Concrete FAQ
Question: What about Topical Coatings or Overlay Cement?
A: These are widely considered to be only a temporary. Overlay cement is one of today's fastest growing decorative concrete sectors. Overlays can be sprayed very thinly to give the customer the impression that they received a quality job and have a “like new” resurfaced driveway. Placement can be by trowel or with gage rakes as a self-leveling material. Surfaces might be stamped and textured, flat and smooth, stained, sand-blasted, or multi-colored. Owners choose overlays to save money by sparing the cost of removal and replacement. But there have been failures with overlays that caused problems for everyone. If a penny's worth of prevention is worth a pound of cure, you need to understand the issues involved. The success of the overlay is totally dependent on the condition of the concrete BELOW the overlay.
Using an overlay on a cracked or worn driveway will look good at first, but have a limited life expectancy. Many times failing within 2 to 5 years. Assuming the concrete base is in good condition, the success of the overlayment is dependent on not only the materials used, but also the installers, temperature, humidity and other factors such as temperature changes after the installation, and the different expansion rates of the base and the coating. The concrete industry Itself gives warnings about these quick fixes.
The physical characteristics of overlaid concrete itself can lead to its own special problems. High maintenance requiring frequent sealing and re-staining , discoloration due to dry rates, problems created by humidity and sun bleaching. Lower strength and susceptibility to cracks, frequent and constant cleaning due to dirt clinging to the surface
At Metro Concrete Company, we believe in giving the customer the best value for the money. We do not do quick fixes, patch jobs or cover ups. Our driveways are constructed from the start to last for many years.
In keeping with that belief, Metro Concrete Company does not use any topical coatings, colorings or any other materials that we believe will not pass the test of time.
At Metro Concrete Company, you can be assured that only the highest quality materials will be used in the construction of your new driveway or driveway replacement.
Question: How long does it take to remove a driveway and replace it?
A: Removal & replacement takes about two days for a normal driveway. The third day you can walk on it, on the fifth day you can drive your regular cars on it. You need to let it cure for 28 days to come to its maxium p.s.i. At that point you can drive larger trucks on it.
Question: Is there a standard pricing on a removal and replacement?
A: No, Each project is unique. Each one needs measurements to determine the final square footage, so you can determine the actual cost of each project. Metro Concrete offers Free Estimates