Kansas City's Premier Concrete Experts

Proper winter concrete maintenance includes applying a quality concrete sealer before freezing temperatures arrive, avoiding deicing salts that can damage the surface, and promptly removing snow to prevent ice buildup. Use sand or kitty litter for traction instead of rock salt. For detailed winter protection tips, read our complete guide on how to protect your concrete driveway during winter.

For new concrete driveways, you should wait at least 7 days before walking on the surface and a minimum of 28 days before parking vehicles. Heavy trucks or equipment should wait 30 days or longer. Concrete reaches approximately 70% of its strength after 7 days and continues curing for up to 28 days. Following proper curing times ensures maximum durability and prevents surface damage.

Cement and concrete are often confused but are different materials. Cement is a fine powder made from limestone and clay that acts as a binding agent. Concrete is the finished building material made by mixing cement with water, sand, and gravel or crusite aggregate. Think of cement as an ingredient in concrete, similar to how flour is an ingredient in bread. Concrete is what we use to build driveways, patios, foundations, and other durable structures.

Concrete driveway costs vary based on size, thickness, finish type, and site preparation requirements. Standard gray concrete driveways typically cost less than decorative options like stamped or colored concrete. Factors affecting price include demolition of existing surfaces, grading, reinforcement needs, and drainage solutions. We provide free, detailed estimates tailored to your specific project requirements.

Concrete driveways offer superior durability and longevity compared to asphalt in Midwest climates. While asphalt has a lower upfront cost, concrete typically lasts 30+ years versus 15-20 years for asphalt. Concrete withstands heavy loads better, requires less maintenance, and offers more design options including stamped patterns and colors. Properly installed and sealed concrete handles freeze-thaw cycles effectively.

Permit requirements for concrete patios and driveways vary by municipality. Most cities require permits for new driveway installations, driveway expansions, or projects that affect drainage. Patio permits depend on size and proximity to property lines. As part of our service, we research local permit requirements and handle the application process to ensure your project is fully compliant with building codes.

Residential concrete driveways should be a minimum of 4 inches thick for standard passenger vehicles. For areas supporting heavier vehicles like RVs, trucks, or trailers, we recommend 5 to 6 inches of thickness with reinforced steel mesh or rebar. Proper base preparation with compacted gravel is equally important for preventing cracking and settling over time.

Concrete cracking can result from improper curing, inadequate base preparation, freeze-thaw cycles, tree root pressure, or excessive load stress. Prevention includes proper subgrade compaction, adequate concrete thickness, control joint placement, quality concrete mix design, and correct curing procedures. Applying a penetrating sealer helps protect against moisture infiltration and freeze-thaw damage in Midwest climates.

Decorative concrete offers exceptional versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal for patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks. Benefits include endless design options with stamped patterns, stained colors, and textured finishes that mimic natural stone, brick, or wood at a fraction of the cost. Decorative concrete is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and increases property value while providing slip-resistant surfaces. Learn more about the benefits of decorative concrete for your home.