Homeowners take great pride in the exterior of their home. Concrete driveways have become an essential part of landscaping plans as they enhance curb appeal and create a welcoming environment. Over the years, concrete driveways have risen in status and are now considered a landscape design element due to a wide variety of textures, colours, and patterns to choose from; meeting the precise demands of today’s homeowners.

Not only is concrete functional, but it lends itself to a wide variety of design options which can make a dramatic difference in home landscaping plans, while simultaneously enhancing your property value. In addition to the traditional look, elements such as brick, tile, slate, or stone can be achieved for a more decorative appearance, texture, and/or colour. Other popular finishes and design choices are available as well to complement the exterior treatments of your home, including exposed aggregate.

For decades, concrete driveways have been known as “trouble-free” for homeowners despite our harsh Canadian weather. The reason is simple! Concrete is extremely durable, with many driveways lasting 30+ years without major maintenance. Similar to any high-quality purchase, an investment in concrete will cost less in the long run.

Minor, regular maintenance is very important to properly preserve the brilliance of your concrete and help to extend its life. Concrete should be sealed every 2-3 years, depending on the sealer chemical used, to ensure that weather conditions throughout the year don’t alter the appearance in any way. Winter salt can cause damage to coloured concrete and ultimately damage the seal, so it’s best to use “ice melt” which has a chemical compound that will not cause damage to either component.

Whether you have beautiful new or old stamped or exposed aggregate patio, walkway, driveway or pool deck, it is important to protect your investment. The right sealer will keep your concrete looking great for many years or rejuvenate an old existing stamped or exposed aggregate surface by preventing fading caused by harmful UV rays, and protecting it from stains and harmful chemicals.

Your stamped concrete patio, driveway or walkway will be subjected to many things that can leave stains on the surface such as oil, salt, chemicals, leaves, dirt, fertilizer and more. The right sealer will keep all of these from penetrating the surface of the concrete and leaving an unsightly stain.

You live in a cold climate and by re-sealing your concrete, you reduce the chance of freeze-thaw damage. Freeze-thaw damage can cause cracks or surface flaking, therefore, a quality sealer will keep water from sinking into your concrete. When properly re-sealed, the service life of concrete is greatly extended!

From the street to the garage, a personally designed concrete driveway not only adds visual satisfaction, but also adds long-lasting quality and value to your home. A concrete driveway will surpass all others!