What Are the Dangers of Stamped Driveways?

Stamped Concrete

• Stamped concrete, also called patterned concrete or imprinted concrete, is a decorative method of finishing concrete with patterns that mimic other materials, such as bricks, cobblestones, and flagstones, in a range of colors. Stamped concrete is usually chosen as a low-cost alternative to specialty work. The technique requires expertise in concrete mixes, finishing and color applications for high-quality stamped concrete that is both durable and attractive. Mistakes in the process can lead to disappointment in the appearance and weak, quickly deteriorating concrete.

Concrete Work

• Forming, placing and finishing concrete is a specialized skill. It takes experience to understand concrete mixes, finishing times, curing, the interaction of water and temperature and a host of conditions that affect the final quality of the work. Placing and finishing concrete is time sensitive, and there's not much room for error. Stamped concrete imposes additional challenges because of additives and color and finishing demands within the context of a tight time frame and the need to maintain structural integrity.

Stamped Concrete Work

• Stamped concrete needs particular care with placing the mats and a technically demanding coloring process. The rubber mats that imprint the concrete are placed at a critical time while the concrete is setting -- an intense time on the construction site for any project. The two-step color process affects the strength and durability of the surface, and some degree of artistry and knowledge of color is required to achieve the desired effect. Effective color is key to satisfaction with the finish.

Dangers of Stamped Driveways

• Concrete driveways are subject to stresses from traffic loads, freeze-thaw action and constituents such as deicing agents that degrade the concrete finish and eventually lead to deterioration. Concrete mixes for stamped concrete contain more water than the typical mix, which can weaken the top 1/4 to 1 inch of the concrete, leaving stamped concrete driveways even more susceptible to damage. Stamped concrete can't be repaired once surface damage sets in; it can only be removed and replaced.