Concrete Deck and Patio
A concrete patio can be a great addition to any home. The best way to make the most out of this kind of outdoor area is to construct it with a hard-wearing material. Concrete is not only a long-lasting choice but also one that will be easy to maintain.
Concrete Patio Options
You can opt for different types of designs when opting to construct a terrace with concrete. Options include:
- Concrete pavers
- Solid concrete slab
- Stamped concrete
Pavers are small blocks of concrete placed side by side on leveled ground. Some designs interlock together like jigsaw puzzle pieces. You can also find different colors as well as patterns to adorn your patio. Sprinkling the paving area with sand or any other aggregate material such as gravel is required to provide a non-slip surface for the concrete blocks. Repeating the same process after laying down the pavers fills any gaps between the pieces.
In contrast, solid and stamped patios consist of one continuous concrete pad. Before pouring the mixed materials to pave the terrace, a wooden frame is set up to run all around the perimeter. The purpose of this concrete formwork is to hold the wet mix as it dries and cures.
Stamping adds textured patterns on the cemented surface while it is still wet. However, some homeowners prefer the look of colored concrete. Pigments are added while pouring a new slab, or you can wait for the patio to dry and cure then stain it with translucent shades that mimic natural stone. To get the best of both worlds, you can stamp concrete patios with various patterns then highlight the design with acid stain.
Concrete Driveways Frequently Asked Questions
When used to pave driveways, concrete will last longer with less maintenance compared to asphalt. However, asphalt is cheaper to install and generally easier to repair but will require more maintenance. Therefore, a concrete driveway is the way to go if you want to save money in the long run.
Concrete needs to stay hydrated for it to reach full strength. Our contractors monitor the curing process by keeping the poured slab wet and having it covered with bularp, canvas, or straw. You new concrete driveway should be 90% cured after 7 days, so at this point it is safe to drive on. However, driving over the edges should be avoided since those areas tend to be weak. Concrete cures fully after 28 days. Therefore, it is prudent to wait that long before you can start to park any heavy machinery or equipment on your newly poured concrete driveway.How Do I Remove Snow/Ice on Concrete Driveway?
Snow can damage a concrete driveway in several ways. When it melts and gets into crevices, the water can freeze, and the expanding ice will cause the concrete to crack. Ice melting on the edges of a driveway can also saturate the ground underneath with water, causing dangerous shifts in the
soil that make the concrete driveway susceptible to more damage. The good news is that you can shovel snow from your driveway to avoid all of these potential problems. Don't use de-icing products or rock salt since that will cause the concrete driveway to pit, crack, and break.
Does a Concrete Driveway Need Sealing?
Sealing concrete is one of the tried and tested ways to protect any decorative finishes that you choose to use on the slab. However, applying a high-quality sealer offers even more benefits for a concrete driveway. The sealer will provide a buffer against snow, grease, oil stains, moisture, and exposure to chemicals. You can either have a penetrating or film-forming sealer applied to your cured concrete driveway to increase its longevity.
After How Long Should a Concrete Driveway be Resealed?
Concrete driveways are quite resilient and can go between four and five years before requiring another sealing coat. A smart move is to have your concrete driveway resealed during the summer months to avoid any damage from rain or snow.
If you are considering having a new concrete driveway installed, replaced, or resealing an existing one, make sure to hire professional contractors to avoid costly mistakes. Get in touch with us today for all your concrete driveway installation and maintenance needs in Oshawa, ON.
Concrete patios have become quite trendy in recent years, and with good reason. Many homeowners are even going for this option to replace wooden decks. With a concrete patio, you don’t have to worry about termites, wood rot, splintering, or having to stain your deck every few years.
Here are more reasons why installing a concrete patio is the best decision you can make for your property.
1. Durability
Concrete is highly durable, and it can last for many years. That is what you want when paving an outdoor area like the patio, which will be exposed to the elements. AT JH Concrete Pros, we also take special measures to ensure your concrete patio will hold-up well even in winter.
2. Versatility
Concrete is very versatile when it comes to decorative options. As such, it is an excellent material if you want your patio to have an inviting look. You can choose to color, engrave, or stencil your concrete patio. Stamping it with decorative patterns can even mimic stone pavers.
Poured concrete is also easy to mold when wet. So, even if you want a circular patio or one with curved edges, paving it with concrete makes such designs possible.
3. Easy to Maintain
Maintaining a concrete patio is very easy. All you have to do is wash off dirt with a garden hose or power washer using mild detergent and a squeegee or push broom.
4. Added Value
A concrete patio does not just boost the curb appeal of your home. Its durability and decorative finishes will also increase the resale value of your property.
Before installing a new concrete patio, think about the look that you want. The different finish options that exist offer different aesthetic attributes. If you are not sure what to choose, contact us today to get expert input that will help you make an informed decision. We are knowledgeable concrete slab contractors serving both residential and commercial customers in Oshawa, ON. You can also request for a free quote and one of our representatives will be more than glad to help you determine how much installing a new concrete patio will cost.
