Concrete driveways can incorporate a variety of design options to enhance your properties “curb appeal” and property value. There are several factors to consider when planning your Minnesota, MN concrete driveway project.

Choosing a concrete driveway for your property is an excellent choice due to the fact that concrete is so versatile, durable, aesthetically appealing and low maintenance. Schedule a FREE concrete driveway consultation today!!

Does your property have an existing driveway that has sunk? Sinking concrete driveways are a major problem with Minnesota freeze thaw conditions. Take advantage of our Concrete Apron Replacement Solutions! Get your sunken driveway fixed today!!

Concrete Driveway vs. Asphalt Driveway

When considering the paving method for your new driveway it is important to identify if concrete or asphalt will be used. There are benefits to both of these paving methods and your choice is influenced by three main factors: budget, maintenance, and aesthetics. Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of concrete driveways vs asphalt driveways.

Driveway Driveway Features Maintenance

Concrete Driveways Concrete driveways are a Minnesota, MN favorite, this is because they require minimal care once they are professionally installed and sealed. Available in many finishes including: broom finish, exposed aggregate, and stained or stamped. Must be installed with proper driveway base material to ensure Minnesota winter conditions do not cause frost heaving. When properly installed will last up to two times as long as an asphalt driveway. Minimal maintenance after professional installation and sealing. Asphalt   Driveways Lower price point than concrete driveways but material costs are dependent on oil prices. Asphalt driveways will crack and require sealing every 3 – 5 years to maintain functionality. Improper sealing may cause asphalt to remain in a soft state forever. Work well in our cold Minneapolis, St Paul MN climate. Much easier to repair than a concrete driveway High maintenance, requires sealing on a routine basis.

Concrete Driveways – Concrete Planning Guide

Deciding if a concrete driveway is right for you can be easily achieved by answering a few common driveway questions. Minneapolis / St Paul Minnesota property owners can benefit immensely from a properly installed concrete driveway, but if the driveway requires routine maintenance or is out of their budget it will not fit their needs. Here are a few important questions to answer prior to installing a Minnesota concrete driveway:

1. What is the cost of a concrete driveway?
Minneapolis / St. Paul concrete driveway prices vary each season, a typical driveway will cost between $8 – $10 per square foot. Driveways with custom details or difficult access will increase the cost of your concrete driveway project.

2. What type of foundation will there be under my concrete driveway?
Prior to installing the concrete for your driveway ample time must be given to constructing an adequate base for your driveway. If your driveway base currently consists of an inadequate base such as soil or clay, we will completely remove the base and install a new base. This crucial in providing a solid foundation as well as creating a frost barrier that will stand up to our tough Minnesota winters and prevent heaving.

3. If my concrete base is inadequate what will it be replaced with?
Our concrete driveway foundations are constructed by using class 5 gravel, this base compacts well and provides the best strength available for your concrete driveway foundation.

4. Do I currently have drainage issues with my current driveway?
Minnesota property owners are all too familiar with the sounds of spring, hopefully your sounds do not include water flowing inside your property. By assessing drainage issues prior to constructing your driveway we can help prevent water from pooling or puddling on your new driveway.

5. How will the concrete driveway be cured?
Concrete requires attention after it is placed, if your poured concrete is neglected during the early stages it can easily end up ruined. Proper curing of concrete during the first week is crucial, to achieve this two things must occur: (1) Maintain the proper temperature (50 -75 degrees F) (2) Maintain proper moisture level.

6. Are there any costs that are not included in my concrete driveway estimate?
Minnesota concrete contractors are busy people. Many times contractors do no take the time to properly evaluate your specific concrete driveway project. Since all projects are different, this is a critical step in giving you an accurate estimate. Reputable MN concrete contractors will visit the site and provide a detailed cost estimate, make sure to choose a contractor with a proven track record that has been in business a minimum of 5 years.

7. When will my concrete driveway be installed?
Typical driveway projects take one to four weeks to construct from the time you approve the project. The old driveway will be removed and your base will be inspected to determine if it is acceptable, this process takes 1 – 5 days depending on the project. The forming and pouting of your new concrete driveway will take a minimum of 1 day, but some projects may last longer than a week depending on the size.

8. What do I need to do to maintain my concrete?
Even though concrete driveways are maintenance free, there are some issues to consider when planning your new driveway. Here is a list of items to consider when planning maintenance of your new concrete driveway:

• Landscaping: Remove grass 1 – 3 inches from the sides of your driveway, this will prevent grass from growing in your new driveway and as an added bonus it allows water to properly drain. Be aware of any trees, shrubs or bushes that are close to your driveway, the roots from these may grow beneath your driveway and cause problems down the road.
• Sealing: It is critical that your new Minnesota Concrete Driveway is sealed 30 days after the concrete was poured. This sealer prevents stains and moisture from entering into the new concrete.
• Stains: Unfortunately your new driveway will be exposed to a wide range of elements including oil, gas, grease and whatever else find its way onto it. Immediately remove any items that may cause stains by using a high pressure washer.
• Weight Limits: Although your concrete is built to last, extended storage of heavy equipment can cause indentations in your new driveway.
• Winter Conditions: Winter poses many threats to your new driveway. Make sure to avoid using salt to remove ice, salt may cause cracking, and scaling to occur. Make sure to avoid using salt entirely for the first winter your new concrete driveway is exposed to, this will lengthen the life of your driveway. When removing snow, make sure to not scrape your driveway and if you have it plowed as the driver to make an effort to keep the blade raised to avoid scraping.