Author: Steve Larson

When you think about home improvement, concrete Driveways Miami are one of the first things you think of. These are popular around the world for many reasons. Whether it is used for driveways, for patios, or as the outside of your house’s foundation, concrete driveways provide a wide range of solutions that will fit just about any homeowner. Find out what specific design features contribute most to the overall cost and average costs for various driveways that might be right for you. There are many different types of materials available, but a few offer the best overall value.

Aggregate: The most common and inexpensive driveway material aggregates are formed from finely ground rocks and stones. These are formed naturally when volcanic activity happens at the surface of the earth. Some homeowners have opted to have these materials poured directly onto the surface after they have been formed, but this is not always necessary. With the right materials, fine aggregate driveways can last for decades with minimal maintenance, and they make the best looking pathways, since they are so natural looking.

Asphalt: This is the most commonly seen driveway material and is often used in paved walkways and driveways. They are more durable than concrete and the most cost-effective, since asphalt is less expensive per square foot. Concrete can be more expensive per square foot because it is harder to form it, but more economical to transport. While asphalt driveways are relatively low maintenance, homeowners need to apply asphalt sealers between each layer of concrete to prevent water from seeping in between. This keeps the surface smooth, which means asphalt will actually cost less per square foot in the long run.

Pavers: These are a popular choice for many people, as they are available in a wide array of styles, colors, and designs. They are typically made from crushed gravel or crushed rocks, and although the process is hard, it is fairly simple, thanks to some state-of-the-art equipment. They are the cheapest among all the concrete driveway design options, as they are the least expensive per unit. However, players can become stained and need to be resealed every few years.

Aggregates: These are the parts of concrete driveways that do not contain gravel. Instead, they include rubber, plastic, fiberglass and many other synthetic materials that can provide traction. Rubber, plastic, and fiberglass are the most durable, but covers are available in any color, allowing them to coordinate with the color of the rest of the house. Aggregates can also be colored to blend in with the asphalt, helping to increase the design options. This option can have limited wear, of course, but can have a shorter service life than the other options.

Stamped concrete driveways can add a lot of character to any home. However, they can be more costly than the other options, owing to the time and labor it takes to install them. When laid correctly, they are virtually maintenance-free, but they are more costly than alternative options. The stamped concrete driveways can provide good traction, thanks to their grooves, but they are heavier and take up more space than regular options. So, depending on the size and layout of the property, the stamped concrete driveway cost may be proportionately larger than the alternative options.

Parking Lots Vs. Asphalt – Because gravel doesn’t expand and contract like concrete, asphalt is considered the more flexible option. Plus, it is warmer underfoot, providing homeowners and businesses with better comfort. But many homeowners and business owners are becoming wary of investing in asphalt for their driveway, due to its high cost per square foot. They opt instead for cheaper and lighter parking lots, which can cost more but also offer more space. For this reason, homeowners should keep in mind that they should carefully weigh the benefits and costs of installing a garage option over asphalt for their driveways.

Concrete Driveway Stain Options – To keep costs low, homeowners can choose to apply a single layer of stain on their concrete driveways. However, if this option is not enough to control cracking, additional treatments may be required. Severe cracking in concrete driveways can result in unsightly cracks throughout the entire driveway, making it unsightly and impractical to use. Other solutions, including staining multiple layers of concrete, can help resolve cracking issues. It’s important to note that applying multiple layers of stain may also cause discoloration, so it’s important to carefully evaluate the amount of stain needed to adequately control cracks in the driveway.