5 Questions to Ask Before Getting a Brushed Concrete Driveway

A new driveway is one of the most expensive investments you can make in your home, so it’s important to choose wisely. If you’re thinking about having a brushed concrete driveway installed on your property, here are five questions you’ll want to ask first:

1.  What value will I receive for my money? 

Concrete is easy to maintain and long-lasting, but there are always less costly options out there. Your budget should be the main factor in determining what kind of driveway you get; however, remember that cheaper isn’t always better. While it may cost more upfront, a high-quality drive could last three times as long as the cheapest alternative—meaning over time, your initial investment will pay itself off.

2. How much maintenance will the driveway require? 

Low-maintenance options like concrete can last for decades with very little upkeep, which means you won’t have to worry about repairing cracks or other damage as time goes on. However, some types of driveways need to be resurfaced every five years and others may not even last that long if they’re improperly maintained. You’ll need to decide what it is worth to you to save yourself the hassle of having your driveway repaired or replaced over and over again.

3. How durable is the material?

The durability of a particular kind of driveway often has more to do with local weather conditions than anything else. For example, asphalt generally lasts two or three times longer in warm climates than it does in colder climates because the ground beneath it stays warm for longer periods of time. Other factors, such as how frequently it is driven on and whether or not there are any tall trees nearby that drop leaves or other debris on your driveway, can also impact its durability.

4. How will the finished product look? 

There are a lot of different styles and colors of brushed concrete available these days, so you should be able to find one that enhances the appearance of your home. Be sure to ask about color choices ahead of time or take a drive-by worksite before you sign any contracts so you’re absolutely certain you’re getting what you want.

5. What maintenance schedule is recommended for this type of driveway? 

The type of material you choose will determine how often it needs to be resurfaced, but one thing is certain: if you don’t maintain your driveway properly, the end result won’t be pretty. Thankfully, many companies offer maintenance packages that can extend the life of your driveway and keep it looking like new for much longer.

What are the Common Causes and Signs of Shoddy Concrete Pouring?

1. Bad weather

Heat and dryness are required for concrete to be set properly. This is especially true for structural elements such as foundations and support pillars.

Adverse weather events, such as rainstorms and floods, can threaten to saturate concrete installations, reducing the concrete’s overall strength. As a result, expert concrete installers and contractors exercise extreme caution when selecting the time and month to pour concrete.

They avoid wet months and winter because of the high humidity, which increases the likelihood of rain or water leaching into the concrete. Of course, summer storms and rain do occur from time to time, in which case professional contractors frequently use tarps to prevent the fluid from infiltrating the concrete.

2. Wrong water

As bad as too much water can be for the strength of your concrete installations, it is still required to make concrete viscous and moldable. However, you must ensure that contractors use the proper type of water to ensure the durability of the concrete.

Saltwater (mixed with sea sand and other aggregates) is especially vulnerable to collapse, according to studies of buildings that collapsed during earthquakes. Because the salt in the water eats away at the metal bars inside the concrete, pillars burst and walls crack. If you live near the coast, make sure your contractors are not using water with a high salt content to avoid this happening to your building.

Concord Remodel Stamped Concrete Project 1

3. Materials of Poor Quality

Aside from the presence of water, you must also ensure that the other materials used in the concrete pour are of high quality. For example, the sand you mix with the concrete must be fine and free of other particles. Your contractor’s concrete forms must also be secure and of high quality. Poorly constructed concrete forms can cause your structure’s shape to warp and possibly buckle.

Finally, the steel support rods and other similar materials embedded within the concrete must be optimized for the structure. Anything less from any of these materials risks undermining the finished structure’s strength.

4. Shoddy Technique

The skill of the workers involved in the final factor that could lead to poor concrete pouring. Not every contractor hires workers who have enough experience to know when it is the best time to pour concrete. Not every builder has the patience to create long-lasting concrete forms. Some dishonest contractors may also try to cut corners in order to save time or pad their budgets.

Finding a reputable contractor who knows what they’re doing and can be relied on to complete the job correctly is just as important as preventing water infiltration.

Are You Looking for a Company to Build a Brushed Concrete Driveway for Your Home?

Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top concrete builder for over 30 years.  We’re here to build your new driveway, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services, and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.

To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas.