The different uses for concrete paving include patios, home driveways, roadways, parking lots, and commercial driveways. This material is an excellent choice for projects that may hold heavy loads of weight. It also can withstand a variety of weather conditions, which makes it both long lasting and low maintenance.
Concrete is a durable substance that combines such substances as cement, granite, limestone, and stone ash, among others. This material is generally available in a powdered form and is mixed with water. It is then allowed to set for a specified amount of time in a mold to harden. It is available for purchase at most local home improvement stores or through the Internet.
The term concrete paving may refer to two different forms of the construction material: laid paving and molded paving. Molded paving is used when referencing pre-poured concrete slabs. Molds are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to create any style of concrete brick. These are more commonly referred to as concrete pavers.
Concrete pavers may be laid out in a pattern to create an overall design. Pavers may interlock or be laid side by side across the surface of a project. These small, easy to move blocks are ideal for use in do-it-yourself projects. They are frequently used to complete home patios and driveways. Concrete pavers also make an excellent choice for surrounding pools, as the material's natural grit make it slip-resistant, and its durability can withstand constant contact with water.
Laid paving involves pouring concrete directly into the project area that has been outlined by molded barriers. This process is frequently referred to as laying paving. This type of concrete paving is generally accomplished through the use of large mixing trucks that combine the cement dust and water at the project site immediately prior to pouring.
Large-scale concrete paving is often used in the completion of public roadways, parking lots, and commercial driveways. Mixing trucks can pave roughly 9 cubic yards (about 6.88 cubic meters) per load of concrete. This material has a high weight-bearing capacity and is heat and frost-tolerant. These qualities allow concrete to withstand the heavy pressures of multi-ton vehicles as well as constant exposure to sun and weathering elements.
Concrete is often the most costly material available for purchase when completing paving projects, but it requires little or no maintenance throughout its lifetime, making it a less expensive long-term option. Roadways and parking lots are often covered with asphalt instead of concrete paving because it is a lower cost solution. Asphalt cannot withstand extreme weather conditions, however, and requires patching and replacement every two to four years. In high heat temperatures, asphalt softens and can be pushed out of shape, and when the material hardens again, it leaves low, thin points that are easily cracked beneath heavy weight. It is also slightly porous, allowing it to hold water, which expands when frozen and cracks the paved surface.