patio and concrete companies
To protect exterior concrete slabs from freeze-thaw conditions, you should use a high-quality sealer. The sealer protects concrete from moisture absorption as well chemical and grease stains. A sealer will enhance the color of decorative colored concrete.
There are two types of sealers that can be used for exterior concrete. They are film-formers (or penetrants). Penetrating sealers are the most effective in protecting against moisture absorption. No matter the type of sealer that you choose, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is unreasonable to expect your contractor or subcontractor to match the concrete driveway's color to a concrete sample, a neighbor’s decorative concrete driveway, or an image from a brochure. Even plain concrete can display color variations. This happens especially if there are multiple concrete loads or concrete placements on different days. These color variations are very minor and will fade over the course of time.
You can expect to pay $6 per square ft for basic stamped cement, or $15 for multi-pattern designs with unique coloring effects. Although stamped concrete can be more expensive than asphalt for the same reason, you'll see a much higher return on investment. Concrete driveways are more durable than asphalt, require less maintenance, and can add curb appeal to increase your home's value.
Concrete is naturally more brighter and reflective than asphalt. Concrete saves energy by decreasing the need to use lighting at night. A concrete surface can reflect up to 27% less light than asphalt pavements. Also, light-colored asphalt paving materials are more effective in reducing the heat-island phenomenon in urban areas.
A concrete driveway installed correctly should last many decades. It will last at least two to three times as long as an asphalt one. Concrete driveways last a longer time and require less work to maintain.