When a lot of people think of concrete, they think of a material that’s tough, very strong and durable but not so much pleasing to the eye. That may have been true in the past, but advances in technology have allowed concrete to be as aesthetically pleasing as the most expensive stone, brick, tile or even wood. Not only this, but a beautiful concrete structure also loses none of its durability or strength. Stamped concrete is now one of those improvements that can really boost a home’s curb appeal.
What is stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete is concrete that’s stamped with attractive patterns and textures while it’s still plastic, which means it’s not all the way wet but certainly not dry. Because the concrete’s still a bit tacky, stamping needs to be done fairly quickly and precisely, but the results are worth it. Stamped concrete beautifies outdoor walls as well as pavement, and the addition of dyes and stains allows it to resemble a long list of other materials, including brick, wood, ceramic tile and even leather and glass.
A well-maintained stamped concrete wall or pavement is not only beautiful but also adds value to your home. Here are some of the other benefits.
It doesn’t need much maintenance
Because stamped concrete remains concrete, it doesn’t need too much maintenance. A stamped concrete patio wouldn’t need to be treated to repel insects and weather the way a wooden patio would be. All stamped concrete needs is an application of the garden hose now and then to keep it clean. Sealant should be replenished every three to five years or more frequently if the concrete is part of a driveway or a walkway that gets a lot of traffic.
Stamped concrete is tough
Though stamped concrete can be made to look as delicate as glass tile, it is very tough and durable. It bears up well through dramatic temperature changes, under the sun’s ultraviolet light and under heavy traffic. This includes traffic from vehicles, which is why you’ll find stamped concrete flooring on roads and in garages. Stamped concrete also has a relatively long life and can last about 25 years if it’s well-maintained.
Stamped concrete is versatile
A stamped concrete pavement can be successfully and easily added to uneven terrain. This gives it an advantage over brick and stone pavers that might require hills, dips and other irregularities to be leveled before they’re installed.
It keeps down the weeds
Even if there’s grout between them, pavers made of brick, tile or stone nearly always develop cracks that let weeds poke through. The way stamped concrete is installed makes it extremely hard for weeds to find their way up into the light and air.
To learn more about the benefits of stamped concrete for your property, get in touch with local professionals at AskHomey.com or go to Instagram and Facebook for more information.
