#Imprinted Concrete Driveway Problems | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

pascal-princess · 7 months ago

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[ playing dangerous ]

a/n: this is my first ever fic so pls be kind!! also not proofread so any mistakes i apologise.

— warnings : dark fic (18+), joel isn’t what you think in this, domestic abuse! (not joel), drugging, dom!joel, big!joel/small!reader, age gap (not mentioned but it’s there, around 26 years), kidnap if you squint ig. + plus tommy.

“Joel it’s all kickin’ off next door man”

Tommy’s voice filled his ears through the phone as he sighed… not again… surely.

“What this time?”

“It’s that dude, I ain’t gotta clue what his problem is but she’s gettin’ the brunt of it yet again” Tommy’s eyes scanned through the blinds that were peeled apart by his fingers, peering into your window trying to get a good visual of what was going on.

This had been going on for the past few months, your boyfriend Rick had a bad gambling addiction… and based on his results you’d either get pounded brutally into the bed as his victory celebration, despite your cries. Or… like today; a hissy fit which every time without fail, resulted in bruises and tears, as his anger at his loss seemed to be all your fault.

This time; tommy could hear the heavy thuds of furniture being thrown across rooms, and twinkles of glass that smashed beneath your feet. He could hear the soft whimpers and sobs that left your body as Rick practically screamed at you.

“it’s all your fault you fuckin’ bitch, you make me do this”

“Joel what do i do, man? I can’t jus’ leave er’”

“Stay where you are, I’m comin’ home”

Joel hung up the phone and got into his pick-up truck and began the short drive home; he knew you were a sweetheart, a soft innocent angel who wouldn’t hurt a fly. You always smiled at him and even once baked him cookies, which he admired for a good few days before throwing his diet out the window, consuming the gooey chocolate chip delights you made. He couldn’t understand why you stayed, why you let Rick treat you the way he did. He also couldn’t understand how Rick could treat you such a way.

Maybe you were secretly an awful person, he thought… or hoped. Because the thought of someone as kind and caring as you receiving the exact opposite just because of the fact that you won’t fight back killed him inside. He refused to admit the feeling of jealousy that ached inside of him; but he often thought of what it’d be like to hold you at night, to be the man to make you smile, to wipe away your tears instead of being the dick that caused them.

His anger grew more and more as he approached his driveway, speeding up a bit as he swerved in and pulled to a halt, the tires screeching against the concrete. He threw open his door and made the short walk to your front porch, knuckles thumping against the wood as he waited for a response… that was when he realised… silence.

He banged again and called your name this time, willing you for a response. You could’ve heard a pin drop, and it was scaring him.

He was just about to kick the door down when he heard the lock of the door flick, and watched as it slowly peeled open, too slow.

“Joel?” your cracking voice called his name and he could’ve burst into tears himself.

“Sweetheart, ya’ alright?” he pushed open the door a little more to get a view of your face, and god he wished he hadn’t.

“Honey” He sighed, eyeing the swelling bruise that imprinted itself onto your cheek, the redness of your face from crying just intensifying it.

“Joel, please just go” you kept yourself hidden, yes, Rick was gone. He walked out as soon as he was finished releasing his stress, with the words “i’ll be back later” but you still felt the quivers of fear make their way through your body.

“I can’t do that, you know i can’t” His hands were placed on his hips as he scanned everywhere he could for more marks, and all he could see was bruises, old and new, littered across your arms. Even the softness of your feet covered in dried blood from stepping on the glass.

When that caught his eye he knew you needed attention.

“Right, you’re comin’ over so i can get ya cleaned up” He reached for your hand but you pulled back abruptly.

“I can’t, Joel. I can’t leave”

“Then i’ll carry you”

“You don’t get it!” you raised your voice a little louder to get the message across.

“You’re right, I don’t get it. But I ain’t gonna leave you alone right now so you either move, or I move ya myself”

You sighed, knowing he wasn’t gonna let up, so you made the brave decision to step outside… wincing as your feet made contact with the hard stone below you. Joel was there right away, scooping you up into his arms and hoisting you on one side of his hip as his other hand closed your front door. He eyed you for a moment, making sure he wasn’t hurting you before making his way over to his house.

All the fear coursing through your veins dulled as you felt joel’s touch, he was much bigger than you which at the start intimidated you, but now all you wanted to do was crawl into his embrace and let him take care of your problems.

Joel was one of your favourite people; when you moved in you two immediately hit it off, becoming very quick friends. From what you heard from Tommy, Joel wasn’t the type of person to be overly nice to everyone he meets, but you were different. He would always help you out when you had issues with the plumbing or gas, as Rick was never interested in doing any of that. He would bring over leftovers for you as he knew you struggled to eat after a particularly bad fight. Basically anytime Rick wasn’t there, Joel was. Insisting on taking care of you when things went wrong. Helping you get out of bed, and brushing your hair for you on the worst days.

Tommy was already waiting with the front door open, allowing Joel inside as he carried you through the threshold.

“She alright?” Tommy asked and Joel nodded slightly, taking you through to the kitchen and perching you up on the counter, picking up your leg and inspecting your foot for the first time.

“You gotta’ start wearing shoes, sweetheart”

You gave a slightly amused breath at his words but he wasn’t laughing in the slightest. He was angry.

Angry at me? you thought

He moved to one of the cupboards, pulling out a first aid kit and making his way back to you, pulling a stool over and sitting in front of your legs, pulling your feet into his lap and getting to work with the antiseptic.

“ouch!” you winced as the stinging made its way through your body.

“I know babygirl, m’sorry. i’ll just be a little minute more and then you’re done, m’kay?”

That was another thing that was unusual with Joel, his affection towards you. It was clear that he cared about your feelings, maybe it was just because he knew that you didn’t get much at home… or maybe… just maybe…

“All done, sweet girl” you were pulled from your thoughts as he placed the bloodied cotton pads onto the counter beside you and you winced internally at how much blood there actually was. He picked up a thin bandage and began to wrap each of your feet. making sure the cuts were covered.

“Thank you” you spoke quietly, even when he was finished he still held your feet in his lap, the warmness and softness of his jeans bringing you comfort. It made you yawn and made your limbs stretch slightly.

“You tired?” he asked. You shook your head, you knew he’d have you sleep here if you asked but you didn’t want an excuse to stay any longer, on the off chance that Rick was already on his way home.

“I better get going” Joel’s hands held onto your hips as you slid down off the counter, your feet feeling way better touching the floor than before.

“She ain’t leavin’” Tommy’s voice interrupted the both of you, you turned to face the younger brother who was standing in the door way, essentially blocking your exit.

“I-I have to”

“No frickin’ way!” Tommy protested, raising his voice a bit.

“Tommy” Joel warned.

“No, absolutely not! You think we’re gonna let you go back there after everything that sick son of a bitch has done? You’re fuckin’ crazy”

“You don’t understand” You spoke softly, a whimper caught in the back of your throat.

“No you don’t understand! You wanna fuckin’ die huh? You got some sorta death wish?” Tommy was stepping closer to you, not with the intention of intimidating you but out of pure frustration with you.

“Tommy! Back the fuck off” Joel stepped forward now too, both brothers exchanging looks that told you this had been more than a one time conversation. You couldn’t help the tears that burned your eyes, begging to be released, your lip wobbling with every breath.

Tommy was an incredible friend to you, but he was the harsher one out of the two brothers when it came down to you. Joel was better at hiding his true feelings but Tommy, wouldn’t let you hear the end of it.

“What if one day we ain’t there huh? what’s she gonna do? who’s she gonna run to? If she ain’t already dead by that point” his words were harsh and brought all your emotions to light.

“Stop it! please!” you burst into tears, chest tightening as your sobs began to wrack your body.

Joel was immediately at your side pulling you into his embrace tightly and running his hand through your hair, whispering sweet words.

“M’sorry, honey. But you ain’t leaving tonight and that’s final” Tommy spoke before disappearing into the hallway.

“He ain’t tryna be mean sweetheart” Joel whispered as you clung to him.

“I-I know” you spoke hiccuping through your words.

“He’s just worried about you, and so am I”

You pulled away from Joel’s embrace, wiping your eyes. Of course you knew it was wrong, Of course you knew you could get seriously hurt or end up dead. But if it was that straightforward you would’ve been gone a long time ago.

“Can you at least stay until i get some painkillers in ya’?” Joel asked, and it wasn’t a big ask at all… but to you it felt like a hefty question. But it wouldn’t hurt right? You could take the painkillers then head straight back home as if nothing happened.

You nodded and Joel gave a soft smile, and took your hand, leading you through the house and up the stairs.

“I keep everythin’ in my bathroom cabinet, jus’ better that way” he seemingly answered every question you had without you even having to ask.

He led you to sit on his bed as he went into the bathroom, rummaging for a few moments before returning with little white capsules in his hand, he reached into his night stand and grabbed an unopened bottle of water, twisting the cap and handing you both items.

He watched you carefully as you took the pills, swallowing them with water and taking a few more chugs of the water as you didn’t realise how thirsty you were. You handed the bottle back to him and he placed it back on his nightstand.

His room was so cozy, you had never been up here before. Shades of grey and black accented the room, lights dim and sheets soft, his bed big enough for 4 people never mind just him. You could tell this room probably wasn’t his idea as Joel wasn’t one to prioritise his own comfort. It was so cozy that your eyes began to droop, and your head began to sway.

“Lay down, babygirl” Joel instructed and even came to your side to aid you but you pushed him off.

“Nuh-uh I can’t, have to go home”

“Just lay down for 5 minutes, c’mon i don’t want you passing out” he insisted.

“M’kay, 5 minutes” He helped you lay down as you got comfortable on his plushy sheets, it was almost unusual how sleepy you were. You felt your eyes begin to shut against your will and felt your breathing begin to slow. You were falling asleep, but no matter what you did you couldn’t stop it from overcoming you. Your body drifting into a deep slumber before Joel’s eyes.

If only you’d of seen the bottle of sleeping pills sat out on his bathroom counter.

When you woke, it was way darker outside, an ambient light flashing through, you squinted for a minute until you realised it was police lights. You searched your surroundings realising you were wearing a t-shirt and bottoms that did not belong to you, and you were also laying on joel’s pillows, the covers atop of you. You threw the covers off and began to stand up, your sleepiness still coursing through your body. how long did i sleep?

You padded towards the window, looking out and gasping at the sight of Rick being pushed into the back of a police car, his protests actively ignored by the officers, you began to start panicking but something caught your eye, or someone.

Tommy stood on the front porch, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he watched the car drive down the street, the officer driving giving him a wave as they passed… they know each other?

“You’re awake” your body jolted as you spun round to face Joel, who stood in the middle of the room holding a mug of what looked and smelled like tea. He motioned for you to take the mug but you ignored him, eyeing him with a look of betrayal.

“I know you didn’t want this sweet girl but i-”

“Didn’t want this? Joel do you have any fucking idea what you’ve just done? He’s gonna get out and he’s gonna come straight for me, do you understand that?” you ran your hands through your hair, pacing back and forth and contemplating all of your options.

“Hey, hey, hey” Joel sat the mug down and walked over grabbing a hold of your shoulders and pulling you to him. “He ain’t gonna hurt you no more, understand”

You looked into his eyes and saw nothing but pure sureness in his eyes.

“He comes anywhere near ya i’ll kill m’ myself”… again, the sureness… but something else lurked in his irises, something dark.

“You’re not killing anyone Joel” you pulled out of his grip and began to walk away, searching for your lost clothes, rummaging through his wardrobe and under his bed.

“Where’s all my stuff?”

Joel sighed and walked over to you again.

“It’s in the laundry, why are you so desperate to leave? He’s not here anymore” You heard the frustration in his voice but why was he angry at you, it meant you could go home peacefully.

“Because it’s my home, Joel”

“This is your home” He said plainly, which in any other circumstance would’ve been sweet but you couldn’t shake the feeling of something being wrong.

“That’s kind Joel but I really gotta-”

“You think now that i’ve got you i’m just gonna let you go?” He chuckled.

The air shifted as you looked into Joel’s eyes that seemed to have nothing but pure lust for you, he had been drinking.

But it wasn’t until your eyes caught the little orange pill bottle sat open on the counter that it finally clicked. And he noticed when it clicked. His eyes followed yours and he sighed at his mistake, before giving a slight scoff.

“Sorry, probably shoulda’ put that away before”

“Joel?” You grew more and more frightened as the seconds grew by, this wasn’t your Joel. This Joel had something dark and malicious about him.

“Hey, it’s alright sweetheart” he came up and held your face in his hands…

“I’m gonna take care of you now”

a/n: please let me know if you want a part two i’d be happy to write one! any comments and reblogs are so greatly appreciated thank you so much for reading.

love, mila🎀

#joel miller #joel miller x reader #tlou fic #joel miller fic #dark joel miller #joel miller angst #the last of us x reader #no outbreak!joel miller #dark!joel miller #dark!fic #joel miller x y/n #joel miller x you #joel miller x fem!reader

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concretenewcastle · 2 years ago

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Stamped Concrete – Adding Value to Your Property With Decorative Concrete

Stamped concrete is becoming more popular as a cost-effective way to dress up patio floor areas, driveways and pool decks. It is also very easy to maintain, and comes in a wide variety of colors and textures.

It can resemble the look of other natural building materials such as stone, slate or brick. It can be colored to match the existing color of other concrete surfaces and is longer-lasting than paved stone.

Patterns

Patterned concrete is a type of decorative concrete that mimics other types of materials such as block paving or natural stone. It can be used to enhance the look of patios, driveways, and other outdoor areas. It is also long-lasting and cost-effective. There are many different patterns to choose from, and it is possible to create a unique look for your property.

One popular pattern is the herringbone brick pattern. It consists of a “zig-zag” arrangement of single-sized rectangles and a distinctive V-shape. This pattern looks good in a variety of colors and can add a decorative touch to your garden or driveway. It can be made more interesting by using a darker secondary color to add contrast.

Before starting the imprinting process, it is important to inspect the concrete to ensure that it has reached the optimal phase of plasticity. If the concrete is too stiff, it will be difficult to impress the imprint stamps into the surface, and you may not achieve a clean and even texture.

Repair

Stamped concrete is a popular choice for patios, driveways, and pool decks. It can be shaped and colored to look like flagstone, slate, brick, tile, stone, or even timber. It is also a more cost-effective option than pavers or slabs. However, stamped concrete can deteriorate over time due to a number of factors. These include poor construction, environmental impacts, and unintended or over use. In these cases, it may be necessary to repair the surface of the concrete.

Surface cracks are a common problem for stamped concrete. These can be repaired using a variety of techniques. However, the most important thing is to ensure that the concrete has cured sufficiently. Inspect the concrete to make sure that it has reached its peak plasticity before beginning the imprinting process.

Color variations are another common problem that needs to be addressed. These can be caused by a number of things, such as inadequate dosing and mixing of integral color or inconsistent curing. If the variation is minor, it can be covered with an antiquing agent. However, more drastic variations will require re-coloring.

Maintenance

Many contractors recommend sealing stamped concrete every 2-3 years to protect it from foreign substances like oil, chemicals, and water. This will also help prevent color fading.

It’s a good idea to sweep or hose off the surface regularly, especially if there are any spills or debris that can lead to stains. If you can’t remove stains, try using an alkaline degreaser. This can break down oil and grease and should not damage the concrete or the sealer.

Resurfacing existing concrete with a stamped overlay is an easy way to revitalize the look of your patio, driveway, or pool deck. However, it’s important to hire a professional who understands the different types of cement and how they react to the weather. This is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome for your project. A professional will also be able to tell you what products will work best for your specific situation. He or she may even offer a maintenance program that will keep your project looking great year after year.

Cost

Concrete is known for its strength, durability and sustainability. However, it can look unattractive without the right finishing touches. Decorative concrete is an affordable option that can add value to your home. It also requires less maintenance than other paving materials. However, it can be expensive to install.

Concrete contractors are often in high demand, and their rates vary from region to region. If you are planning to have stamped concrete, you should consider hiring a contractor who has experience with the type of concrete you want. It is also a good idea to choose a simple design to keep costs down.

It is important to test the concrete for readiness before stamping it. It should feel solid under your finger and leave an imprint that is no more than three-quarters of an inch deep. Also, make sure to spread a layer of release agent over the surface. This will prevent the stamps from sticking to the concrete.

source https://concretenewcastle.wordpress.com/2023/05/18/stamped-concrete-adding-value-to-your-property-with-decorative-concrete/

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kniightdoktoriineisnotactive · 2 years ago

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Solid, Helpful Tips To Improve Your Home

While the term home-improvement is often associated with costly remodeling jobs, there are plenty of simple ways to increase the value of your home. With a little home improvement knowledge, you can get a better-looking home with out spending much time or money. Take a look at these tips to get an idea of where to start.

When you're doing any kind of home improvement, make sure you're taking notes on what surrounds you and stick to improvements that are smart. Making strange changes to your home that do not take its setting into consideration can cause problems when you want to sell. Stick to what is liked, and don't reach outside of what local climate allows.

When it comes to managing your home during the summer, use all of the fans that you can. Ceiling fans especially help keep the air in a room circulating and therefore help keep the room cooler. Making good use of ceiling and portable fans can ease the drain on your air conditioning, reducing your monthly electric bill.

Ugly driveways and concrete can be repaired without having to spend the time and money to replace them. Concrete refinishing has become a new alternative for that cracked driveway or walkway. They can apply a new topcoat, stains, imprint patterns or other design elements that will give your home a whole new look for less.

Install ceiling fans to disperse heat and cooling better throughout your home. During the mild seasons, ceiling fans can provide all the cooling you need. Throughout the colder winter months, your ceiling fans can spread out the warm air from your heating system faster, cutting down on expensive heating costs.

Although it can be tempting to continually put off home repairs, or hire a professional to do simple repair work and, in doing so, rack up a costly bill, most people are amazed to discover how easily and readily they are able to do basic home repair work and maintenance themselves.

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ymcconcreting · 2 years ago

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Essential Information about Concrete Driveways

A concrete driveway is a terrific method to boost the value of your property, improve the appearance of your home overall, and provide a better curb appeal. This kind of surface is quite useful and requires very little upkeep.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind about a concrete driveway in Melbourne is that it is quite resilient and can support the weight of large automobiles. As a result, you won't have to be concerned about cracks or other traffic-related problems. A concrete driveway may also be created in many different ways since it is quite flexible. A simple, polished, or stipple finish are all options.

A stylish driveway may also be achieved using stamped concrete. These finishes reproduce a variety of surface patterns, such as a tiled appearance, a marbled texture, and even an imprinted pattern that resembles a slate appearance.

Without any upkeep, a concrete driveway can survive for many years. Additionally, it can withstand a variety of weather situations, making it a desirable option for any homeowner.

The style is a crucial factor to take into account while choosing the best concrete driveway in Melbourne. Select a finish with a deeper colour so that it can conceal any little blemishes or scratches.

Get an estimate from a reputable business if you're thinking about building a concrete driveway. You'll feel more at ease as a result, and you'll be able to appreciate your new driveway.

#Concrete Driveways Contractors

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firstimpblockpaving · 3 years ago

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firstimpressionsus · 4 months ago

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Must Follow Restoration Tips for Imprinted Concrete

Everyone wants their driveway and patio to last longer and retain quality and durability. However, decorative paving, such as Imprinted Concrete and pattern concrete, often shows imperfections and flaws.

So, you want to eliminate Imprinted Concrete Driveway Problems. In that case, this blog has shared some effective restoration tips that will assist you in keeping the quality and durability of the paved driveway.

#Imprinted Concrete Driveway Problems

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omnictricity-blog · 5 years ago

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The Anatomy Of A Great Concrete Walkways To Front Door

Concrete aprons can be a important component of concrete walkways and driveways since they make the transition among grades of concrete and slab much simpler and safer. Journey hazards are removed and so is car problems.

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Area the form Firstly of your respective path and amount it, if desired. Shovel the wet concrete into the form to fill Each and every cavity. Consolidate and smooth the surface area of the shape using a concrete margin trowel.

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three BUILD THE GRAVEL Foundation A layer of crushed gravel gives a steady foundation on which to build your walkway.

When mixing the concrete, the installer adds a powdered pigment that generates the base color. The powdered pigment will often dry to the darker color. Installers may also add an accent colour through the mixing method that mimics the different hues found in marble, brick along with other components.

This will likely be risky as it could cause accidents or incidents. They'd not have the ability to accomplish the do the job or should they do, you could expect a concrete sidewalk that is definitely inadequately crafted.

An Just about limitless a number of stamps is accessible for imprinting on to concrete to make a walkway. The commonest consist of stamps that give the impact of bricks, flagstone, cobblestone, wood, purely natural stone and medallions.

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Usually it could be cleaned with just an outdoor cleaning Option and also a brush. Homeowners could also rest guarantee that cement is a troublesome substance which can hold up towards the test of your time. Extended just after other walkways might have damaged down, cement holds its ground.

This target in addition the Actual physical requires of your work could be nerve-racking and may take a toll on you. Certainly, you may finish a concrete work by by yourself, but think about the amount of exertion and time that you simply must deliver just to make it happen.

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You can find the two concrete and asphalt aprons. It is possible to pick out which you would like to obtain. Our St. Paul & Minneapolis concrete paving industry experts may even make suggestions. By way of example, asphalt is usually ideal if the inspiration blocks of the garage are ruined.

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outofthebluex · 2 years ago

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Patterned Concrete Vs Block Paving

Block paving can be an expensive option. Luckily, there are alternatives to this dated style that offer more attractive, affordable results.

Among these alternatives is patterned concrete, which offers endless creative opportunities. This type of concrete is poured in large sections, which helps prevent unwanted crack growth. In addition, cracks created by patterned concrete are actually printed indentations rather than real cracks.

Patterned concrete is a cost-effective alternative to block paving

Patterned concrete, also known as stamped concrete, is a technique in which a colour is imprinted on the concrete before it hardens. The patterning process differs from conventional concreting, which involves using blocks to develop the surface. When the concrete is still wet, the colour is applied to the concrete in a range of different patterns. Common patterns include brickwork, ashlar stone and textured stone. Patterned concrete is a popular choice for driveways and pathways.

Patterned concrete requires a special colour surface hardener, usually 2.5kg per square metre. This is particularly important for high traffic areas, such as driveways. Concrete with a lower cement content can't be properly hardened, which could result in a poor finish.

It requires less maintenance than traditional concrete

Block paving is an excellent choice for driveways and other exterior areas. It is highly durable, and requires far less maintenance than traditional concrete. It is available in a variety of thicknesses. The most common thickness is 50mm, while the thickest units are around 100mm. The thickest blocks are used for heavy-duty paving, whereas the thinnest ones are suitable for domestic use.

Brick paving is a good option for driveways and walkways. It looks great on drives and patios, and can be combined with other types of paving. It is also an excellent alternative to tarmacadam for estate roads. Brick paving is also an attractive alternative to estate roads. Its high-density structure allows it to withstand exceptional loads and still look good.

It lasts longer than concrete

If you want to lay a driveway that lasts longer than concrete, consider block paving. This type of paving is made of recycled materials, and it is also environmentally friendly. It is porous, which means that it can absorb dirt. However, with proper maintenance, block paving will last for years. You should spray it with a sealer every couple of years to keep it looking its best.

Block paving is often used for driveways, pavements, patios, walkways, and road surfacing. Block paving is a good choice for areas where you expect light traffic, and you can easily replace individual blocks if they get worn out. However, this type of paving does cost more than concrete.

It is easier to repair

It is a durable surface and can last for a decade or longer. This type of pavement is ideal for commercial and residential properties because it is low-maintenance and can withstand heavy traffic. It is also perfect for airports and docks, where high traffic volume can be a problem. This type of paving is also low-cost because it doesn't need a top layer of polish and will not need to be repainted or repaired in the future.

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thoughtsfrommusicals · 2 years ago

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The Amazing Technique of Block Paving Driveways

Before you can begin installing the incredible block paving driveway, you need to prepare your site with the correct edge restraints.

To do this, you need to prepare the concrete mix to be at least 100mm thick. You should also draw a string line at the finished paving level and use it as a guide when placing the edging stones. You can also add a pattern to your concrete mix if you wish.

Lessons learned

Choosing the right type of paving for your home is essential. You want to match the style of your home's exterior to the paving. For example, you can choose contrasting colours. However, you should also consider the durability of the material.

Block paving can withstand harsh elements and the test of time. It is also one of the easiest types of paving to maintain. Cleaning it with soap and water will be enough to remove any dirt. If you are not satisfied with the quality, you can always replace it with bricks.

Block paving is a popular choice for driveways in the UK. It is widely available in a variety of colours, styles and sizes.

The versatility of block paving makes it easy to achieve the look you desire. This material can also be customised to create patterns and colors. Block paving can enhance the appearance of your home and add to the value of your property. It is a good option for high-wear areas, and can be used for commercial properties, too.

Patterned concrete

A pattern imprinted concrete driveway is much more durable than a plain block driveway. The basic differences between these two types of driveways are that the former is cheaper and requires fewer maintenance procedures, while the latter is more expensive.

Block paving is not permeable, and requires no additional drainage, but it requires regular cleaning and weed control. In addition, the pattern imprinted concrete is also more expensive than plain concrete, so you should be prepared for this cost.

The downsides of a PIC driveway include poor visual appeal due to its patterns and uneven positioning. Over time, cracks can become large and unsightly, requiring the entire area to be resurfaced.

This can be costly, and repairs often do not match the original installation. Additionally, this type of driveway is not permeable, so it does not meet planning requirements for front gardens. This is why we strongly recommend that you consider other types of driveways before choosing one for your home.

Lifting and relaying

Lifting and relaying block paving is a technique that is used for large areas. To do this, you need to lay down a straight edge on the sunken or level block area. Then, you place paving bricks to the depth of 3-5 mm. The raised sand will level out once the block paving is compacted. You can use a photo to assist you in this process.

First, you must prepare the paving area by sweeping the area clean. If the paving is uneven, you will have to lift it and remove any loose sand. Then, you will have to re-lay the blocks. It is also important to make sure that the sand layer is level. This is an important step when relaying block paving. It will prevent the rise and fall of the paving.

Problems with block paving

There are a number of potential problems associated with block paving driveways. These include drainage issues and lifting and weathering. Water retention is a common problem with block paving and may cause a damp, unattractive appearance.

To prevent this problem, you can follow a step-by-step guide for regular maintenance. In some cases, regular maintenance will prolong the life of block pavement. Read on to learn more about these problems and how to avoid them.

The best way to avoid these problems is to ensure a solid foundation for your paving project. If your foundation is not firm, you may face drainage problems after a while.

Luckily, the majority of block paving setups include channel drainage as standard. If you do not have the funds for a professional installation, you can purchase a basic drainage system for a fraction of the cost. The downside is that cheap drainage systems may not be as durable as they should be and may curl or not offer sufficient weight-bearing capacity.

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monckey4 · 2 years ago

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Is Block Paving Slippy When Wet?

If you live in an area that experiences wet weather, it may be a problem to navigate. It can be difficult to protect block paving from water and moss. Moss thrives in wet weather and can quickly build up on your walls, making them slippery. Then, there is the problem of Sealants. Sealants are designed to keep water out, but they can leave a residue that can be dangerous in the rain.

Porcelain pavers are impervious to ingress of water

Ingress of water does not penetrate into the porous structure of porcelain pavers, thereby preventing the accumulation of excess liquid. However, porcelain pavers do exhibit a meniscus effect, which prevents surface water from draining off the surface. Consequently, a thin layer of water may remain on the surface until it evaporates. Breaking the edge meniscus can overcome this problem.

Unlike conventional interior tiles, porcelain pavers are designed for outdoor applications. Because they are thicker and resistant to high temperatures, they are suitable for elevated rooftop decks. They are also suitable for elevated rooftop decks, as they can be supported by adjustable pedestals. They are suitable for most outdoor applications, and should be considered for every exterior surface. For a long time, porcelain has been used for decorative paving, and it is still highly durable and resistant to weathering.

Patterned concrete is slippery when wet

If you are concerned that your patio or driveway may become dangerously slippery when wet, then you should know that it is possible to improve the anti-slip properties of imprinted concrete. Using an anti-slip additive, such as Shark-bite, can prevent people from slipping on the surface. The additives come in different particle sizes and can be mixed with acrylic sealers. The results will be a matte finish that does not allow water to seep through it.

However, patterned concrete is slippery when wet because it is susceptible to condensation. This is especially true in the spring, when the air temperature is rising and the ground remains cool. When this happens, a layer of ice forms on the surface and the people walking on it may slip and fall. It is important to protect concrete surfaces from the weather and keep them free of any debris. The application of a non-slip coating can prevent people from getting injured while walking on it.

Sealants can make brick pavers slippery

Brick pavers with sealants applied to them feel like a gym floor when wet. In addition, shoes may make squeaking sounds as they walk across them. While the water content of the brick pavers can make them slippery, the sealant doesn't make the bricks themselves any slicker. The bricks have enough texture and pores to avoid a slippery surface. This problem is often caused by poor application techniques.

Sealants must be applied correctly. For a successful application, the surface must be properly prepared before applying the product. Before applying sealants, the surface must be cleaned and degreased to allow adhesion. Pressure washing is often sufficient. Sealants must also be removed from pavers that have failed to adhere to the bricks. Once the pavers have been thoroughly cleaned, it is time to apply the coating.

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firstimpblockpaving · 3 years ago

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firstimpressionsus · 7 months ago

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Pattern Imprinted Concrete Surrey, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire

Professional has the best materials, use the right techniques and methods per the concerns, and quickly fix the issues. In addition, if you hire anyone to restore, install, and maintain the patio and driveway, you might receive poor results. People always choose professional Concrete Driveway Contractors Oxfordshire for the best solutions.

If you are not providing preventive maintenance to the patio and driveway, you deliberately depreciate its durability and quality. So, if you want to preserve the quality and durability of the patio and driveway, then choose the best maintenance service. Employ professional Concrete Driveway Contractors Surrey for the best service.

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terraformdriveways · 3 years ago

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Pros and cons of sealing concrete driveways

Concrete driveways are no longer the drab, dull grey slabs we associate with times past. These days, they offer an attractive and cost-effective alternative to block paving and asphalt, especially when they are needed to cover large areas. You can have a concrete driveway laid in a range of colours and imprinted with different textures, making your driveway unique, adding value and appeal to your home.

However, one question that often arises is whether you need to use a concrete sealer. Anyone who's had a concrete driveway installed, or is considering it, may have been advised that this is essential, so is it really necessary, or is this just an attempt by the driveway specialists to make more money?

Read on to find out! This unbiased guide tells you all you need to know.

Is Sealing Concrete necessary?

A new concrete driveway should easily last 25-30 years without concrete sealing, as long as it has regular maintenance. This involves sweeping away any debris and washing it down once in a while.

Concrete is a tough and durable building material, as long as they are laid properly and allowed to cure. It is vitally important to use a concrete contractor or professional driveway specialist. They will ensure that the ground is prepared, the mixture is right, and that the concrete slab is poured correctly to avoid cracks and to keep it stable.

So, a professionally mixed and poured concrete driveway will last a good long time without being sealed.

However, bare concrete surfaces are porous, allowing moisture into the structure. This means that the surface can become stained, especially if your car leaks oil, and these stains can be difficult to shift if they're not cleaned up immediately. Oil stains can be dangerously slippery, potentially causing accidents and injury.

Aside from oil, a concrete driveway can be damaged or stained by things like fertilizer, leaves, pet urine, dirt, tire tracks, and so on. Rock salt that's spread on the roads in the UK in winter can be bad news for concrete, as it absorbs water. The resulting solution will soak into the concrete, where the hydraulic pressure may exceed the compression strength of the concrete, causing hairline cracks.

A poorly-laid concrete slab can also crack, especially if the ground was not properly prepared. Moisture can penetrate the porous surface, which freezes when the temperature drops in winter, causing cracks and flakes in the concrete surface. Frost heave can be problematic, too. This happens when water in the ground surface beneath the slab freezes, pushing the concrete upwards. When this thaws it leaves a void, causing the concrete driveway to sag, which allows water to gather in pools. Over time, this may result in major cracks.

Efflorescence can occur, too, caused by water-soluble salts that float to the top. This shows itself as a white, powdery residue that spoils the look of your concrete driveway.

One way to guard against all of these problems is to have a sealed concrete driveway.

What Types Of Driveway Sealer Can You Get?

Basically, they are divided into two types of concrete sealers: penetrating sealers and film-formers.

Whichever one you choose, it should always be a good quality sealer.

But what's the difference between film-forming and penetrating sealers? Let's take a look:

Penetrating Sealers

Also called impregnating sealers, these prevent damage and stains by keeping the moisture on the surface and not allowing it to enter the concrete matrix. Organic materials, such as dirt, water, oil, salt, etc. can't make their way into the concrete, but the sealer still allows the concrete to breathe.

They do this through a chemical reaction that happens just below the surface, which drastically limits the chances of foreign matter getting in.

The problems we noted above (Staining, freeze/thaw damage, efflorescence, etc.) are all caused by the absorption of liquid molecules. A penetrating sealer stops this, leaving your concrete driveway looking fresh, and with a non-skid surface.

Film-forming Sealers

These create a protective film that reduces damage from wear and tear and protects the concrete from moisture. They provide an attractive and stain-resistant gloss finish that enhances and deepens the colour, making it much easier to maintain.

However, as they alter the properties of the concrete surface, they can sometimes become slippery when wet.

Within these two types, there are several different chemical compositions. Many years ago there was a limited choice, but these days you can have water-based acrylic resin based sealer and polyurethane sealer, as well as solvent based products.

The Pros Of Sealing A Concrete Driveway

Photo Credit - Adobe Stock

Applying a sealer to concrete makes it last longer as it is able to repel moisture, block UV rays, prevent cracks, and keep the colours looking fresh and vibrant for many years.

Maintaining the sealed concrete is very easy, requiring a quick sweep to get rid of dirt and leaves, and a pressure wash every now and then will make it look like new.

A sealed concrete driveway is less likely to stain as oil and other liquids are unable to find a way in.

Is It A Good Idea To Seal A Concrete Driveway?

As we have learned, there are many benefits to concrete driveway sealing, but does this make it a good idea?

We've seen the pros, so let's take a moment to look at the cons of sealing:

Cost

It adds to the overall cost of the project, and will need reapplying every few years to remain effective as they begin to fade, especially in frequently used areas.

Wear And Tear

It provides limited wear resistance.

Hazardous Substances

Most sealers are solvent-based and require safety gear to be worn, as they contain harsh chemicals that are dangerous to humans and animals if touched or inhaled. Safer sealers are available, but these environmentally friendly alternatives are more expensive.

Slip Hazard

Some sealers provide a seamless layer that can become slippery in wet conditions.

Brand New Concrete

Concrete sealer can't be used on new slabs, and you must allow at least a month to cure before applying. While the driveway concrete is curing it will be vulnerable to damage.

Some of these can be overcome, for example, you can include a fine abrasive in the sealer to provide traction, reducing the chances of slipping.

How Do You Use Concrete Sealers?

Photo Credit - Adobe Stock

There are several steps involved, and many homeowners feel able to tackle the job themselves. However, it is essential that it is done properly otherwise you will ruin your concrete driveway. In some cases, the sealer will need to be stripped and reapplied, adding to the overall cost.

Typically, the job of sealing concrete is as follows:

All stains, oil, dust and dirt are removed.

Any existing sealer must be stripped.

An etching solution is applied to open the concrete.

A thin layer of sealer is sprayed or rolled on.

The first layer is allowed to dry.

The second layer is applied in the opposite direction.

The second layer must be allowed to dry fully before taking any traffic (either by cars or feet!).

Although it may look simple, there is an art to the process that requires a skilled hand.

In Conclusion

We've examined the pros and cons of sealing concrete, and, as we've seen, concrete driveways perform well enough without applying sealer. Of course, concrete slabs will last longer if they are professionally installed and allowed to cure for an adequate amount of time. It is absolutely essential to use a qualified, professional driveway specialist to install a concrete driveway if you want the best results.

Modern driveway concrete is superior to the material used in the past, in terms of its composition as well as its appearance. The addition of coloured pigments and a wide range of textures makes concrete driveways an attractive option for many homeowners, improving the appeal of the property and adding to its value.

However, having paid for a new concrete driveway, the additional cost of applying a sealer could be a good investment. But this will be a continuous process, as the sealers themselves will only last for between 6 months and three years before they need reapplying. In general, solvent-based sealers last much longer than water-based examples.

So, what's the verdict? There are definite pros and cons of sealing concrete driveway installations, but the final decision comes down to how much you are prepared to invest in your property to keep it looking good.

In the end, concrete driveway sealing isn't essential, but it is advisable, especially for coloured or decorative installations.

Originally published here: https://www.terraform-driveways.uk/pros-and-cons-of-sealing-concrete-driveways/

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