When it comes to concrete driveways, there can be many questions that arise about their composition and maintenance, and whether they are the right fit for you. That is why we are here to answer any of the questions you have about them.
To learn more about concrete driveways, check out our definitive guide today!
What Is a Concrete Driveway?
A concrete driveway is comprised of cement, sand, and gravel. Once this mixture is combined, it is then poured and left to cure for approximately one week. Concrete is one of the most popular options alongside asphalt for driveway construction since it is durable, effective, and eco-friendly, guaranteeing years of long-term use.
A Brief History of Concrete Driveways
Dating all the way back to 6,500 B.C., concrete has stood the test of time as a durable and reliable material for laying the foundation of infrastructure itself. Though a lot has changed since 6,500 B.C., and even since 1860 when Portland cement was introduced and changed the way we created concrete, it is important to note the monumental milestones we have taken to get to where we are today.
Here is just some of the history of concrete driveways, including notable moments in concrete’s expansive timeline:
- 1875 – Ward’s Castle is built in the United Kingdom, making it the first home built from concrete
- 1877 – Construction that included steel-reinforced concrete begins
- 1891 – The first concrete street in the United States is completed in Bellefontaine, Ohio
- 1904 – The Ingalls Building, the first high-rise constructed with concrete, is built in Cincinnati, Ohio
- 1935 – The Hoover Dam is constructed, requiring 4,360,000 total yards of concrete to withstand the strength of a body of water
- 2011 – The Burj Khalifa, currently the world’s tallest building comprised of reinforced concrete, is completed
For a complete history of concrete, check out this list of informational resources compiled by the American Concrete Institute.
The Ins and Outs of Concrete Driveway Maintenance
In order to maintain pavement that is long-lasting and durable, you should regularly provide proper and consistent care to your concrete driveway. This maintenance can include concrete repair materials that are easy to use, as well as other eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions.
So whether you are dealing with a minor crack in your concrete driveway, or you need to completely resurface or reseal your driveway, our quality products at UNIQUE Paving Materials can be incorporated into each step of the maintenance and repair process.
For additional information on how to navigate specific concrete repair projects, check out these blogs from our team of vetted industry experts:
- How to Identify Hairline Cracks and Make Concrete Hairline Crack Repairs
- Why Concrete Cracks, and What You Can Do About It
- How to Prepare a Concrete Surface for Treatment
- DIY Concrete Repair: 6 Things You Need to Know
- Learn How to Patch Concrete Using the Proper UNIQUE Products
- Tips for How to Fill Large Cracks in Concrete
How to Accommodate Concrete Driveway Repairs with UNIQUE Paving Materials
We offer a diverse array of concrete repair materials that have been carefully crafted in our industry-leading lab to outperform the competition. This includes meeting rigorous quality control standards before the distribution process.
To explore our extensive line of premier concrete repair and maintenance products, check out our complete list below:
- UNIQUE® High-Performance Fast Set Mortar
- UNIQUE FLEXICRETE® XP Polymer-Modified Mortar
- UNIQUE® Overhead & Vertical Concrete Repair Mortar
- POSTCRETE GROUT/WS® Hydraulic Cement
- UNIQUE® Concrete Pourable Crack Filler
- UNIQUE® Concrete Sealer
For more information on our product line, visit our individual product pages, or feel free to contact our team of experts.
Frequently Asked Questions on Concrete Driveways
You have questions, and we have answers. Here are just some of our most frequently asked questions about concrete driveways.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
Compared to asphalt, concrete is typically more expensive. This is because asphalt provides more flexibility in the installation process and can be poured on surfaces with slopes and dips with no problems. On the other hand, when installing concrete, you have to completely break up the ground to ensure that the surface is even before pouring.
With that in mind, you should expect to pay anywhere between $4 and $8 per square foot for concrete, including the labor of installing it in your driveway. Keep in mind that if you want additional finishes, stains, or other details included in your concrete driveway, that will increase its overall price.
In what regions are concrete driveways preferred to asphalt?
There are several key differences when it comes to concrete and asphalt driveways, with one of them being how the climate and weather of the extreme winter and summer months can affect your pavement.
Concrete driveways are known to thrive in warmer weather regions where they aren’t affected by freeze/thaw cycles or pavement-eating road salts that are used to eliminate hazardous ice on the road. Asphalt, on the other hand, thrives in colder regions and is the recommended material for these areas.
No matter what region of the country you are in, it is important to know how to take proper care of your concrete and asphalt driveway during each season. Check out these blog posts to learn more about pavement maintenance year-round:
- Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather vs. Pouring Concrete in Hot Weather
- How to Protect and Maintain Your Driveway in the Summer
- How to Prepare Your Driveway for Winter
- Using a Concrete Sealer to Protect Surfaces Against De-Icing Salts
How much does it cost to replace a concrete driveway?
Depending on the size of your concrete driveway, it usually costs anywhere from $1,800 to $6,000 to replace, with the average cost being approximately $3,000. Factors that can contribute to the price include the thickness of the concrete, the shape and design of the concrete, site preparation, the cost of labor, and more.
If you are curious about the price of your concrete driveway replacement, we recommend requesting a quote from your contractor or manufacturing company prior to your replacement to receive the most accurate result.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
With the proper installation, maintenance, and care, your concrete driveway should last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Though smaller repairs could be required during this time, a full replacement is not necessary until you see one or more of the following:
- Multiple potholes in the foundation
- Interconnected cracks
- Issues with drainage
- Pitting or settling
It is important to also note that it might be time to replace your concrete driveway if you are frequently having to perform smaller repairs. Though it may be more costly at first compared to a quick and simple fix, these results can last for years, if not decades, to come!
Need Concrete Driveway Repair Materials? Contact Our Team Today!
If you are looking for repair materials for your concrete driveway, our team at UNIQUE Paving Materials has just what you need for quick fixes, as well as results that are going to last.
Contact us today with any questions you may have on concrete driveways. We look forward to helping you.
