Appearance and Curb Appeal

Your driveway is one of the first things people see driving by or visiting, and concrete driveways are more appealing than asphalt. Also, concrete will not burn your feet when walking or playing on it during the summer.

Safety

The majority of available surfaces make walking on concrete much safer when wet.

Care and Maintenance

Concrete driveways do not require sealing every few years like asphalt does.

Added Long-Term Value

The cost of a concrete driveway is not that much more than and asphalt driveway due to increased material cost with asphalt. A concrete driveway does cost more initially, but it lasts nearly 3-times longer, which makes a concrete driveway cost less in the long run.

The simple truth is that you only have one chance to prep, pour, and finish your concrete project. Therefore, selecting a contractor that has performed this type of work numerous times and has a track record of doing quality work is a must. A low or cheap price usually means inferior workmanship, along with corners being cut. And, that will be costly in the future.

1. Do They Carry Liability Insurance?
   For everyone’s protection, all professional contractors carry this kind of insurance. Liability insurance will protect your property should the contractor cause damage during the time they are on your property.
2. Are They Covered by Workman’s Compensation?
   This covers workers who are on your property. Without the contractor carrying workman’s compensation insurance, you could be responsible for an injured worker doing work on your property.
3. Are They A Member of the Better Business Bureau?
   If they are, what is their rating? A low rating will most likely show a large number of customer complaints.
4. Do They Have the Experience to Do Quality Work?
   How many years of experience do they have? Concrete finishing is a skilled trade and cannot be learned in a short amount of time. Also, make sure they are not going to sub-contract your project out to someone else.
5. Will You Receive a Detailed Estimate?
   Your estimate must be clearly written as to the square footage, gravel, materials, clean up, etc. Terms of the warranty and payment schedule must also be included. If this agreement is not clearly written, then there can be unneeded disappointment and surprise.
6. Who Will Be Your Contact to Oversee the Work?
   Will this person know the exact details of your project, and carry them out correctly? Working with the same person from start to finish works out much better, as you only get one shot a pouring and finishing concrete.
7. Do They Have References?
   Quite simply, a contractor that does good work will have customers you could call for a reference.

With very little maintenance, your new concrete patio, sidewalk, and/or driveway can provide years of enjoyment and service. We recommend you follow the below suggestions:

• Wait 7 days before driving on your new concrete driveway (10 days if temps are below 55 degrees.)
• A concrete sealer should be applied no more than 45 days after your concrete driveway is poured. Applying the sealing is highly recommended before the first freeze.
• Kitty litter and/or sand should be used instead of salt or DE-icing salts on concrete driveways and sidewalks.
• Lawn-care fertilizers should not be placed or left on your new concrete. Many different items can discolor or damage newer placed concrete. Sweeping and rinsing with a garden hose will usually handle the issue. If not, a power washer will do the job.
• Concrete is very durable, and homeowners should know that we place control joints in the concrete as to control where the concrete should crack. Seeing smaller hairline cracks is a natural occurrence, and while it may not be appealing, it DOES NOT mean your concrete is now inferior.

You may have already talked to some of your neighbors or heard they are wanting a new concrete driveway. If so, this is a way us to do more work with less mobilization cost (using less fuel and increasing production while on-site.) Therefore, we pass the savings on to the group – it’s a win-win for everyone.