Thickness (even more than strength) is the most important factor in determining the driveway’s structural capacity. A minimum thickness of about 4 inches is recommended but every additional inch increases your driveway’s carrying capacity up to 50%
Commonly referred to as decorative or patterned concrete, stamped concrete resembles brick, stone, tile and flagstone and is useful for decorating patios, pool areas and entries. There are a large variety of patterns, colors and textures to fit the look and personality of your home.
The difference between the two is that concrete contains cement plus sand and gravel, making it more durable. Cement, making up 10-15% of the total mass, binds the crushed rock together to form the concrete.
Curing concrete is a very important construction process but it is unfortunately one of the most neglected. The strength of these surfaces when not taken care of can decrease up to 50%. Therefore, keeping concrete hydrated with spray membranes or other products avoids surface defects and protects against weathering. Sealing a concrete area also avoids chemical and water absorption.
On average, an asphalt driveway should be sealed every 2-3 years while older asphalt driveways may need sealing every 1-2 years. Concrete driveways on average should be sealed every 5 years.