Concrete Driveways

Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway

When you are planning a new driveway or replacing an old one, choosing the right material matters. Concrete driveways offer unmatched durability and value for your Wilkes-Barre home. Unlike asphalt that needs regular resealing or pavers that can shift and settle, a properly installed concrete driveway can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance.

Here in Wilkes-Barre, PA, we deal with freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and summer heat. Concrete handles all of this better than most alternatives. It does not develop ruts from heavy vehicles, stays solid in extreme temperatures, and keeps its shape year after year. Plus, concrete reflects more sunlight than dark asphalt, which means less heat absorption and a cooler surface in summer.

A concrete driveway also increases your property value. Potential buyers see a well-maintained concrete driveway as a sign that the home has been cared for. It is an investment that pays off both in daily use and when it comes time to sell.

What Makes a Quality Concrete Driveway

Not all concrete driveways are created equal. The difference between a driveway that cracks in a few years and one that lasts decades comes down to proper installation. At WBC Wilkes-Barre Concrete, we never cut corners. Every project starts with careful planning and site evaluation.

The foundation is everything. We remove the old surface completely, then grade and compact the subbase to create a stable foundation. Poor drainage is the number one cause of driveway failure, so we make sure water flows away from your driveway and your home. We use a minimum of 4 inches of concrete for residential driveways, and we go thicker if you park heavy vehicles or RVs.

Reinforcement is another critical step. We use steel rebar or fiber mesh to give your driveway internal strength. This helps prevent cracks and keeps your driveway solid even if the ground shifts slightly. Control joints are cut at strategic intervals to allow the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking randomly.

Driveway Options and Customization

Your driveway should match your home and your style. While standard gray concrete is always a solid choice, you have more options than you might think. We offer several finish options to give your driveway the exact look you want.

A broom finish is our most popular choice. It provides excellent traction in all weather conditions and has a clean, professional appearance. For a smoother look, we can create a troweled finish. If you want something more decorative, consider stamped concrete that mimics the look of brick, stone, or tile at a fraction of the cost.

Color is another option. Integral color is mixed right into the concrete for consistent color throughout. Color hardeners can be applied to the surface for more intense hues. Staining is also available for existing driveways that need a refresh.

We also handle driveway extensions and turnarounds. If you need more parking space or want to add a basketball court area, we can seamlessly extend your existing driveway or create additional paved areas that match perfectly.

The Installation Process

Understanding what happens during installation helps you know what to expect. Every concrete driveway project follows a proven process that ensures quality results.

First, we mark out the driveway area and remove any existing surface. We excavate to the proper depth and shape the ground to ensure proper drainage. The subbase is then installed and compacted. This typically consists of crushed stone or gravel that provides a stable foundation.

Next, we build forms to contain the concrete and set the final grade. If your driveway requires steel reinforcement, we install it at this stage. Then comes the concrete pour. We use high-quality concrete designed for exterior use in Pennsylvania. Our team carefully places and levels the concrete, working quickly because concrete starts setting right away.

Finishing is where skill really shows. We level and smooth the surface, then apply your chosen finish. Control joints are cut while the concrete is still workable. Finally, we apply a curing compound to help the concrete develop maximum strength. Your new driveway needs to cure for several days before you can drive on it.

Throughout the process, we protect your property and clean up thoroughly. We respect your home and your time, working efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily routine.

Maintaining Your Concrete Driveway

One of the best things about concrete driveways is how little maintenance they require. With some simple care, your driveway will look great and last for decades.

Keep your driveway clean by sweeping regularly and washing it occasionally. Oil stains should be cleaned up quickly to prevent permanent discoloration. In winter, use sand instead of rock salt for traction. While concrete is durable, harsh deicing chemicals can damage the surface over time.

Sealing your driveway every few years provides extra protection against stains, moisture, and freeze-thaw damage. A good sealer makes your driveway easier to clean and helps it resist wear. We can handle sealing for you, or you can do it yourself with products from any home improvement store.

If small cracks do appear over time, do not panic. Concrete naturally develops minor surface cracks. These can be filled to prevent water infiltration. For larger issues, our concrete repair services can restore your driveway to like-new condition. Catching problems early prevents them from becoming major issues.

Common Questions About Concrete Driveways