If you are in the market for a new concrete driveway, then it is important that you know all the details of the process and cost involved. Here is a guide that will help you determine the cost of concrete driveway installation in Concrete Driveway Nashville. This article will also help you understand the process of installation as well as the durability of concrete driveways.
Cost of concrete driveways in Nashville
When it comes to determining the cost of concrete driveways in Driveway Replacement Nashville, there are several things to keep in mind. First, the type of concrete used determines the durability and the longevity of your driveway. Poor-quality concrete won’t hold up as well and will crack more quickly. A well-built concrete driveway will last 30 to 40 years with the right care and maintenance. Exposure to freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions will shorten its life. However, pressure washing can extend the lifespan of your driveway.
Typically, single-colored concrete driveways will run you between $8 to $12 per square foot. There are several methods to give your concrete a unique look, including painting or staining. The downside of concrete paint is that it tends to peel after a few years. Single-color stains and pre-pour coloring will cost in the $8 to $12 per square foot range. More decorative stains and colors will cost more.
Installation process
The process of installing a concrete driveway begins by preparing the site. The area needs to be cleared of vegetation and a base of compacted gravel must be put in place. This ensures that the driveway is level and well-drained. Next, forms must be placed along the future drive’s site.
Before installing concrete driveways, the contractor must establish a plan to ensure proper jointing. This plan should include proper depth and width, as well as the type of concrete pavers to be used. It is also important to establish a proper foundation for the driveway, which should be at least 11 inches deep. Once the foundation is prepared, it must be filled with the materials of choice, compacted, and graded to ensure a smooth, even surface.
Once the concrete driveway surface is completed, it must be allowed to air dry for a period of time before a sealant can be applied. This step should be done at least 28 days after the installation process. The sealant should be a siloxane, which penetrates the concrete pours and creates a watertight surface. Unlike traditional concrete sealers, siloxane does not wear off as quickly.
Durability
Concrete is an incredibly durable material, but this durability can be compromised due to the many factors it is constantly exposed to. It can be damaged by rain, summer sun, and freeze/thaw cycles. It also has to withstand the thousands of pounds of traffic that it receives daily. Proper maintenance can prevent these problems.
A well-made concrete driveway can last for decades. However, this durability is only possible if the foundation is properly constructed. Inadequate foundations can lead to cracks and fissures. Another factor that affects the durability of a concrete driveway is slope. A driveway on a slope is more difficult to pour, and it should be done by a professional.
In addition to being durable, concrete driveways have several benefits. For one, they require less maintenance than asphalt. They can last for up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Moreover, concrete is also more resistant to extreme weather conditions and can withstand a heavier load than asphalt. Finally, concrete is cooler in the summer and absorbs less UV radiation.
Cost
There are a variety of styles and costs for concrete driveways. Plain concrete costs about $6 to $8 per square foot. This type of concrete can be cut into sections or continuously laid out. Unlike stamped concrete, saw-cut concrete can be smooth underfoot or have texture. If you plan to use heavy vehicles on your driveway, a thicker concrete layer will be necessary.
A concrete driveway increases a home’s value by enhancing its curb appeal and setting it apart from its neighbors. It will also increase the homeowner’s property taxes, though the amount will depend on your municipality. When getting quotes from different contractors, make sure to ask them about labor and materials costs. Also, it is a good idea to read reviews and look up the contractor’s work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau.
Subgrade preparation
One of the most important aspects of subgrade preparation for concrete driveways is compaction. It is important to compact the subgrade so that the base is flat, level, and well-drained. If the subgrade is not compacted properly, the base will become soft and crack. Using a vibrating compactor or heavy hand tamper can help.
Subgrade preparation work is regulated by Section 1201 of the California Building Code. It is an operation of fine grading and compacting the subgrade to a specified density. Depending on the project size, scope, and location, it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Once the subgrade is properly prepared, concrete trucks can begin the work of laying down concrete. The surface should be moist and compacted before allowing the truck to place the concrete.
The moisture content of the soil is also critical during compaction. Generally, it is recommended to compact soil that has a moisture content of ninety to ninety percent. If the moisture content is too low or too high, correction is required to achieve uniformity. It is not acceptable to install a granular layer on soft areas of the subgrade, especially in heavily-trafficked pavements.
