Driveways are one of the most important features of your property. In fact, according to research performed by Virgin Money, a new driveway can increase the value of your home by as much as 10%.
When it comes to installing a new driveway (or replacing an old one), your choice of surface material is vital. Get it wrong and you could be forking out for another new one in a matter of a few years.
That is, of courts, unless you choose a reliable and durable option such as pattern imprinted concrete (sometimes referred to as PIC). This driveway option has several significant advantages to more traditional choices such as block paving or tarmac.
But what is it exactly, and why should you choose it as your driveway surface?
What is Pattern Imprinted Concrete (PIC)?
Pattern imprinted concrete driveways are a relatively new phenomenon. They reinvent the way in which contractors install driveways since instead of using individual paving blocks to create your finished surface, a layer of concrete is poured on a suitable sub-base.
Once poured, the colour and hardener are applied before your driveway installer uses patterned mats or stencils to apply your desired driveway design. There are a wide variety of options available, such as textured stone, cobbles, or brickwork.
In other words, pattern imprinted concrete gives the same appearance as many other popular paving options, but doesn’t suffer from any of the associated drawbacks. Once the pattern imprinted concrete driveway has been installed, it is then sealed with an acrylic sealant to protect it against the elements for years to come.
Why Choose Pattern Imprinted Concrete for Your Driveway?
As mentioned, pattern imprinted concrete delivers the aesthetic appeal of block paving or natural stonework, without leaving with the problems they usually incur.
For example, there’s no grout work to maintain, no ability for weeds to grow through cracks, and the colour will remain the same despite prolonged UV exposure. Staining issues often plague traditional driveway installations, however, when installed correctly by a reputable contractor, your driveway will remain stain-free.
All that is required from a maintenance perspective is regular sweeping and a re-application of the sealant every three to five years, and that’s it.
Can I Use Pattern Imprinted Concrete for Other Areas of My Home or Business?
Yes, you can. There is no real limitation placed upon where you can install pattern imprinted concrete. As long as a suitable base can be laid, you can use this versatile surface for patio areas, walkways, paths, car parks, commercial driveways, poolsides; you name it.
With a choice of colour, pattern, and design, there are multiple scenarios in which pattern imprinted concrete provides an aesthetically pleasing and extremely durable solution for your home or business.
Choose Pattern Concrete Surfacing UK for Your Pattern Imprinted Concrete Installation
Choosing the right contractor for your pattern imprinted concrete driveway is crucial. Remember, this is not a traditional driveway option. When poorly done, there is no way of correcting any problems, as the concrete is impossible to patch repair invisibly. Therefore, if your chosen contractor delivers a sub-standard installation, there is no remedial action other than to rip it up and redo it.
As a team that has encountered this scenario on multiple occasions, we would urge you to save yourself time, money, and stress by choosing an accredited driveway contractor such as Pattern Concrete Surfacing UK the first time around.
All of our installation team members are trained to a C.I.T.B City & Guilds standard, and we only source and install the highest grade, fibre-reinforced concrete. Better still, we guarantee our pattern imprinted concrete installations for ten years, giving you total peace of mind.
So if you want to give your property a premium look and increase its value, don’t hesitate to get in contact with a member of our friendly team to arrange an obligation-free consultation to discuss your needs.