Is stamped concrete suitable for use in an area that experiences temp variations such as Michigan where freeze, salt use as well as thaw cycle can destroy surfaces?
Stamped concrete versus conventional concrete:
It is worth noting that stamped concrete boasts numerous benefits over its traditional concrete counterparts. However, the main benefit of stamped concrete is that they are relatively easy to customize. What’s more, stamped concrete is more aesthetically appealing than conventional concrete. So, if you are looking to install concrete on your walkways, driveways, pathways, or even patios, then stamped concrete should easily be your ultimate choice.
Generally, concrete is highly susceptible to cracking! But how fast and to what degree can it crack? To provide answers to this particular question let’s briefly discuss a few topics below:
Interlocking pavers versus stamped concrete:
If carefully and appropriately installed, pavers are nearly flawless! With this in mind, there are a few drawbacks of stamped concrete when compared to their interlocking concrete paver counterparts. We have compared the two based on the following factors:
- Cracking: It is imperative to note stamped concrete is relatively more susceptible to cracking whereas pavers aren’t. and if in any case, a paver suffers damage, it is somewhat easier to eliminate the damaged paver by simply removing it and subsequently replacing it with a brand new one. Unfortunately, this can never be achieved with stamped concrete.
- Unsightly control units: All concrete installed on pathways, patios, or driveways require control units. In case you didn’t know, control joints are typically deep, huge lines that are integrated nearly every five or ten feet on concrete hardscape to curb cracking incidences. When you are looking to enhance the appearance of pavers, tiles, or even flagstone, a big gaping line that runs in the center can potentially impact the aesthetic appeal. But with pavers, this issue is generally not experienced. This is because pavers feature joints throughout and the look is also maintained throughout the pathways or patios.
- Routine maintenance: When you are dealing with stamped concrete, any damage caused is irreversible! However, with pavers, you can simply dig up the damaged part, troubleshoot the problem, and reinstall your pavers. To maintain its appealing looks, stamped concrete requires re-coating and re-sealing after every 24 months. Of course, this results in costly maintenance costs. What’s more, the coating can easily lead to slipping and falling incidences. This leads to the following topics:
- Wet and slippery: Generally, stamped concrete will become slippery when wet, which is not the case with their paver counterparts, which are ideal for both pedestrians and vehicles. Pavers are not only great to look at and feel, but equally sturdy to provide grip while wet.
- Durability, stability, and dependability: Concrete pavers boast an impressive strength that ranges between 8,000 and 10,000 PSI or higher. On the other hand, the strength of concrete ranges between 3,000 and 4,000 PSI. This simply implies that pavers have a relatively higher capacity to withstand the weight.
- Readiness for use: You can safely drive or even walk on pavers right after their installation! Unfortunately, this is never possible with concrete. You can only use concrete at least five days after installation. Animals or kids stepping on the concrete, writing on it before it cures, or sudden temp variations can all result in the concrete getting cured at varied rates.
- A handful of options: On average, stamped concrete contractors are highly likely to have at least 5-15 types of stamps available. Simply put, the options available for pavers somewhat outweigh the availability for the stamped concrete market.
- Recycling problems: There is simply no scope for reusing concrete. But bearing in mind that pavers are single units, they are recyclable in two ways. They can not only be recycled at most plants, but can also be used for new applications.
- The actual thing versus imitation: Stamped concrete is generally an imitation of another material. The coloring, as well as the stamps, usually imitate bricks, tiles, pavers, flagstones, or bluestones. However, because the price is always nearly the same, it is always a great idea to go for the real thing. Concrete pavers are available in nearly every size and shape, so if you are looking for a customized look, always go for the original thing.
- Polysand: Polysand is known to prevent the growth of weeds. It can also inhibit the growth of moss except for moist or shady areas.
- Sealing: While a sealer is not a must, you can apply it but only two months after installing your pavers. It is worth noting that wet-look sealers require re-application every 24 months. And after the second coating, after you’ve applied the third one, you will need to remove the sealer from your pavers, which can be both a costly and environmentally hazardous process.
As you may have seen, you have every reason to choose pavers over their concrete counterparts, especially if you are a Michigan resident. For all inquiries involving the installation or use of pavers, kindly contact our pavers experts.