H.L.
Mencken, the famous American journalist, once wrote that "a
home is not a mere transient shelter; its essence lies in its
permanence ... in its quality of representing, in all its details,
the personalities of the people who live in it."
Home builders and architects strive to create an idea that will
appeal to the home buyer; houses that will entice the new owner
to buy them because they feel comfortable with it and because
they feel it reflects well upon them.
However, one area frequently overlooked, not thought
about, or not considered as in depth as it should be, is
the driveway. It is easy to overlook the driveway when one
is making the hundreds of decisions about a new home. Yet the
driveway is the ultimate welcome mat to a home. It gives an
immediate impression of the home and the homeowners and it should
bear the brunt of significant wear.
A concrete driveway is a symbol of quality. It is a great investment.
A concrete driveway should last a home owner at least 30
years, while other paving options frequently will need to
be replaced every ten years. By the time one factors in how
much longer a concrete driveway lasts and how little maintenance
it requires, a concrete driveway is not only cost competitive,
it is clearly the better bargain.
Once
cured and sealed, a concrete driveway is virtually impervious
to the weather. Snow is easily removed. Potholes and ruts will
not develop, eliminating puddles. It will not get soft in the
heat or allow tar to be tracked into the home. A concrete driveway
will also brighten the welcome to the home at night as its light
color will reflect available light, creating a safer environment
around the home.
There are many guidelines that help ensure a home builder or
a home buyer gets a quality concrete driveway. Proper mix designs
and proper finishing play a critical role in the performance
of a driveway. However, there is a lot of help available to
make the process easier. First, and foremost, contact your
local ready mixed concrete producer. They will have the
names of quality flatwork contractors. The ready mix producer
has a vested interest in the driveway being placed properly.
The Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association can assist the
builders and home buyers by providing listings of ready mixed
producers in the area. The Association also has information
on concrete driveways available. For more information, contact
the WRMCA at (800) 242-6298 (in WI),or by e-mail.
A home is a lifetime investment. After making the selections
on windows, carpets, door knobs, cabinets, and shingles, remember
to make a long lasting investment in your driveway. Choose concrete
- it is how ideas get built. |
