Category: Driveways

7 Important Questions to Ask Concrete Companies

Post author By Staff
Post date July 14, 2021

Concrete companies provide homeowners in Melbourne, FL with a range of concrete services that are essential for the upkeep of their property. Concrete is an important material because it can be used to repair, replace, or create new concrete foundations like driveways, patios, and walkways. It’s also a material that can last for decades with the proper care and maintenance. These companies offer a wide variety of services from pouring new concrete to repairing old concrete, and everything in between.

Concrete also has a number of benefits that make it the perfect solution for any homeowner’s needs. For example, concrete dries quickly so you don’t have to wait long before using your driveway again. It also lasts longer than other types of materials such as asphalt, which can crack and break over time due to weather conditions such as winter snowstorms or summer heat waves.

To learn more about what these companies offer Melbourne, FL residents and the top 7 questions homeowners should ask their concrete contractor, continue reading!

Why concrete to begin with?

Concrete is a versatile material that can be used for anything from driveways to patios and sidewalks. Concrete is strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow.

Concrete also dries quickly which means you don’t have to wait long before using your driveway or patio again, it lasts longer than other types of materials like asphalt which can crack and break over time due to different weather conditions like winter snowstorms or summer heat waves.

Concrete is a strong and durable material that can be used for both outdoor and indoor needs. Concrete also has the advantage of providing homeowners with an enormous variety of color options, which gives them the ability to match the concrete to their home or landscape.

Concrete companies will work with you to make sure your job goes smoothly and on time

Concrete contractors can help you determine the best type of concrete for your home. Concrete companies are also aware with the importance of working on time and meeting deadlines so that homeowners can get their jobs done in a timely manner. Concrete is dry within a few days, preventing homeowners from being inconvenienced by waiting multiple weeks or weeks after pouring or resurfacing their project.

Concrete companies also have the skill and expertise to make sure your job is done correctly and usually offer free estimates, so homeowners don’t need to worry about paying for anything until they decide on hiring them!

How do I choose a good concrete contractor?

When hiring a company to work on your concrete needs, it’s important to make sure that they have the skill and expertise needed to get the job done right. Concrete is not an easy material to work with, so homeowners should ask any questions they may have about the process and timeline.

Concrete companies are also aware of how weather conditions like winter snowstorms or summer heat waves can affect your project, so they will be able to manage this accordingly in order to get the job done on time.

Concrete companies typically offer free estimates before you decide on working with them, so homeowners don’t need to worry about paying upfront for anything! Concrete is a versatile material that can be used for both outdoor and indoor needs – from driveways to patios and sidewalks.

So now what should I ask concrete companies I interview?

1) How much experience do you have?

Even though reviews about local contractors on websites such as Angie’s List and Home Advisor can be helpful, it is important to interview any potential concrete contractor.

2) Do you have photos of past projects you’ve completed?

If you can’t find any photos of previous work, this is a great follow-up question. If your potential contractor hesitates to offer contact information for past clients, you might want to consider someone who has shared their previous work and expressed satisfaction with the results they’ve produced.

3) What is the earliest you can start my project?

If they’re in high-demand, chances are a concrete finishing company is juggling a few projects. Make sure your timeline aligns with their schedule to avoid delays.

4) Do you have a contract that you draft and sign, in writing, to ensure your work?

When there are problems following the project, such as quality or quantity of work done, it’s best to have an agreement written up with our client about expectations and responsibilities. A good concrete contractors will understand the importance of working on time and meeting deadlines.

5) Is it possible that I’ll need permits for my project?

A competent, experienced concrete contractor understands the permits and codes necessary for your construction project. Reputable concrete companies will usually know the contact information for local building and safety offices where you can get a permit and will often get one on your behalf.

6) Does my project require rebar reinforcement?

Rebar helps reinforce the concrete foundation, increasing its strength. Concrete contractors will know if this is required for your project and can provide you with an estimate of how much it might cost. Not all projects require rebar however, this is typically reserved for larger projects that require a large amount of concrete and weight. Concrete contractors will know if rebar is necessary for your project, but shouldn’t provide you with an estimate without knowing the specifics about what you’re looking to do.

7) Who will manage the project?

Concrete contractors should know how many people to expect when they come in, who will oversee them, and what the cleaning up process looks like. Be sure to ask if a supervisor will be present and how many workers they expect to work on the project.

Conclusion

Choosing concrete for your driveway, patio, or walkway is a valuable investment for homeowners. Concrete contractors have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with quality work that will last many years. They are also able to take on larger projects that require rebar reinforcement, which DIYers might not be aware of how much it would cost them in materials or labor costs.

Hiring a concrete contractor can save your time when they come up with solutions for problems affecting your project timeline as well. Concrete companies offer free estimates before starting any work so you don’t need to worry about paying upfront anything at all!

For these reasons, hiring a concrete company should always be an integral part of your home improvement plans no matter what kind of needs you may have- from driveways to patios and sidewalks.

Remember to look for concrete companies with a lot of experience, photos of past projects they’ve completed, can start on your timeline as soon as possible, and are available if you need permits or rebar reinforcement! Concrete companies offer homeowners valuable services and have the know-how to get the job done right.

Have a concrete project at your home or business? Call Manatee Concrete today at (321) 732-6123 for a free estimate or send us a message here!

Driveways

5 Concrete Driveway Repair Benefits, and Common Questions Answered

Post author By Staff
Post date July 7, 2021

It’s no secret that driveway repair is necessary at some point. Even if you have the most pristine driveway in town, it will eventually need to be repaired. It’s important for homeowners in Melbourne, FL know what they are getting into before repairing their driveway.

There are many benefits of driveway repair, including: increased curb appeal and property value, decreased storm water runoff and erosion from rainwater, reduced concrete deterioration because of UV exposure, or salt content in winter ice melt fluids.

There are also many types of driveway repair, including: crack sealing (repairs cracks in concrete), driveway resurfacing (applying surface material to the top layer of concrete and then topping it off with a new finish coat), repairing potholes (creating a level surface by removing any low points or high spots)

In this blog post we’ll go over these benefits and common questions homeowners in Melbourne, FL have about concrete driveway repair.

1. It increases the lifespan of your driveway

Concrete is a durable material. However, it can crack and split over time because of weathering or improper sealing practices. Concrete driveway repair will strengthen the damaged areas of your driveway with fillers such as gravel and sand that are tamped into place by hand or using machines. This can prevent driveway deterioration in the future.

2. Driveway repair is cost effective.

A damaged driveway is an expensive fix. Driveway replacement can cost anywhere from $15-40 per square foot of concrete, depending on the type and your location in North America. This means that if you have a 1000 sq ft driveway to replace with new concrete it will cost between $15,000 – 40,000 dollars!

Concrete driveway repair costs significantly less than a full driveway replacement or any other form of major repairs like asphalt overlay. The average price for installing patches onto a cracked or spalled driveway ranges around $0.60-$0.90 per square foot which amounts to approximately $700-$1250 for 100 sq ft patching job, not including sealing services.

3. It can increase the visual appeal of your driveway.

Concrete driveway repair can be used to make your driveway look brand new. Fillers are tamped into place and blended in with the concrete by hand or machine. This will give your driveway a fresh, clean appearance that will last for years as long as it is sealed regularly.

The repairs are best done when there’s no water present on the surface of the driveway because this would cause cracks in any patches made during installation.

That’s why you should wait until fall to do concrete driveway repair after the rainy summer season in Melbourne, FL has passed. If not, they could lead to cracking and possible breakage down the line.

4. It can make your driveway safer and more accessible.

A driveway is one of the most used portions of a home. It provides access to and from your driveway, parking area or garage. Repairing a driveway can prevent accidents caused by uneven surfaces or cracks in the driveway that lead to tripping hazards.

Taking care of concrete before it gets too damaged will help make sure you have a safe place for vehicles and people walking on it.

Repairing broken concrete also makes it easier on those who are physically challenged as well because they won’t be at risk for slipping on cracked sidewalks due to improper repair practices.

5. Concrete driveway repair can increase the value of your home.

Concrete driveway repair is a great way to improve curb appeal and make your driveway look brand new. This will help you sell your property faster and for more money than if it had been neglected.

It can also help you get a better price on your driveway if it has needed repair for months. Homeowners will be more willing to pay for driveway repairs before they buy a home if the driveway is in good condition.

Commonly asked questions about concrete driveway repair:

What types of damage warrant repair?:

If you have hairline cracks and spalls, it’s best to wait until they get worse before repairing them so that there won’t be more costly problems down the line

If you have any driveway that is sloped towards the house, it will also need to be repaired before water stands can create puddles and eventually cracks.

How long does concrete driveway repair last?:

The lifespan of driveway repairs varies depending on how often they are sealed. If done properly with adequate sealing practices, driveway repairs can last up to 15 years before needing to be repaired again.

Why is driveway repair better than replacement?:

It’s a cheaper, more cost-effective solution to driveway repairs that will improve the appearance of your driveway while still providing safety and accessibility. It also reduces risk for tripping hazards or issues with access when repairing concrete before it becomes too damaged. It is best to have driveway repair expert install a new concrete driveway or resurface your old driveway using a sealer.

Can I paint over my repaired driveway?:

Paint on top of new patches may look good at first but could eventually fade away and peel. This can happen if the driveway is not properly sealed and protected from the elements.

What are driveway sealers?:

Concrete driveway sealers are a liquid or a paste that is applied to driveway cracks and joints with the goal of sealing them. The sealer dries, creating an invisible barrier between the concrete surface and surrounding elements, such as rainwater.

– These sealers are primarily for driveway repair but can also be used on patios or other concrete surfaces in order to prevent water damage.

– They are an inexpensive driveway repair solution, especially when compared to a full driveway replacement, and will last for years if the surface is maintained regularly.

Can I repair damage caused by a driveway sealer?:

No, driveway sealers are designed to create an impervious layer that prevents seepage, which means it will be difficult for concrete driveway coating products to bond with material underneath or behind the surface of the driveway. When getting your driveway sealed, ensure the driveway will be dry for at least three days to prevent any water from entering and causing unwanted issues.

When should I repair my concrete driveway?:

If you have hairline cracks and spalls, it’s best to wait until they get worse before repairing them so that there won’t be more costly problems down the line.

It is important to start repairs as soon as possible once any damage has been done because this will prevent further issues from arising due to deterioration.

There are many benefits like increased curb appeal, less risk for tripping hazards which make concrete driveway repair worth considering if needed!

It also costs significantly less than replacing an entire driveway with new material which makes having concrete driveway repair professionally installed well worth the investment.

When repair isn’t an option

If your driveway has been severely damaged and is not a cost-effective option to repair, driveway replacement should be considered instead. If you want to look more into replacing your driveway we have another blog post that can help you decide. [post linked here]

Having a driveway that is professionally repaired will help restore your property value while providing an eye-catching curb appeal. If you need any assistance, our experts at Manatee Concrete are always on standby to perform any concrete repair jobs efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a trusted concrete contractor in the Melbourne, FL area, look no further. Manatee Concrete is here to provide quality workmanship with durable materials and an affordable price. We have been providing outstanding service for years so that our customers can feel confident about their investment.

As we mentioned earlier, there are many benefits of having your driveway repaired using our services such as reduced risk of cracks and water damage; but what if you’re still not convinced? That’s why it’s important to give us a call today at (321) 732-6123. We serve Melbourne, FL, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Titusville, and greater Brevard County.

You will receive a free quote with no obligation. Our staff members will take care of all aspects from start to finish.

Driveways

5 Biggest Reasons For Concrete Driveway Replacement

Post author By Staff
Post date June 29, 2021

Homeowners often make the mistake of waiting to invest in a concrete driveway replacement until it becomes hazardous and they have no other choice. This is a big mistake that will cost you both time and money, as well as inconvenience your family. The key to avoiding these pitfalls? When should I consider concrete driveway replacement in Melbourne, FL? What are some signs that show it’s time for a new one? Read on!

Here are just a few quick benefits you could enjoy when you choose concrete driveway replacement:

Increased curb appeal
Improved safety for residents and visitors alike
An easier driveway to maintain
Protection from driveway damage because of heavy rain and other natural disasters
A driveway that will age more gracefully than your current concrete driveway

This blog post will give you five reasons homeowners should think about replacing their old, damaged or cracked concrete driveways with newer, more durable versions.

1. New concrete driveways are long lasting and strong

New concrete driveways are long lasting and strong. They won’t crack, split, or deteriorate like old concrete. A new driveway will last for years with little maintenance needed on your part. This is a great way to be sure that you enjoy the beauty of your home’s exterior for many more years! The benefits of concrete driveways are that concrete nowadays is stronger, more durable and long-lasting than ever before.

2. A new driveway can give your home a fresh look

If you have been unsatisfied with how the front of your home looks, then a new concrete driveway can be a practical way to freshen it up. If your concrete driveway needs to be replaced, a new one can give the appearance that you’ve done some work on the exterior of your home and make it appear larger.

A lot of homeowners in Melbourne, FL choose concrete driveways because they are durable and long lasting as well as aesthetically pleasing. This may also help if there is inadequate space for your vehicles, and since a new driveway does not have to mean a copy of your old one; it can also expand it and give you extra space. You’ll find concrete to last longer than other materials, so you’ll be able to enjoy it for a long time.

3. Concrete is a great low-cost option

Concrete driveway replacement is a great low-cost option for the long run because it’s durable and long lasting as well as aesthetically pleasing. It does not have to be the same pattern as your existing concrete driveway; you can also expand it with extra space for parking vehicles if you so chose. This and the high customizability such as stamped concrete makes it a superb choice in Melbourne, FL. However, sometimes concrete driveways are not suitable for certain homeowners. One example is if you live in a swampy or high water-flow area, concrete will not be your best option.

4. Concrete is the best choice for larger vehicles

Because of the inherent strength of concrete, it is a brilliant choice for larger vehicles. A concrete driveway can accommodate large trucks and SUVs with ease. It also means that your concrete will not break down, crack or chip under the weight of these heavier vehicles. This is important because repairing them would be costly, time-consuming and often result in unreliable repairs. All of this means that concrete makes a superb choice for larger vehicles, including boats.

5. Concrete is low maintenance

Concrete driveways do not need to be sealed or painted, which is a big part of what makes them low maintenance. You will not have to worry about dead plants or moss growth on your concrete surface and you can enjoy a seamless looking driveway without any seams that would need repairing.

This is important because sealing or painting a concrete slab requires additional labor and materials (and often multiple coats). Concrete is low maintenance, easy to repair and lasts much longer than other options on the market.

In conclusion, concrete can be a brilliant investment for homeowners in Melbourne, FL because it does not require sealing or painting in order to keep its appearance fresh. This means you will save time with project labor as well as materials.

Concrete driveway replacement FAQ’s:

When do I know if I should replace my concrete driveway?

Your concrete driveway may need to be replaced if it is over 20 years old. If your concrete driveway has cracks or signs of crumbling, you might want to replace the entire thing before a more serious issue arises and causes expensive repairs. And as a result of concrete’s nature, heat from the sun can cause it to expand and contract, which leads to cracks or breaks.

When your driveway is uneven, you’re more likely to encounter puddles from rain or car washing. Puddles weaken any type of driveway material over time.

Multiple potholes and cracks are usually a good sign that it’s time for a concrete driveway replacement. With the constant changes in temperature coming from leaked car fluid or winter salt, you’re bound to get some deterioration. Likewise, if your concrete is improperly constructed, then you’ll notice major shifting and cracking over time.

Manatee Concrete will come and assess the state of your concrete driveway and provide you with an estimate on how much it will cost, as well as a timeline for when they can start the project.

Which is cheaper for my driveway? Concrete or asphalt?

Concrete driveways last longer since asphalt is porous, so the higher cost for a concrete driveway may be less than what it takes to replace an asphalt one.

A concrete driveway usually lasts between 10-20 years before its structural integrity will diminish and require replacement. The price of installation fluctuates with crude oil prices; however, asphalt costs are typically cheaper on average at $2-$4 per square foot because they’re much more likely to deteriorate in harsher temperatures that reduce their lifespan by up to 80%.

Is concrete driveway replacement a good investment?

Replacing a driveway is often an expensive process, but it can be the right choice for homeowners who are in need of repairs. If your current concrete driveway has cracks or needs repainting, you should investigate the replacement options available to you before making any decisions. Ultimately, replacing your concrete driveway can be one of the best investments you make in your home due to the multitude of benefits it has, especially over other materials.

How much value does a new driveway add?

There are various reasons why someone may want to replace their concrete driveway. One being that it’s estimated adding an attractive driveway can make your property worth 10% more. With the longevity and added curb appeal, concrete driveway replacement is a great investment. Installing a concrete driveway will often drastically increase the value of your home and it is well worth the investment.

Why choose Manatee for concrete driveway replacement?

No matter what size your property is, we have an installer with experience working on large projects like yours. We’ll make sure your new driveway looks great and will guarantee the perfect results for your property.

We also only use the highest quality materials to ensure that your driveway will last last for years to come. Manatee Concrete understands that our customers expect the best quality when hiring us for a job! Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is second to none.

In the end, it’s all about durability and quality that will last for years! Just ask one of our many satisfied customers who have invested in a concrete driveway from Manatee Concrete.

We offer free estimates on any size project so you can see how much you’ll save by choosing us instead of someone else.

Contact us today to schedule your free estimate, and we’ll go over the benefits of concrete. With so many reasons to choose Manatee Concrete for your concrete driveway replacement, you can’t afford not to! Call us at (321) 732-6123.

In conclusion, Manatee Concrete is the top local choice for concrete work in Melbourne, FL, Palm Bay, FL, and Rockledge, FL.

Stamped Driveways

10 Reasons Why Stamped Concrete Is An Excellent Choice For Your Driveway

Post author By Staff
Post date June 22, 2021

Stamped concrete driveways are a popular choice for homeowners, but they can be expensive. If you’re on the fence about whether or not stamped concrete is right for your driveway and want to learn more before making that decision, then this blog post will help with some of the questions you may have. We’ll cover everything from costs to benefits to maintenance so that you can make an informed decision about what type of driveway would work best for your needs!

1. A concrete driveway increases property value

To know if stamped concrete is beneficial to use on driveways, let’s discuss how a concrete driveway on its own is a beneficial improvement to a home, especially in Melbourne, FL. A concrete driveway is durable, which in turn increases the longevity of a property. This will add value because there is less maintenance required to keep the driveway in good condition. Concrete driveways are aesthetically pleasing and adds value as concrete looks much nicer than an old asphalt driveway that has all kinds of visible imperfections. You can generally expect a return on investment of around 50% the price.

2. What is stamped concrete and is it good for driveways?

Stamped concrete is a type of concrete that is stamped to create a textured, contrasting pattern. It is perfect for driveways because it provides grip and can be custom designed to match your home’s exterior design.

This type of finish makes driveways easier to maintain and water doesn’t pool on top or seep in from underneath.

3. Stamped concrete is cheaper than pavers for a driveway

The typical cost comparison for a paver driveway versus a stamped concrete driveway is about $25 per square foot depending on geographic location.

It costs less than traditional pavers for driveways, but it is not a vast difference in price. The higher cost for stamped concrete can be attributed to the extra labor and time that goes into creating them versus with pavers. Melbourne, FL has moderate labor rates for comparison purposes.

4. Why choose a stamped concrete driveway over other materials like asphalt or brick

If you want to compare it to asphalt or brick, it’s important to know the difference between them.

Asphalt and brick are traditional materials that have been around for a long time, but stamped concrete is newer technology with some advantages over these older options. While asphalt can get quite hot in direct sunlight and will buckle if you don’t properly maintain it, stamped concrete is much more durable and lasts longer than both of those other options (especially when compared to brick). In addition, stamped concrete isn’t as susceptible to weather damage like salt or hail from storms may cause pitting on an asphalt driveway. Thankfully, In Melbourne, FL, we don’t have to deal with icy conditions or even snow where salt is required to melt the ice.

Stamped concrete also has a feel similar to bricks but without all the downsides: unlike bricks which are heavy enough they’ll crack your foundation if installed too close together on top of it, stamped concrete is much lighter and can be installed in any pattern you want.

5. Is stamped concrete expensive?

In a location like Melbourne, FL, ballpark costs can land anywhere from $35-$90 per square foot.

It can be more expensive than traditional concrete, but the color and texture make them worth the extra investment.

6. Does stamped concrete crack easier?

It is stronger than other types of concrete and does not crack as easily. Stamped concrete is not as porous, which makes it stronger and less likely to crack. When it’s installed properly, there should be no cracking at all because of how strong this material is and can stand up better against freeze/thaw cycles than other types of concrete because of its strength and ability for water penetration.

7. You stamp concrete over old concrete

You can absolutely stamp over old concrete. However, you’ll need to make sure the old concrete is in good condition first. If it’s uneven or cracked, that means there are areas of different densities and these can lead to cracks once stamped – this will not look great! If your existing concrete has a uniform surface then it should be fine (if any cracking happens then just use an overlay product).

8. Many popular stamped concrete driveway patterns

There’s a whole variety of patterns. However, I’ll list out the MOST popular patterns commonly found here in Melbourne, FL

Ashlar is a popular pattern which looks like cut stone. It is the most expensive pattern and requires a more experienced installer to work with it effectively since they need to be able to cut each block by hand.
Basket weave patterns are popular for driveways because of how these squares create an interesting effect when connected in rows that stretch across the driveway from one side to the other.
Checkerboard patterns are also popular because of the way these squares form a symmetrical pattern that looks great.
Another popular pattern is a brick pattern. This lets people have the look of brick without needing to hire contractors for installation or waiting weeks and months for delivery!
Stamped concrete driveways can be done with different shapes, too. Rectangles are common, but other shapes that might appeal include ovals, octagons, squares – even hexagons!

Any pattern you choose will depend on your preferences as well as what materials your home’s architecture allows. Talk to our experts today about how we can help you find the perfect design at an affordable price!

9. How often should you re-seal stamped concrete and when will I know it’s needed?

A common resealing schedule is every two or three years. However, depending on the climate and lots of rain like we get here in Melbourne during summer months, a reseal may be needed sooner than that – usually it’s best to have the surface inspected by an expert for recommendations specific to your needs.

The best way to know when resealing is required is when you see the telltale signs of wear and tear. These include cracks, chips in corners or edges, pitting, non-level surfaces that create tripping hazards (they should be a maximum height differential of ¼”).

10. You can powerwash stamped concrete

You can certainly powerwash stamped concrete – but you’ll need to use a power washer which is specifically designed for this type of material. You can’t just take any old household or professional grade pressure cleaner and expect it to produce the same results.

It’s also important that you don’t let water sit on stamped concrete without drying it off, otherwise problems may arise with mold growth, mildew buildup etc.

Conclusion:

Stamped concrete driveways are a popular choice for homeowners, and it’s not hard to see why. They tend to cost less than traditional pavers but is still an affordable option. The key difference between the two options is that stamped concrete will make your driveway easier to maintain; water doesn’t pool on top or seep in from underneath because of its design. While the higher cost for stamped concrete can be attributed largely to labor and time spent creating them versus with pavers, they generally last longer without cracking as easily thanks to their stronger composition (not as porous).

If you’re interested in learning more about how Manatee Concrete in Melbourne, FL can help you create a beautiful new stamped concrete driveway today, just give us call at (321) 732-6123!