Keep your concrete in great condition this winter!

Concrete driveways are great for many homes in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and beyond. It is durable, stylish, and a great value.Poured concrete driveways are the most affordable, while concrete paver driveways are known for their luxury. How can you keep yours in great condition this winter? These winter concrete driveway care tips will help you out!

Shovel the Snow

Should it snow on your concrete driveway, it’s best to shovel it off of the driveway promptly. The snow can impact the concrete’s ability to stay strong against the freeze-thaw cycle. Plus, if it is not sealed, it will risk water seeping into its pores and causing cracks. Thankfully, shoveling or blowing the snow off your driveway is likely something you will do anyways, since you need to get out of your driveway somehow!

Protect the Concrete from Ice

Even if the driveway is clear of snow or it doesn’t snow at all, you don’t want your driveway to be a slippery wasteland. Prevent ice forming over your concrete driveway by choosing an ice melt or deicer that is safe for concrete driveways. Avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonium products; only usesand, kitty litter, or ash if your concrete is properly sealed.

Seal the Concrete

That being said, it’s a great idea to seal your concrete driveway once every few years. Concrete is porous, so even though it is very long-lasting, it can crack and crumble because of water damage. Sealing the concrete will protect it from moisture, dirt, chemicals, oils, etc.

Clean the Concrete

From time to time, it is also a great idea to clean the concrete driveway, preventing grime and fungus from deteriorating it. A pressure washer is a great tool to use, but specific detergents and even white vinegar can help you with tough spots.

Repair as Needed

Do you see visible cracks in your asphalt? If the concrete is dry, it is possible to repair them in the winter. Call Tri-State Paving to make those repairs quick and easy!

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you with asphalt, concrete, and hardscaping projects.

We refuse to sell hot air to our customers and that’s why we have been around for over 4 decades. We listen, inform, educate then decide what is best for our customers project and budget. If any problems arise during construction we keep our customers updated and respond to make the imperfect perfect.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

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The post Winter Concrete Driveway Care appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

What kind of concrete driveway is your favorite?

Are you looking into installing a concrete driveway? If you prefer the cool, low-maintenance material ofconcrete for your new driveway, you will find that you can take advantage of its many customization options. Concrete is a malleable material that you can do much with, even for your residential driveway. Check out these types of concrete driveway designs below and contact Tri-State Paving for more information and a free quote!

Poured Concrete

There are two main types of concrete: poured and pavers. Poured concrete is literally concrete poured into one or more slab molds. Poured concrete pavement, in the purest sense, is very affordable, smooth, and clean-looking. Stamped concrete is another type of poured concrete, which we will discuss below.

Stamped Concrete

Borders

One kind of concrete driveway design is a stamped border. With the help of concrete driveway stamps, you can make it look like your driveway has a border of concrete pavers, bricks, or natural stones. You could also create a border motif, such as a grapevine, a geometric pattern, etc.

Emblems

You can also stamp custom emblems in the center of your driveway. For example, you can create an emblem of your home number, a family crest, or a geometric or representational image. An emblem is a great way to centralize and ground your driveway.

Patterns

Some homeowners choose to add a little interest to their poured concrete pavement with a stamped pattern over the entire driveway. This pattern could be geometric, a soft swirl, or the appearance of natural stones, just to name a few.

Colored Concrete

In addition to these stamped concrete options, you can alsocolor your concrete pavement, whether it is poured concrete or concrete pavers. Your driveway can be colored with one or more colors; usually, keeping it to one or two colors is best.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are individual concrete bricks that form a pavement. Pavers are more expensive than poured concrete, but they look stunning, last a long time, and are easy to maintain and repair. Like with poured concrete, you can create borders, emblems, and patterns with concrete pavers as well.

Are you ready for a new concrete driveway?Get ready with Tri-State Paving!

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The post Types of Concrete Driveway Designs appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Concrete or asphalt? The age-old question for driveway material choices is here!

Are you looking to install a brand-new driveway? Concrete and asphalt are the two main options for residential driveways, and each has its pros and cons. We want to give you an unbiased report on the strengths, weaknesses, and differences of each option. So, the battle begins: concrete vs. asphalt driveways: which will win your vote as the best driveway material for you?

Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways: A Comparison

What Are They?

Concrete is a mixture of sand, gravel, and stones bound together by cement and water. There are different types of cement, but usually Portland cement is the one in use, which contains limestone and clay minerals.

Asphalt also starts with the same compounds of sand, gravel, and crushed stones, but its binder is bitumen, a derivative of crude oil. It is the black stuff that gives asphalt the name “blacktop.” Asphalt driveways have different layers to give them soundness but mainly consist of the same materials.

What Do They Cost?

Concrete is slightly more expensive than asphalt. The cost will differ depending on the customizations for each. Other factors affecting cost include the driveway’s size and complexity. The price difference between asphalt and concrete is more volatile than you think, though, because the cost of asphalt can depend on the market price of crude oil. For a real-life comparison, it is best to ask a reputable contractor for estimates. Tri-State Paving can give you estimates for both!

How Customizable Are They?

Concrete has many customization options. Stamped concrete is pavement with added molding and color to turn it into a work of art. Its design could be as simple as a stamped border or as complex as the appearance of natural stone.

Asphalt might not have as many customization options, but you might be surprised to learn that it has any at all!Stamped asphalt is just as artful as stamped concrete and is a service that Tri-State Paving offers!

How Much Maintenance Do They Need?

Concrete needs less maintenance than asphalt. However, poured and stamped concrete are prone to cracking under very cold or dry conditions, which is why youshould not apply rock salt to your concrete driveway.

Meanwhile, asphalt driveways benefit fromsealing and crack filling every few years or as necessary. Although they cost less upfront, they might need a little more care over the years.

How Long Do They Last?

The general consensus is that concrete lasts longer than asphalt, but their ultimate lifespans depend on environmental conditions and long-term maintenance.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The post Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.