by Mazza Concrete | Sep 28, 2017 | Custom Driveways, Driveways
Concrete has been used for driveways for a long time, but now it doesn’t need to be drab. Like patios, the concrete can be salt finished, have exposed aggregate or be stamped. The concrete driveway can also be stained or engraved to give the property great curb appeal. Among the more popular stamped patterns are cobblestone, English Yorkstone, fractured slate, fractured earth, ashlar and riverstone. They can be stamped in interlocking or European fan patterns or a pattern called embossing skin.
If you would like more information about stamped concrete pricing in Birmingham, MI, and surrounding areas please contact Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Sep 27, 2017 | Driveways, Exposed Aggregate Concrete, Exposed Aggregate Driveway
Another alternative to standard concrete for driveway resurfacing is exposed aggregate concrete. This process leaves a decorative, colorful and rough finish on the concrete.
How is aggregate different than standard concrete? Aggregate is laid in a similar way to concrete, but the smooth top is washed away to reveal a surface that is pebbly yet even enough to walk on and remove snow from. It’s possible to add shading to the concrete to heighten the color.
Maintenance: periodic resealing
Estimated life span: 25 to 40 years
Pros: requires minimal maintenance; provides traction in winter with textured surface; hides chips in surface
Cons: vulnerable to cracking
If you would like more information about aggregate concrete driveway pricing in Birmingham, MI, and surrounding areas please contact Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Jul 31, 2016 | Concrete, Custom Driveways, Driveways
Pros: Long-lasting. Depending on the weather, exposure to road salt and subsoil preparation, concrete should last at least 15 years and often more than 50 years with biannual sealing and proper drainage. Precise edge treatments are a snap; its smooth surface is ideal for basketball and makes snow removal easy.
Cons: You’ll have to wait seven days for the concrete to cure before driving on it. Cracking is inevitable – particularly in freeze/thaw conditions – and repairs stand out. Concrete can’t be re-layered like asphalt, and should be sealed every two years. The finish can vary widely depending on the installer. Oil stains are tough to remove, colored concrete fades over time. Because concrete cracks when not supported, poor drainage and unstable soil can reduce life span to just five to eight years.
If you would like more information about concrete driveways in Rochester Hills, MI, and surrounding areas please contact Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 28, 2015 | Concrete, Driveways, Maintenance
Since winter is approaching, it is time to start preparing for winter maintenance of your concrete surfaces. Here are some helpful tips for the winter to take into consideration:
- Products containing ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate should never be used since these will break down even the most durable masonry materials.
- Concrete sidewalks and steps should be at least six months old, otherwise they can be severely damaged by deicing products.
- To provide better traction use sand in combination with a deicer or by itself.
- Applying deicers near areas of vegetation can potentially harm plant life if strong enough concentrations build up in the soil
Since repeated use of deicing products can cause damage, here are some suggestions to help speed melting and minimize damage to your concrete if you really must use them:
- Before applying, shovel and remove as much snow and ice as possible.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety.
- Apply the product away from the base of the building.
- Apply the product sparingly in the area of highest foot traffic.
- Assist the melting process by shoveling and removing snow and slush, especially away from the building.
- In the spring, wash down sidewalks, building bases, and areas near vegetation to help disperse the residue of the product.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about concrete maintenance in Rochester, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Nov 22, 2015 | Concrete, Driveways, Maintenance
Since the use of deicing products can potentially cause damage to your concrete, it is important to note that this damage may not be covered by your warranty.
Because some geographical areas use deicing products on city streets, county roads and state highways, melt-off of “salty” slush from your vehicle may also cause damage. When this occurs, as conditions permit, hose off accumulation(s) of salt deposited by cars on newly placed driveways and garage slabs. Annual fall application of a concrete sealer will help avoid damage to driveways and garage slabs.
If you would like a free estimate or more information about concrete maintenance in Clarkston, MI, and surrounding areas, call Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
by Mazza Concrete | Oct 18, 2015 | Concrete, Custom Driveways, Driveways
Pros: Long-lasting. Depending on the weather, exposure to road salt and subsoil preparation, concrete should last at least 15 years and often more than 50 years with biannual sealing and proper drainage. Precise edge treatments are a snap; its smooth surface is ideal for basketball and makes snow removal easy.
Cons: You’ll have to wait seven days for the concrete to cure before driving on it. Cracking is inevitable – particularly in freeze/thaw conditions – and repairs stand out. Concrete can’t be re-layered like asphalt, and should be sealed every two years. The finish can vary widely depending on the installer. Oil stains are tough to remove, colored concrete fades over time. Because concrete cracks when not supported, poor drainage and unstable soil can reduce life span to just five to eight years.
If you would like more information about concrete driveway pricing in Pontiac, MI, and surrounding areas please contact Mazza Company Concrete at (248) 625-3305 today!
