So, you have decided to get a brand new driveway or patio laid and you’ve whittled down your options to the usual two candidates, Pattern Imprinted Concrete and Block Paving, but which is better for your drive or patio?
Pattern imprinted concrete and block paving are two of the most popular choices for driveways, paths and patios in Greater Manchester. They both offer something that is a little bit more interesting than boring plain old grey concrete or dull unappealing tarmac. But how does someone choose between block paving and pattern imprinted concrete? And how do you know which of the two options is best for you or your property? Firstly, the laying and design methods for each of these options are entirely different, With Pattern Imprinted Concrete a suitable sub-base is first laid down and then a layer of special concrete is poured over the top. Then your chosen colour is applied and while the concrete is still wet, your chosen pattern is imprinted to create the desired effect. Many companies will even let you design your own unique pattern and then get stamps manufactured. With Block Paving individual bricks or blocks are laid down in a predetermined pattern. You can choose the colour of the bricks themselves or use different colours to create a unique design or pattern.
There are however, pros and cons to both pattern imprinted concrete and block paving but overall, they are both popular choices for a modern driveway.
Pattern Imprinted Concrete is a relative new comer to the driveway industry, in fact 10 or 15 years ago it was fairly new and far too expensive for most people but as materials and laying methods advanced the price came down considerably and Pattern Imprinted Concrete became the preferred choice for driveways, paths and patios outselling block paving by a good way.
What are the pros and cons for both options?
Both pattern imprinted concrete and block paving do require some form of maintenance to ensure that they stay looking new for longer. Pattern imprinted concrete requires the sealant to be reapplied every 3-5 years, whereas with block paving you really just need to give it a clean and a brush to keep it looking good, although beware of weeds that can grow between the blocks, no matter how close they are together as weeds will always find a route to the surface..
If block paving isn’t laid properly or laid by cowboys – there are many cowboys in the block paving and pattern imprinted concrete industries, this is because it’s not a regulated industry – the blocks can start to move, spread or loosen over time and sink-age can occur with specific blocks if heavy vehicles are parked in one place for long periods of time or if there is heavy foot traffic in a certain area. Unlike block paving, Pattern imprinted concrete will not move, spread or loosen because of the solid base, however beware of cowboys missing out important steps or using incorrect concrete mixtures as your driveway can flake or lose its lustre in a very short period of time and cowboys will seldom return to fit and problems.
Why is pattern imprinted concrete so popular?
Pattern imprinted concrete is by far the most superior system on the market today and is popular because it is very low maintenance; it is weed free, durable, and wear resistant and comes in a wide range of colours and unique patterns.
Which is more expensive Pattern Imprinted Concrete or Block Paving?
Block paving is typically more expensive than pattern imprinted concrete because you’re buying individual bricks rather than just concrete and colour.
Can Pattern Imprinted Concrete be repaired?
Some people are initially put off having pattern imprinted concrete laid form their driveway or patio because they have been told that that pattern imprinted concrete cannot be repaired and if it gets damaged in some way they will need to replace the whole driveway at much expense – They are usually told this myth by unscrupulous cowboy paving companies who only offer block paving – this is not the case at all because if your imprinted concrete driveway, patio or path does get cracked or chipped (which is very rare to be honest) your driveway installer will be able to make an invisible repair using a special crack repair compound which is colour matched and designed specifically for damaged, cracked or chipped Pattern Imprinted Concrete.
However if you follow the recommended guidelines and get your pattern imprinted concrete driveway re-sealed every 3 to 5 years then cracks will never occur keeping your driveway looking new for longer.
Conclusion
Whether you choose pattern imprinted concrete or block paving for your driveway, patio or garden path, you always need to ensure that you use a reputable, professional paving company who can do the job to a high professional standard. As mentioned earlier, there are many cowboys and rogue traders operating in the driveway industry – as with most unregulated industries – so always check feedback and online reviews.
A genuine paving company will have no problem giving you details of it’s satisfied customers