Benefits of Seamless Stamped Concrete on a Driveway
Posted on: 25 February 2022
If you're looking for a decorative treatment for your concrete driveway, you could opt for seamless stamped concrete for something a bit different. Consider the following benefits you'll enjoy.
Unique Look
Seamless stamped concrete is made using mats pressed onto the cement before it hardens. These create textures on the concrete that arise from the particular stamps used. Contractors can use mats, for example, that are moulded with groves and lines that resemble slate. However, seamless stamped concrete is unique. It doesn't feature joint lines but instead gives the impression of an unending piece of rock, like you may see on a cliff. This differs from standard stamps that are moulded to leave grout joints in the concrete.
Combing with Scoring
You can combine seamless stamped concrete with scoring techniques to craft a driveway with a unique look. For example, contractors can use saws or other cutting tools to create a square grid pattern. They could make these square cuts in the concrete at an angle to form a diamond pattern. A practical benefit of scored concrete is that it hides the control joints cut into the concrete to control where cracks might form. Control joints encourage cracks to fall along their lines rather than randomly.
Quicker to Install
Seamless stamped concrete is quicker to install than standard stamps, as each mould doesn't need to be lined up as precisely as if they're forming faux grout lines. After all, it will be evident if these grout lines are misaligned. Because seamless stamps are a continuous pattern, they're easier to apply. This will help keep installation costs down. Though, if you add scoring to the driveway, that's an additional step.
Other Design Options
The skins used to create seamless stamped concrete come in various other designs besides those that mimic rock. Some imitate a blanket of leaves, while others simulate cracked mud. Thus, you'll have plenty of interesting texture options.
Contractors can also use a variety of colour techniques. These include adding pigments to the cement during the mixing phase. They can also apply dry shake colours and stains to the concrete once on the ground. These colouring agents react with the concrete to give it marbling effects.
Sealing the concrete driveway after it's completed will help protect it from the elements. Penetrating sealants don't alter the look of the paving. Though topical sealants form a cover that can be matte or glossy—they bring out the colours in the concrete.
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