Concrete Driveways A Symbol of Quality
H.L. Mencken, the famous American journalist, once wrote that "a home is not a mere transient shelter; its essence lies in its permanence ... in its quality of representing, in all its details, the personalities of the people who live in it."
Home builders and architects strive to create an idea that will appeal to the home buyer; houses that will entice the new owner to buy them because they feel comfortable with it and because they feel it reflects well upon them.
However, one area frequently overlooked, not thought about, or not considered as in depth as it should be, is the driveway. It is easy to overlook the driveway when one is making the hundreds of decisions about a new home. Yet the driveway is the ultimate welcome mat to a home. It gives an immediate impression of the home and the homeowners and it should bear the brunt of significant wear.
A concrete driveway is a symbol of quality. It is a great investment. A concrete driveway should last a home owner at least 30 years, while other paving options frequently will need to be replaced every ten years. By the time one factors in how much longer a concrete driveway lasts and how little maintenance it requires, a concrete driveway is not only cost competitive, it is clearly the better bargain.
Once cured and sealed, a concrete driveway is virtually impervious to the weather. Snow is easily removed. Potholes and ruts will not develop, eliminating puddles. It will not get soft in the heat or allow tar to be tracked into the home. A concrete driveway will also brighten the welcome to the home at night as its light color will reflect available light, creating a safer environment around the home.
There are many guidelines that help ensure a home builder or a home buyer gets a quality concrete driveway. Proper mix designs and proper finishing play a critical role in the performance of a driveway. However, there is a lot of help available to make the process easier. First, and foremost, contact your local ready mixed concrete producer. They will have the names of quality flatwork contractors. The ready mix producer has a vested interest in the driveway being placed properly. The Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association can assist the builders and home buyers by providing listings of ready mixed producers in the area. The Association also has information on concrete driveways available. For more information, contact the WRMCA at (800) 242-6298 (in WI),or by e-mail.
A home is a lifetime investment. After making the selections on windows, carpets, door knobs, cabinets, and shingles, remember to make a long lasting investment in your driveway. Choose concrete - it is how ideas get built.
From the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association