Concrete Driveways Calgary
Concrete Driveway Contractors
Driveway Ideas
Calgary's Best Driveway Installers
We have poured numerous combinations of driveway styles and textures over the course of our 25+ years of pouring concrete driveways. We stay current on industry trends and advise our clients on the best finishes for their criteria and budget.
Listed below are the majority of our most popular finishes, along with brief descriptions of each. Additionally, we have a projects section that discusses the driveway process in greater detail from various driveway projects. These are all projects that we have undertaken from start to finish.
Removing Existing Driveways
Most often we are required to remove an existing driveway. We are fully equipped to break and demolish concrete driveways, load them up and recycle them as a new base for future concrete work
Driveway Preparation
We build driveways to last the test of time, and that’s why all our driveways in Calgary have rebar ½’ or ⅝,’ never mesh, at least 4 to 6-inch gravel base, 100mm of concrete and 32mpa strength concrete with entrained air.
Broom Finish Driveways
The most common concrete driveway in Calgary is the broom finish driveway. This finish is attained by pulling a horsehair broom over the concrete surface before the final set is achieved. The broom finish concrete driveway is very slip resistant for our winter months. Integral colour can be added if desired
Broom Finish With Exposed Borders
Broom Finish with exposed borders are a great combination. The main body of the driveway has great grip from the broom finish and the exposed aggregate add a nice decorative element to the project.
Wave Broom Finish Concrete
The wave broom finished driveway is very close to a typical broom finish; the difference is the broom is pulled up and down along each pass creating a wave design. This concrete driveway has all the same benefits as the typical broom finish driveway.
Float Finish Driveways
The float finish concrete driveway has a rough texture making it a safe yet decorative concrete finish. The float finish is a random finish perfect for people who want a casual and less linear look than that of a broom finish driveway. Float finish driveways cost the same as a broom finish driveway and are often saw cut instead of hand cut for additional decorative elements, borders can be saw cut in also.
Float Finish with Borders
The float finish concrete driveway with borders is a slight upgrade in cost from a typical float finish driveway. The Borders can be any of the above or below finishes and can have colour if wanted. Borders can be monolithic or poured separate depending on the size and design
Light Sandblast Driveways
The Light Sandblast Concrete Driveway is achieved by sandblasting the surface or washing lightly. When sandblasting is not a good option we can also wash the driveway to accomplish a light sandblast look. We have depth controlled concrete surface retarders for light washes. The retardation depth of this driveway is light, exposing only the sand in the concrete matrix, no aggregate is visible in this concrete finish.
Acid Stain
The Acid Stain Concrete Driveway gives a truly unique look. Acid stain is applied to the concrete driveway after it has cured for 30 days on average. Driveways to receive acid stains should be free from spills and other stains, oil stains, for instance, can harm the quality of future acid staining. Acid stains react with the concrete to create one of a kind masterpieces each time. Acid stain concrete driveways are warm earthy colours, and usually have high gloss sealer applied
Exposed Aggregate Driveways
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveways are the most popular decorative concrete driveway in Calgary. The exposed rock is durable for our harsh winters and when sealed create a beautiful decorative surface. Care should be taken even though already exposed to keep it free from ice and salt in the winter. Color can be added to Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveways to match house colors or other accent colors.
Exposed Aggregate with Stamped Borders
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveway with Borders are very popular in Many custom homes. Borders can be any of the finishes above or below as well as natural stone or brick mortared borders; we pour a sunken rough slab border for those mortared options. Exposed aggregate with border combinations are substantial and often spray paint is an excellent option before forming to visualize the end-result options.
Exposed Aggregate with Stone Borders
This is one of the most expensive concrete finishes we do. Exposed Aggregate Driveways with a stone border. The stone is mortared to a rough concrete finish we install usually about 2 inches lower than the exposed aggregate. The is a beautiful timeless driveway finish.
Stamped Concrete Driveways
Stamped Concrete Concrete Driveways have many design and color options. Stamped concrete replicates stone, slate and wood. There are a wide array of colors to achieve high quality and realistic results. Almost limitless with possibilities, we build each stamped concrete driveway to suit. Stamped Concrete is sealed when completed protecting it from the elements while enhancing the appearance. Care should be taken to keep these driveways free from Salt and ice in the winter, they are the most expensive types of driveways and should be protected
Stamped Concrete with Borders
Stamped Concrete Driveway with borders and the most expensive of the many types of concrete driveways. There are many combinations and possibilities when mixing these two items. Colours can be integral or topical colour hardeners. We offer as many as eight different colours which can create very realistic natural rock and stone looking results. Borders are poured either before or after the main body depending on the finish
Decorative Concrete Combinations
Calgary concrete driveways are all the above options and more. As much emphasis is put on the design of the driveway as there is on the finishes. The idea is trying to create a perfect marriage between the two. The colours are endless, the patterns and finishes are only limited by your creativity. Each decorative concrete driveway we do is build to suit.
Do We Offer Driveway Repairs ?
The Short answer is no. Driveways are not a good canidate for cosmetic repairs. For more information on concrete repairs. Click the link below
Concrete Sealing
Concrete Driveways take the most abuse of all concrete work. Salt and other ice melt products will harm your driveway, and it is essential to keep it free from them. Automobiles do drip and let’s try not to let your automobile drip these corrosive liquids when the streets have been treated, before or during snow storms. Ice should not be allowed to form by keeping your concrete driveway shovelled before vehicles can pack it down and cause ice
Concrete Facts
Our Most Commonly Asked Questions
Will my new Driveway Concrete Crack ?
Yes, most every concrete slab will crack at some point. Concrete shrinks as it hardens and cures, and this is normal. This is due to the evaporation of any extra mixing water that has been present. The bigger the amount of water in the concrete mix, the greater the amount of shrinkage. Concrete slabs can shrink by as much as 1/4 inch for every 50 feet of distance. As a result of the shrinkage, forces in the concrete are created, which actually pull the slab apart. This results in cracks than can actually appear the day of or following the pour.
Can you add Color to Concrete ?
There is a large spectrum of concrete colors to choose from, with browns, blacks, and reds being the most common colour categories. Those who want something that really sticks out might go for white, blue, or green colour. These colours are more expensive, but they can be added if desired. Prices vary widely depending on not just the colour but also the intensity of the colour in question.
How long do I keep my Vehicle off my new Driveway ?
The short answer is 28 days. The concrete should be 70 percent full strength or more after seven days if it is properly cured. However, in order to respond to the question, “How long does concrete take to set?” The setting period for concrete is usually between 24 and 48 hours. We recommend that all home owners avoid driving on there new driveway for the full 28 days to avoid any ” stress ” cracks.
Do I Need To Seal My Concrete ?
Sealing your concrete can vary, depending on whether it is decorative or utilitarian, such as a broom finish. As a general rule, high gloss sealers should be used on decorative concrete such as stamped concrete or exposed aggregate concrete. A penetrating sealer should be used on broom finish or smooth finish exterior finishes that are exposed to water and freeze thaw cycles. Consult our sales team for additional information on which sealer to use and how frequently to seal. But to answer the question, yes all sealer should have a sealer at least once.
How Much Does Sealer Cost
The cost of a sealer is determined by the amount of concrete to be sealed and whether there are steps or areas with numerous obstacles, such as sealing around fence posts. If we need to wash the concrete and if the concrete only requires a quick rinse or if it has a lot of stains and grime to remove before sealing, If you budget $1.50 for washing, that is typical. Small jobs are subject to minimum charges; please inquire for details.
What Is The Best Finish For My Driveway ?
The term “best finish” typically refers to a combination of the most durable and attractive finish for the Calgary climate. Driveways are ideal for exposed aggregate if you like a decorative finish, as the surface has already been wash away leaving the aggregate exposed in its wake, because it stands up well to salty winter roads while maintaining an attractive finish.
How Much Does Concrete Cost ?
Concrete with full preparation costs as little as $10 per square foot, but with the addition of colour, stamping, and sealer, the cost can rise to as much as $15 per square foot or more. There are numerous variables that influence the price, such as the size of the project, the desired finish, the accessibility of the area, and the complexity of the forming, to name a few pricing considerations. We guarantee that we will provide you with a competitive estimate that is based on the highest quality workmanship. To receive a quote, contact us today by phone or email.
How Top Remove A Stain From Concrete ?
This is a difficult one. While a stain cannot always be removed, it can often be lightened. We recommend using tsp or industrial cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and trying it on a cool day to allow the product to work before it evaporates. If you’re going to use a pressure washer, keep it at least a foot away from the decorative concrete. If you’re brave enough to try acid, start with a small amount and gradually increase the concentration; it can stain and etch concrete, so be careful, and wear protective gear.
A side note: if the concrete has been sealed, the stain is usually less severe and easier to remove. Sorry, we don’t remove stains unless they were caused by us;)
Calgary And Surrounding Areas
We have over 20 years of experience installing concrete driveways in Calgary. Call us today for high quality work at very competitive prices. We offer free estimates within the city of Calgary.
