Your driveway is the first and last thing that people will notice about your house so you should invest some money to maintain it. Nowadays, you have a wide range of options for materials that you can use for your driveway. Hence, your choice should depend not only on the aesthetics but also on the price and durability of the material. Check out the rest of the article below for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Is Concrete Durable?<\/h2>\n
Concrete is a durable material that can resist weathering action, abrasion, and chemical attack. With proper installation, it can last for many years.<\/strong> Take note that different concrete has different degrees of durability. This usually depends on how they are installed as well as the types of environment and climates that they are exposed to.<\/p>\n A concrete driveway is a good choice for most homes. For instance, it is more durable as compared to asphalt. Concrete can last for up to 50 years or more and the only maintenance that it needs is degreasing.<\/strong> On the other hand, it is a less flexible material which means that it can crack in freezing temperatures. If this happens, use a concrete patching product to repair the cracks.<\/p>\n How long the concrete driveway will last has to depend on various factors like the installation methods, environmental conditions, and temperatures. Generally, concrete driveways can last anywhere between 25 to 50 years with proper maintenance.<\/strong> To prolong the life of your concrete driveway, you need to check for cracks and repair them immediately to avoid further damage.<\/p>\n The different factors affecting the durability of the concrete include the cement content, compaction, curing, cover, and permeability. Concrete durability is its capability to resist wear, tear, and damages. This usually refers to the life span of trouble-free performance.<\/strong> Let us learn more about this below.<\/p>\n One factor that affects the durability of concrete is the cement content. The mix should be made to ensure cohesion and also to avoid segregation and bleeding. Take note that if cement is reduced in the mixture, the workability will also be reduced. This can result in inadequate compaction.<\/p>\n Another factor that affects the durability of concrete is curing. Make sure that proper curing is done so that proper strength development aid moisture retention<\/a> is developed. This will also make sure that the hydration process is complete.<\/p>\n Concrete contains voids that can be the result of inadequate compaction. The compaction equipment used, steelwork density, and type of formworks affect the compaction of concrete.<\/p>\n This is considered a vital factor for durability. Higher porosity leads to a higher permeability. Take note that proper curing, adequate cement, appropriate compaction, and proper concrete cover cold result in concrete with low permeability.<\/p>\n Some of the tips on how to install a concrete driveway include using good quality concrete and proper control and expansion joints. You also need to have the correct concrete curing, proper placement, and proper pouring.<\/strong> Let us learn more about this below.<\/p>\n Make sure that you use good quality concrete that is ideal for your area and climate. The different weather that the concrete is exposed to will affect its lifespan. For instance, concrete that is poured indoors will last for longer as compared to concrete poured outdoors that is exposed to high traffic, sun, rain, and snow.<\/p>\n You also need to make sure that you use the right control and expansion joints when working with concrete. Bear in mind that concrete cracks during the expansion and contraction process. The right control and expansion joints can lessen cracks.<\/p>\n Concrete should cure properly. See to it that when you place concrete, sufficient water should remain in the concrete to fully cure it. Moreover, pouring concrete on dry sand will wick water away and allow it to escape underneath the slab. Bear in mind that water evaporates from the surface of the slab, so it is vital to keep it in. To do this, you can use a curing compound<\/a>. Use plastic to cover the concrete after it hardens.<\/p>\n The proper placement is important when working with concrete driveways. You need to maintain the cement to water ratio to prevent strength loss. Do not add too much water into the concrete before placement and finishing can lead to more shrinkage cracking.<\/p>\n To make sure that your concrete driveway is durable, proper pouring of concrete should be done. Check the ground to determine if the soil can bear the weight of the driveway. The base material is usually is installed before pouring the concrete. This will help increase the bearing capacity of the soil.<\/p>\n Dominic Sciulli shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to pour a concrete driveway. In the video, the steps involved on how to pour a concrete driveway are shown. Check out the video below for the visual demonstration.<\/p>\n\n\nIs Concrete Driveway Better?<\/h2>\n
How Long Will a Concrete Driveway Last?<\/h2>\n
What Makes Concrete Durable?<\/h2>\n
Cement Content<\/h3>\n
Curing<\/h3>\n
Compaction<\/h3>\n
Permeability<\/h3>\n
Tips on How to Install a Concrete Driveway<\/h2>\n
Use Good Quality Concrete<\/h3>\n
Use the Right Control and Expansion Joints<\/h3>\n
Proper Concrete Curing is Important<\/h3>\n
Ensure Proper Placement<\/h3>\n
Proper Pouring<\/h3>\n
\u2705 Video – How to Pour Concrete Driveway<\/h4>\n