Concrete driveways are one of the most affordable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly options for your driveway surface. If you are considering a home improvement project to increase your curb appeal and add a wow factor to the exterior of your home, installing a concrete driveway may just be the answer.
Asphalt driveways are more affordable initially but do not last as long. An asphalt driveway also cannot support as much weight as a concrete driveway. So when considering asphalt or concrete, make sure to consider more than just cost, but also longevity, curb appeal, and functionality.
7 FAQs to Read Before Planning for Your Concrete Driveway
- Do concrete driveways need rebar?
Some concrete driveways need rebar, and others do not. Whether or not your concrete driveway needs rebar or another kind of reinforcement depends on your project designs. Using reinforcement such as rebar or wire mesh provides your driveway with additional structural support and strength. Rebar, also known as reinforcing bar, is generally used when concrete is 5 inches thick or thicker. Rebar won’t prevent cracking, but it limits cracking and will help hold the slab together if cracking occurs.
Typical concrete driveways are 4 inches thick. They are sturdy enough to support standard motor vehicles and regular traffic and do not require rebar. If you plan to store large items or heavy vehicles, such as recreational vehicles or a spa, you may need to increase the concrete to 5 or 6 inches thick and add rebar. Similarly, a thicker concrete pad with rebar is recommended if you anticipate heavier traffic or need a commercial-grade driveway.
- Do concrete driveways crack?
Hiring an expert contractor who knows how to prepare the site properly, uses a quality mix, and ensures expert concrete finishing can help minimize the appearance of cracks in concrete driveways. That being said, cracking is a normal occurrence in concrete, even when properly installed. Common concrete cracks include:
- Plastic shrinkage cracks
- Expansion concrete cracks
- Heaving concrete cracks, from freeze-thaw cycles or tree roots
- Settling concrete cracks
- Overloading cracks, from too much weight on either the concrete or the ground below
- Crazing cracks, from premature drying
- Crusting cracks, from premature drying
You can take steps to mitigate or repair cracking through the use of sealants, control joints, expansion joints, proper site preparation, a sufficient gravel base, the correct water-to-mix ratio, and professional finishing practices. It is not normal for excessive cracking to occur soon after installation.
- Do concrete driveways need to be sealed?
Though concrete driveways will perform fine without ever being sealed, applying a high-quality sealant every few years can prolong the driveway’s life, prevent damage, and improve aesthetics. Sealing your concrete driveway can help protect it from freeze-thaw cycles typical in Utah. It can also help even out the color and provide more continuity, especially if, prior to sealing, you made any repairs to cracks in the concrete.
- Do concrete driveways need expansion joints?
Concrete driveways need expansion joints. Expansion joints are placed between sections or slabs of concrete to help control cracking. Expansion joints are most often placed between the driveway and adjacent concrete slabs, like the foundation of your home or garage. Expansion joints allow concrete to expand and contract in hot and cold temperatures without damaging the slabs and causing large cracks.
- Do concrete driveways need to be resurfaced?
Resurfacing your concrete driveway is a great, cost-effective alternative to replacing your driveway. You can resurface your concrete driveway if it is in fairly good condition and needs only minor repairs or an updated finish. If the concrete has any significant damage, such as sinking, major cracking, or missing pieces, it cannot be resurfaced and should be repaired and/or replaced.
Resurfacing is an involved, multi-step process that is best carried out by a professional.
- Can concrete driveways be repaired?
Concrete driveways can be repaired as long as there is no major structural damage to the slab due to initial incorrect installation. Depending on the amount of damage present, concrete repairs can involve:
- Patching or filling
- Resurfacing
- Engraving
- Re-coloring
- Slabjacking
Patching or filling can be done on your own or by a contractor. Other repairs are best managed by professionals.
- Can I lay a concrete driveway myself or should I hire a concrete paving company?
Concrete is a difficult medium to work with, and successful concrete projects require time, patience, specific tools, and careful measurements and calculations. A bad concrete job can waste weeks of your time, be costly to repair, and decrease the value and appeal of your home. If the project isn’t salvageable, you may have to pay to demolish it and haul it away. Hiring a concrete paving company is both more cost-effective and less risky than a potential failed DIY concrete driveway.
On average, concrete costs $3.50 to $12.50 per square foot. The concrete driveway cost estimate also includes the thickness of the application and any other necessary services.
Decided on a Concrete Driveway? Here’s How to Get Started
Morgan Pavement has over 20 years of experience in the paving and asphalt industry. As you choose what best fits your needs, you can rely on Morgan Pavement to answer your questions and provide superior results. Our dedicated professionals can provide services for any of your concrete needs, including paving products, installation, and resurfacing services.
One product does not solve every issue, which is why Morgan Pavement offers a wide variety of concrete products and services. We stand by our company motto, “The right product for the right surface.”
We do our best to provide the highest quality service and products at the most affordable price available, ensuring a product that will last and guaranteeing long-term satisfaction from our customers. Contact Morgan Pavement today to learn more about concrete driveways and receive a bid for your project.
