#imprinted concrete driveways cost per square metre

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Patterned Concrete Vs Block Paving

Block paving can be an expensive option. Luckily, there are alternatives to this dated style that offer more attractive, affordable results.

Among these alternatives is patterned concrete, which offers endless creative opportunities. This type of concrete is poured in large sections, which helps prevent unwanted crack growth. In addition, cracks created by patterned concrete are actually printed indentations rather than real cracks.

Patterned concrete is a cost-effective alternative to block paving

Patterned concrete, also known as stamped concrete, is a technique in which a colour is imprinted on the concrete before it hardens. The patterning process differs from conventional concreting, which involves using blocks to develop the surface. When the concrete is still wet, the colour is applied to the concrete in a range of different patterns. Common patterns include brickwork, ashlar stone and textured stone. Patterned concrete is a popular choice for driveways and pathways.

Patterned concrete requires a special colour surface hardener, usually 2.5kg per square metre. This is particularly important for high traffic areas, such as driveways. Concrete with a lower cement content can't be properly hardened, which could result in a poor finish.

It requires less maintenance than traditional concrete

Block paving is an excellent choice for driveways and other exterior areas. It is highly durable, and requires far less maintenance than traditional concrete. It is available in a variety of thicknesses. The most common thickness is 50mm, while the thickest units are around 100mm. The thickest blocks are used for heavy-duty paving, whereas the thinnest ones are suitable for domestic use.

Brick paving is a good option for driveways and walkways. It looks great on drives and patios, and can be combined with other types of paving. It is also an excellent alternative to tarmacadam for estate roads. Brick paving is also an attractive alternative to estate roads. Its high-density structure allows it to withstand exceptional loads and still look good.

It lasts longer than concrete

If you want to lay a driveway that lasts longer than concrete, consider block paving. This type of paving is made of recycled materials, and it is also environmentally friendly. It is porous, which means that it can absorb dirt. However, with proper maintenance, block paving will last for years. You should spray it with a sealer every couple of years to keep it looking its best.

Block paving is often used for driveways, pavements, patios, walkways, and road surfacing. Block paving is a good choice for areas where you expect light traffic, and you can easily replace individual blocks if they get worn out. However, this type of paving does cost more than concrete.

It is easier to repair

It is a durable surface and can last for a decade or longer. This type of pavement is ideal for commercial and residential properties because it is low-maintenance and can withstand heavy traffic. It is also perfect for airports and docks, where high traffic volume can be a problem. This type of paving is also low-cost because it doesn't need a top layer of polish and will not need to be repainted or repaired in the future.

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The Latest Style Of Block Paving Driveway

If you are considering installing a block paving driveway for your home, there are several options available. From the classic, to the modern, to the low maintenance, you'll want to consider your individual needs and the look of your house. Regardless of your style preferences, your driveway should complement the rest of your house.

To begin laying your driveway, you'll need to dig the area down to the desired level. You should leave a minimum of 150mm of ground below the damp proof course.

Pattern Imprinted Concrete driveways

The cost of Pattern Imprinted Concrete driveways depends on the size of the driveway and the complexity of the design. Generally, driveway contractors use six or eight rigid printing mats and one flexible one. The six rigid mats span the narrowest sections of the driveway, while the flexible mats can reach areas where the rigid mats cannot reach. The cost of the materials and labour for a Pattern Imprinted Concrete driveway can range between PS70 and PS90 per square metre.

Pattern Imprinted Concrete driveways are increasingly popular, as they offer a decorative and professional finish. They are very durable and require little maintenance, and can be installed in most locations. However, the cost of this type of driveway is higher than the cost of a standard concrete driveway because the process requires more skills and equipment than standard concrete.

Cost

A block paving driveway is a great way to add beauty and value to your home. It can last for 15 to 20 years, and requires little maintenance. It's also attractive, which makes it a great investment. Block paving costs depend on the area of the driveway and the complexity of the design. Choosing simple shapes will help you keep costs down, while more complex designs require more labour.

Costs will vary depending on your requirements, but a 45 square meter driveway will generally cost around PS4,500 to PS5,000. This amount includes the cost of paving blocks and edgings, as well as kiln-dried sand and sealant. Additional costs include the labour, base material, and fill material. Consult with a contractor to get an accurate quote.

Laying patterns

There are several different ways to lay block paving in a driveway. For example, you can choose a diagonal pattern where each block is twice as wide as it is long. This design is also called a chevron pattern because it features chevrons running across the driveway. If you choose this design, however, you will have to be extra careful when laying the blocks.

Stretcher bond paving is another option to consider. This paving pattern uses random combinations of different sized blocks to create an intentional haphazard look. Typically, this pattern is used for pathways and patios, but is not very common for driveways. However, it has its benefits, especially if you need to cover a narrow area. Using this pattern requires less cutting than other driveway styles.

Maintenance

Block paving is a durable material and a great option for a driveway. However, it can start to look a little bit untidy after a while. With the proper care and maintenance, block paving can be maintained to its original condition.

The first step in preserving a block paving driveway is to keep it clean. Remove moss and weeds from it regularly by raking the surface with a stiff scrubbing brush. After this, you can use a non-acid detergent and clean water to clean the surface. If the paving is very dirty, you may want to use a pressure washer to remove it thoroughly.

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Things To Consider When Considering Block Paving Driveway

If you're considering a block paved driveway, there are many things to consider. For starters, you'll need to plan for drainage.

Most block paved driveways are designed with a linear drain system, but you should also consider a soakaway system if heavy downpours are likely.

Concrete block paving is cost-effective

Concrete block paving is an excellent choice for driveways and other areas that see heavy traffic. It offers exceptional strength and durability and is resistant to most chemicals. It also requires minimal maintenance. It is factory-made and provides a uniform, slip-resistant surface. Whether you're building a driveway, garage, or industrial hard-standing, concrete block paving is a smart choice.

It's easy to install and can be installed anywhere. Its combination of cost-effectiveness and ease of repair has many homeowners opting for this option.

Versatility

Block paving is one of the most versatile driveway designs, and it can be made to look as formal or as natural as you wish. Moreover, block paving is very durable, and most manufacturers offer warranties of about 15 to 20 years. Block paving also comes in a variety of colours and styles, making it easy for you to select a design that complements the style of your house.

Block paving prices vary according to the size of your driveway and the materials used. If you're looking to get an affordable driveway for your new property, block paving might be the way to go. The cost of a block driveway can range from PS19 to PS48 per square metre, depending on the design and materials. Moreover, block driveways usually take a few days to be completed, but larger projects could take longer. The timeframes will depend on how many tradespeople are involved in the project.

Durability

Block paving is a very durable material that can last for years. It is able to withstand harsh weather elements, such as salt and chemicals, and is relatively easy to clean. Because it is not porous, you don't have to worry about cracks or chips appearing over time. Block paving can also be easily replaced if it becomes damaged.

Block paving is also available in a wide range of colours and styles. This means that it can easily be tailored to give your driveway a unique look. It can be shaped into intricate patterns and shapes, instantly improving the visual appeal of your home. Whether you want a traditional driveway or a contemporary one, block paving will complement any property.

Patterns

Whether you are planning to lay a block paving driveway for your home or commercial property, it is important to consider patterns before you decide on which style to use. Traditional patterns include the stretcher bond, which uses whole bricks laid in rows. These patterns lend themselves to quick installation.

Another popular style is the running bond, which lays a row of bricks with the longest side running longitudinally. The second row is offset by half a brick.

When choosing a pattern for your driveway, think about your personal style. You can choose from simple and traditional designs, or more interesting ones. Basketweave patterns are one of the easiest to lay and they use different colours for different sections of the driveway. Basketweave designs use alternating pairs of horizontal and vertical blocks. However, they can become unbalanced under heavy loads, so be careful!

Pattern imprinted concrete is an alternative to concrete block paving

Pattern imprinted concrete is a modern way of laying driveways. This type of concrete is made to look like a variety of materials, including slate, brick, and tile. The concrete is mixed with colour and given a patterned matt before hardening. The main objective of the process is to imitate a different material and offer a more appealing finish than plain concrete.

Concrete is an excellent constructing material that is easy to work with and long-lasting, but the appearance can be dull and drab. Fortunately, modern concrete design has given us an array of design and pattern options while still providing all of the benefits of concrete.

The process of pattern imprinted concrete involves laying an area of concrete and imprinting a design. The most important part of pattern imprinted concrete is the base work. The flooring contractor will lay a good hardcore base before laying the pattern.

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Increase The Value of Your Home With Resin Driveway

Having a resin driveway installed is a great way to increase the value of your home. It makes your home stand out and can sell your house faster.

If you have other homes lined up for sale, this could be a big advantage. And it may just be the most practical option to increase the value of your home. You will love the way the driveway looks and the fact that it will last for years.

Block paved driveways

Block paving driveways are an effective way to add kerb appeal to your property. They are attractive and durable, and come in a huge range of designs to match any home. If you are looking to increase the value of your home, this is an excellent choice.

Block paving driveways are also easy to maintain and can be repaired in case of loose pavers. The low maintenance factor is also an advantage to potential buyers, as they are unlikely to have to deal with maintenance issues.

Having a block paved driveway increases your property's perceived value to prospective buyers. In a seller's market, you don't need to try very hard to attract potential buyers. However, if you are selling in a buyer's market, you may have to work a bit harder to grab the attention of buyers. Paving your driveway can help you make your property stand out from the rest of the properties in the neighborhood.

Recycled glass driveways

Recycled glass is a great choice for your driveway. It's both beautiful and eco-friendly.

The glass is professionally tumbled and then sealed with resin, making it easy to maintain and look great for years to come. And because it's made from recycled materials, it's also considered one of the more cost-effective choices. It's also a good choice for any house because it is a very low-maintenance material.

Recycled glass driveways are more like a mosaic, with layers of thick tumbled glass sealed with a resin. The glass comes in a variety of colors, and most manufacturers use recycled glass, which keeps a ton of garbage from entering landfills.

Glass driveways don't need a lot of maintenance, so it can be a great choice if you're looking to sell your home in the future.

Resin-Bound Driveways

If you want to sell your home in the future, a resin-bound driveway will increase the value of your property. This type of driveway is not only elegant, but it will also complement the exterior design of your house.

You can even customize the color of the aggregate to match the color of your home. There are many patterns and materials that you can choose from to create an attractive and unique driveway. This type of driveway will make your home stand out in the neighborhood.

The cost of a resin-bound driveway starts from PS50 to PS70 per square metre, depending on the size of the driveway, the depth required and the existing surface.

A resin-bound driveway is durable and will last for twenty-five years. There are certain advantages to having a resin-bound driveway, and the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If you are thinking about installing a new driveway, be sure to research all costs involved, as they will differ.

Pattern imprinted concrete driveways

Imprinted concrete driveways are becoming a popular choice for UK homeowners. They can be made in a variety of colours and patterns to suit any style of property. As a result, imprinted concrete driveways are a great way to add value to your home. Unlike traditional paving, pattern imprinted concrete driveways will never wear out and will last for many years. Plus, they require less time to install than standard paving.

Decorative concrete driveways can add curb appeal to a home by adding a unique focal point. Decorative concrete can be custom engraved or stamped to create an original design. Stamped concrete can mimic stone or brick and can be enhanced with concrete stains. Overlays are available in thicknesses of up to 3/4 inches. You can get concrete overlays that imitate natural stone, slate, brick, or tile patterns to give your driveway a more modern feel.

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Sorts Of Concrete.

Various Sorts Of Aggregate Sorts Of Concrete Each Should Be Utilized For.

Content

How You Obtained A Price For A Brand-new Driveway?

Light-weight Concrete.

Will You Be Able To Pave Entire Garden And Make It All Into A Driveway?

Related Short Articles On Creating Buildings Wiki.

Quality: C20 Concrete.

You can conceal the harsh sides of the driveway, either by backfilling dirt right into the dental caries or by cementing kerb rocks right into place. To guarantee the 'roughing up' gives an eye-catching coating, brush in a consistent direction in any way times. The reinforcing mesh will certainly spread the lots of anything resting on the concrete and also decrease the opportunity of fractures showing up. However, if your installer includes expansion joints between slabs as well as fills up the spaces with clear silicone sealant, you'll locate that the opportunities of splits showing up will be practically absolutely no. There are numerous sorts of gateway you can include in the end of the driveway to shut on your own away from the globe. These are particularly useful if you have children or pet dogs that you require to keep under control. You can even set up an electric entrance that opens up and also shuts using a remote control or a safety and security sensor.

Supporting the wood on the shuttering, saw it back and forth while moving from one end of the piece to the various other. To work out the quantity of concrete you need for an irregularly-shaped website, draw it properly and also to scale on graph paper.

Exactly How You Received A Rate For A Brand-new Driveway?

Utilizing slabs of a minimum of 25mm thick, begin to fix out the planks along the edge of your driveway excavation. As you fix each plank by driving secures in along the outdoors edge, check that the formwork is degree making use of a straightedge as well as spirit level laid on to the nearby datum peg. The top side of the formwork needs to be degree as you will certainly use this later on as a guide for levelling the wet concrete.

To do this, you just require to fill out our call type and also a member of our team will certainly connect with you immediately.

specialised Pattern Imprinted Concrete Steps And Kerbs , as one of the most secondhand building product worldwide has a big influence on our cities, cultures as well as atmosphere.

On its own, concrete has excellent resistance to compression, but is really bad in stress.

The bonded gravel is a scatter system which implies the material is laid down first and afterwards the rock accumulation is scattered ahead; therefore the surface is not smooth.

You can anticipate extremely little upkeep, no weeds will certainly expand through and it's actually very easy to tidy.

The initial step is to remove the top layer of the site, excavating down around 10cm.

At its finest, pattern imprinted concrete will certainly resemble an all-natural rock driveway however without the linked cost. I had exactly the very same ideas a couple of years ago when I had my drive relaid.

Lightweight Concrete.

Much of our study is based upon the suggestion to develop an alternative solution for traditional methods of structure, such as developing with concrete. In this article, we will tackle basic as well as pertinent understanding and also details about concrete, to recognize why it is necessary to think about different solutions for the future of our building habits. This review will certainly become part of a collection of small papers connected to purposeful understanding, to comprehend why it's urgent to reconsider our conventional building methods. The blemishes had the appropriate proportions of silica and alumina and also calcium, that, when burned and also ground down, produced a concrete which established faster as well as was stronger than the standard lime mortar. Other producers of similar "all-natural" cements emerged in the early 19th century. In 1756, John Smeaton, an engineer from Leeds, was commissioned to build the 3rd lighthouse on the Eddystone Rocks in the English Channel near Plymouth.

There are a number of reasons for this, the first being if at any kind of point in the future you or any individual else might require to get to these pipes or cable televisions. Since you are essentially setting a solid piece of concrete a number of square meters in size, it is going to make it impossible to reach those utilities without having to crack open the concrete. Likely leaving you with the headache of needing to remodel it all once more.

Will You Be Able To Pave Entire Yard And Make It All Into A Driveway?

This will also develop a safety separating line ought to the regional authority execute deal with the pavement beyond your driveway. Sustainable Urban Water drainage Equipments were made mandatory by the The Flood Water Administration Act 2010 which introduced legislation to attend to water quality and shortage, water flow and also the hazard of flooding. For owners mounting brand-new leading it expands the responsibility of managing surface area water sensibly, to all parts of the building not simply the front driveway as well as garden.

They typically market two kinds, crude (or concrete/sharp) sand and penalty (builders/soft) sand. As the name implies the crude sand contains much less of the smaller sized bits than the soft sand. Crude sand needs to just be used for concreting tasks and soft sand ought to only be utilized for render or mortar. First off, rose city cement based concrete mostly can be substituted by shattered fly ash, which is a side item of coal burning processes. An additional replacement with a huge possibility is Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag, which has the ability to replace portland concrete approximately 90%. GGBS substituted concrete sets more gradually than concrete made with common rose city cement. The greater the quantity of GGBS in the concrete blend the longer it requires to cure.

Related Write-ups On Designing Buildings Wiki.

A concrete driveway can commonly give the best worth for cash when upgrading. Not only does it have a tendency to last much longer compared to other products such as tarmac, concrete is strong and simple to keep. As soon as you've decided concrete is right for your new driveway, you'll have the option of Concrete Block Paving or Pattern Imprinted Concrete to make. As one of the very first things that individuals commonly notice regarding a residential or commercial property, a well-kept concrete driveway can add substantial kerb allure-- and worth-- to your residence.

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These borders can take the type of momentary wood obstacles, or if you have an even more long-term remedy in mind, you can use attractive blocks. Any type of short-lived barriers will need to be treated with a launch representative, so they can be gotten rid of from the concrete once it has actually established without harming the surface area. A typical view on lots of a property, concrete driveways are a function frequently undertaken as a Do It Yourself project by homeowners who want a fresh look for the front of their facilities. This process is absolutely something that can be performed in a DIY fashion, yet there are particular actions that require to be adhered to and also factors taken into account in the past, throughout as well as after the structure of your driveway. Newly mounted Tarmacadam, Block Paving and Pattern Imprinted driveways require to be installed on MOT Kind 1 Stone below bases. Ideal drainage should also be installed as Kind 1 uses really bad water drainage. Driveway stone is the typical term used for creating the below base of a driveway.

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Imprinted Concrete Driveway Problems

Getting a new driveway will give your home a whole new look, and it can also help to increase its value. You can expect a new driveway to add 5% to 10% to your property's price. But it also has to be something that you're happy to live with and something that is reasonable to install. A pattern imprinted concrete driveway (also known as stamped concrete) can tick all of these boxes but it is also important to be aware of the potential problems that can go along with this type of driveway surfacing.

What Is A Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveway?

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Pattern imprinted concrete is most often compared to block paving because it creates a similar look but they differ dramatically in how they are installed. Rather than placing individual blocks, an imprinted concrete driveway is laid all in one go.

First, a layer of concrete is poured into a suitable sub-base to create a flat and even concrete slab. Some colour hardener is applied to give the desired colour effect, and then the pattern is imprinted onto the concrete driveway. This patterning is achieved through the use of a pattern mat. These mats come in a wide variety of different patterns that can give a pattern imprinted concrete driveway pretty much any look that you want.

The Advantages Of Pattern Imprinted Concrete

Before we move on to the potential problems associated with pattern imprinted concrete, it's a good idea to have a reminder of why you would be choosing this driveway surfacing option in the first place.

It Is Quick And Inexpensive To Lay

When compared to other driveway options, such as block paving, pattern imprinted concrete can be much cheaper per square metre and it can also take much less time to lay. This is because, rather than painstakingly laying individual blocks, the imprinted concrete driveway is poured out and laid in one go. So you will end up saving quite a bit on labour costs, which will bring the average cost of your driveway right down.

There Are lots Of Design Choices

There is a huge range of different pattern mats available to create pattern imprinted concrete driveways. So you can pick and choose exactly which look you want just by picking out the pattern that catches your eye. These can include ashlar stone, crazy paving, cobblestones, herringbone brickwork, tiling, slate, and many more.

Not only do you have plenty of choices for the pattern, but you also have complete control over the colour of your imprinted concrete driveway. With this type of driveway surfacing, you can truly customise your driveway to suit your property and your style.

It Is Less Prone To Sagging

A common issue that comes up with block paving is that the blocks can start to sag in areas where weight is regularly applied. With a solid concrete base, as you find with pattern imprinted concrete, this is less likely to happen because there aren't those weak points between the blocks. So your driveway is more likely to be able to withstand the daily rigors that it is subjected to without showing the signs of it.

It Is Easy To Maintain

One of the big pluses of pattern imprinted concrete driveways is just how easy they are to maintain. They are less prone to moss and algae than block paving because there aren't as many gaps for the plants to grow through. To maintain your pattern imprinted concrete you should make sure to sweep any accumulated debris away, power wash it or hose it down when it's dirty, and you will also need to apply gloss sealer every two to four years. The sealer is important because it helps your patterned concrete driveway to maintain its colour.

It Can Be Used In A Variety Of Settings

You aren't just limited to pattern imprinted concrete for your driveway. You can use it for a variety of different settings around your property. It can be used around pools, as a path, or for patios. But do see later where we discuss the slipperiness of patterned concrete for a driveway or patio when compared with other surface options.

The Problems With Pattern Imprinted Concrete

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While there are many advantages to installing a pattern imprinted concrete driveway, there are definitely some potential problems and pitfalls that can go along with it as well. Let's take a look at some of the most common pattern imprinted concrete problems.

It Can Be Almost Impossible To Patch Repair

With something like block paving, if any part gets damaged that part alone can be patch repaired without having to touch the rest of the driveway. This isn't the case, however, with pattern imprinted concrete. Because it is all one piece, there is no way to repair one section of the driveway without it ruining the entire look. This is a problem with plain concrete but with patterned concrete it is even harder to match the colour and texture of the surface, as well as the existing pattern. So when you have any damage, the whole driveway will usually need to be re-done.

This can also be a problem if you have any utilities or drainage underneath your driveway that will need to be accessed so that it can be repaired or installed. It will require the entire pattern imprinted concrete driveway to be re-done or you will end up with a very obvious piece of concrete where the work was completed.

It Is Non-Permeable

Permeable driveway surfaces allow rainwater to drain through the surface and into the ground below. Concrete block paving is permeable because of the gaps between the blocks but pattern imprinted concrete is not. This means that, without a proper drainage system, you would be likely to find water pooling on the surface which could lead to other problems such as cracking.

Permeable driveway options are favoured quite heavily, including when it comes to planning permission. You don't usually have to apply for planning permission for a permeable driveway but you will have to for a non-permeable one, like pattern imprinted concrete, if you are using it to create a new driveway. If it is an established old driveway that you are recovering, you may not need to.

If your concrete driveway isn't sloped, you will also need to install a drainage solution to redirect the water away from the driveway surface. This will help to prevent surface water from gathering on your driveway.

It Can Be Prone To Cracking

There is no doubt that concrete is prone to cracking. And this is can be a particular problem for printed concrete driveways because it is one large slab of concrete. To mitigate this, professional installation will usually include crack control joints. Crack control joints are deliberate cracks created in the concrete, usually set along the lines of the pattern so that they are barely noticeable. With these installed, if there is any pressure that would cause cracking, this will go along the crack control joints rather than the rest of the surface so it won't be as obvious that a crack has occurred. It is also important that the sub-base is installed to the correct depth to be able to take the weight of the vehicles that will be above it.

There Is A Chance Of Exposed Aggregate

Pattern imprinted concrete requires that the concrete mix be a perfect consistency. A common issue when it comes to concrete mixes is when there is too much aggregate. This can leave exposed aggregate concrete on the surface. This isn't always a problem depending on what the concrete surface is used for, but for a printed concrete driveway it can be disastrous. There is no way to fix this issue after the fact and it can only be re-done.

It Will Need Regular Resealing

While imprinted concrete driveways are generally low maintenance, they do require some effort to maintain. And one of these is the application of a concrete sealant every two to four years. If the sealant isn't applied regularly, then the colour can deteriorate quite quickly. It will also make the concrete less hard-wearing. You will see in the next section that applying sealant can be a balancing act between maintaining the colour and preventing damage in the concrete and not making the surface too slippery.

It Can Be Slippery

When compared with block paving, imprinted concrete can be very slippery. This is for a couple of different reasons. First, it doesn't have the naturally edges that block paving does so there is less friction for your feet to catch on. Second, the concrete sealer that needs to be applied can create a slippery surface. Third, because imprinted concrete isn't permeable, surface water can be quite common.

Of course, this isn't as much of a problem in the summer months as the winter months because you don't need to be worried about ice in the summer. But even when the surface is just wet and not icy, it can still be slippery.

For this reason, you are much less likely to see a printed concrete patio than you would a driveway. Whereas other concrete flooring, such as block paving, can work well for both a driveway or patio because they are much less slippery than imprinted concrete surfaces.

There Is A Lack Of Long Term Durability

Imprinted concrete just isn't as durable as other driveway (or patio) options, such as block paving. You can expect concrete block paving to last up to 20 years whereas stamped concrete driveways typically last up to 10 years.

This is because they are less able to spread the wait because the stamped concrete surface is one single slab rather than being lots of smaller slabs stuck together. These blocks can move ever so slightly to distribute the weight of your car or because of ground movement underneath without causing any structural damage whereas concrete flooring that is made of a single slab can't do this so the pressure doesn't dissipate so easily, which can lead to damage.

As we have seen, it is also much harder to repair a pattern imprinted driveway than it is a concrete block paving driveway (or patio) so when there is some damage such as a large concrete crack, the entire concrete floor will need to be replaced. This can mean that the initial saving of using patterned concrete over other driveway options gets eaten up by the cost of repair sooner down the line.

There Is A Chance Of Poor Pattern Application

At first it may seem that imprinted concrete surfaces require less skill to install than other driveway options, but don't be fooled. Just because they take less time to lay, that doesn't mean that there is less skill involved for patterned concrete driveways than more time-consuming options.

One of the areas that is most likely to fall down is the application of the pattern. This has to be completely perfect if it is going to result in the desired look for your outdoor space and it is also partly why it isn't a DIY job.

There are a few different areas where pattern application for an imprinted driveway can go wrong. This can include starting in the wrong place which can lead to a situation where a mat is dropped on top of an existing pattern which will then have to be redone. Another issue can be uneven pressure placed on different mats so that the overall pattern isn't uniform. Or the mats might not line up properly so that the existing pattern doesn't seamlessly merge into the next mat that is applied. Problems can also occur where there are parts of the driveway design that can mae the mats difficult to lay, such as steps.

This is why it is vital to ensure that you use a reputable company who can guarantee that your patterned concrete will be applied properly, the first time.

Some People Don't Like Its Appearance

When it comes to concrete problems, you might not immediately think of the aesthetics but it can be a sticking point for a lot of people. While you can achieve a huge variety of looks with pattern imprinted concrete, it is never going to look exactly like the type of paving it is emulating. It is important to think about how important it is to you for your driveway to look as authentic as possible to avoid getting disappointed with the completed work.

You also can't play around with the way your driveway looks after it has been installed. The final pattern and colour is the design that you are going to have to live with unless yuo want to re-do all of the concrete. With other driveway options is can be possible to make little tweaks after the surface has been installed.

There Is A Risk Of Blooming

This isn't a problem with the concrete itself but is instead a problem related to the sealant and it can be a problem both when the driveway is first installed and when it is re-sealed. If moisture is trapped between the sealant and the concrete, they may not adhere to each other properly in that area. Over time, this can lead to patches of discolouration in the concrete where the moisture stopped the sealant being applied properly.

Because of this, you do have to be careful when you choose to re-seal your pattern concrete driveway so that you can be sure of doing it at a time when it isn't wet. Many people choose to re-seal in the summer but, of course, this isn't always possible.

It Can't Be DIY-ed

With many driveway or patio surface options, it is possible to DIY at least some of the installation or repair, if not all of it. This really isn't possible with patterned concrete. Installation really needs to be completed by professionals because it requires specialist tools and the expensive pattern mats, and repairs need to be carried out by professionals for the same reasons.

It Isn't Suitable For Very Heavy Traffic

At first glance it may seem that imprinted concrete would be perfect as a durable surface for roads but it doesn't hold up well to very heavy traffic. This won't matter too much for many domestic properties, but if the driveways have lots of comings or goings or have vehicles that are heavy using them, there is a chance that it will start to crack much more quickly.

Is Imprinted Concrete Worth It?

We have gone through a lot of the problems associated with patterned concrete driveways but that doesn't mean it is always the wrong decision to have one installed. It is still a popular choice for many domestic properties, including driveways and patio areas, and many homeowners who have this type of driveway installed are more than happy with the completed work.

With that being said, knowledge is power and if you are aware going into the project of the types of problems you might encounter, this can help you to plan. For example, many of the issues can be avoided by ensuring that your driveway is installed by a reputable professional who is experiences in these types of driveways.

The Bottom Line

Patterned concrete driveways are a relatively new design that have become increasingly popular, and there are lots of reasons why. They are quick and easy to install and they cost much less than many other types of driveways. You also have a lot of choice over the design. But they do come with their own set of problems. They are difficult to repair, don't last as long as some other choices, and they can be slippery. If, on balance, you think that a patterned concrete driveway is the right choice for you, then making sure that you find the right professional for the job is key to getting the final result that you want.

Originally published here: https://www.terraform-driveways.uk/imprinted-concrete-driveway-problems/

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