Concrete Driveways
Homeowners in Maryland are looking for solid concrete driveways in place of their cracked maintenance prone asphalt driveways. Bartley has answers to questions about paving concrete driveways and how to select the best contractor:
How thick should my concrete driveway be?
In Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia, we recommend a driveway to be at least 4 inches thick. If you are using your concrete driveway for heavier loads than typical vehicles, you should consult a structural engineer to determine the right thickness.
Why should I choose concrete over asphalt?
A properly installed concrete driveway can have a lasting curb appeal, improved resale home value and save on initial and long term maintenance. Concrete is stronger than asphalt and can last for 30 years or longer.
How do I get a trustworthy estimate on a concrete driveway?
Seek out two or more reputable companies where their main business is concrete (not asphalt). Make sure they have a good reputation, proper insurance, and get an estimate in writing. Contractors and concrete are not made equal so use a best value approach to selecting your contractor, lowest quoted price may cost you big in the end. If you’d like a free quote from Bartley, visit BartleyCorp.com/about/contact-bartley/get-a-quote/
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A basic concrete driveway can cost anywhere from $4 to $12 a square foot depending on design, size and project site conditions. A good idea is to measure the square feet of area when attempting to determine the cost.
Is Concrete Greener than Asphalt?
Yes, concrete is made of inert material that includes local and recycled material. At the end of concrete’s useful lifespan (30+ years) it can be crushed and recycled for different building materials.
How do I maintain concrete?
Concrete is a low maintenance product. It can be power washed and to fend off harmful salts, you can use concrete sealers as often as every year, though it may not be required. We do not recommend placing ice melt directly on concrete or asphalt driveways because of the harsh chemical
How many square feet is a large enough project for a concrete driveway?
Unlike other companies, we do not have a minimum size, however depending on the time it takes, you may come across our half day minimum charge.
My concrete driveway is cracked, do I need a new driveway?
If there is a crack in your driveway, do not panic. Although it may not look appealing, it may not be a problem. If you can fit your pinky down the crack, you may have a structural issue that should be repaired. Unfortunately the most common repair is simply removing the portion of the driveway (or entire driveway) and replacing with a new concrete driveway. Getting it done right will pay off!