composite material offers superior mechanical and durability properties, including improved flexibility, high tensile strength, and low porosity. While there is no universal definition of UHPC, the Federal Highway Administration defines it as a cementitious material with compressive strength over 150 MPa and a sustained tensile strength greater than 5 MPa.
UHPC is a cementitious concrete that can be used in place of ordinary concrete for low-volume, high-strength applications. It is formulated with a blend of coarse aggregates and water to increase workers’ traction and resist erosion during the early stages of development. UHPC offers enhanced mechanical, tensile, and toughness properties over conventional concrete while requiring less maintenance.
Stamped concrete
If you want a striking driveway, then consider a stamped concrete design. This type of driveway can add texture and warmth to your home. It can be a safe surface around a patio or fire pit. It also can be used for the kitchen to give it an industrial look. Stamped concrete is not for novice DIYers. It requires a skilled contractor. It would help if you researched several options before making a decision.
A stamped concrete driveway requires a great deal of preparation. A few inches of digging will be needed. You’ll also need to add several layers of sand or gravel to the ground. Finally, you’ll need to set forms to hold the concrete while it dries. Since stamped concrete driveways require a lot of work, you need to know a bit about engineering principles and weather conditions. Otherwise, the finished product may crack and break.
Flexible
There are many different styles and designs available for flexible concrete driveways. Traditional asphalt driveways are gray or black, but recent innovations have made this material more versatile. The only color choice is an earth tone, while concrete has dozens of color choices. This material can be stained to match the color of your home, and it can even be stamped with intricate designs that mimic cobblestone, brick, and medallion patterns. While concrete is a relatively low-maintenance material, periodic maintenance and repairs may be necessary.
Adding steel reinforcement to your driveway will increase its strength and help spread the weight of your vehicles. You can use front bucket equipment such as a skid steer or tractor or a mechanical-powered wheelbarrow to make the cuts. If the concrete is too dry, you may need a specialized saw to cut contraction joints. Make sure to hire a professional concrete contractor if unsure of the process.
Durable
Concrete is the most durable and stable among all the available driveway surface options. It is robust and sturdy, but it is very dependent on the quality of installation, the local weather, and other factors. Heavy use and freeze-thaw cycles can lead to severe cracking and potholes. Hence, professionals recommend a combination of different durable driveway surfaces to ensure longevity. A professionally installed driveway is an excellent investment, but the cost may be prohibitive for some homeowners.