Block Paving for Driveways throughout London and Hertfordshire

Pattern Imprinted Concrete for Driveways

Pattern imprinted concrete is a relative new product for driveway surfaces. A layer of concrete is poured over a suitable sub-base and a colour is applied along with a colour hardener. The wet concrete then has a patterned matt applied to it to create the effect required. The aim is to replicate another material and give the plain concrete a more interesting finish.

One of the major benefits of pattern imprinted concrete is the ability to cover large areas quickly. The wide range of designs offer similarities to concrete block paving, however the aesthetics can be inferior due to the use of patterned matts, but these must be aligned well by the installer. A common issue with pattern imprinted concrete is that it is prone to cracking in areas, and this can be a problem if the cracks become large and unsightly. Patch repair is possible, but in some cases it requires whole areas to be resurfaced, and the likelihood that a repair will perfectly match the original installation is slim.

Another issue with pattern imprinted concrete is that extra consideration needs to be taken with regards to drainage and underground services. pattern imprinted concrete is non-permeable, meaning without proper drainage it does not comply with planning regulations for surfacing of front gardens. Other potential issues relate to durability and maintenance. The sealant that is applied to protect the colour will need to be reapplied every two to four years, especially on heavily trafficked areas such as a driveway, which can wear quite quickly, exposing the plain uncoloured concrete beneath. In most cases the sealant makes pattern imprinted concrete very slippery in winter when surfaces ice over. This is often very dangerous, especially for young children and the elderly.