-
A little knowledge goes a long way in helping you make an educated decision when hiring a contractor. If you are looking at having a new concrete driveway poured, you may be asked to decide if you’d like wire mesh or rebar used for support. If you have no idea how to answer that question, this article will provide a brief overview to give you an informed decision.
Wire Mesh
Wire mesh is made from cold reduced deformed steel. It comes to the contractor in a roll that, when laid out, is a series of open squares. Imagine square chicken wire made of thick steel bars. The bars have ridges to help the concrete attach to them. The wire mesh is used to add strength to the concrete. First, it is there to give support during the “green” period when the concrete is setting. Then it helps maintain the concrete’s integrity against cracking during its lifetime.
Rebar
Rebar, shortened from “reinforcing bar,” is also made of steel. It is rounded bars with ridges that measure in sizes varying by 1/8th inch thickness. Also used for support, rebar is generally laid individually in larger squares than the wire mesh. Rebar is a major component in adding strength and maintaining structure when cracking occurs.
So which do you chose?
Cost
Wire mesh is cheaper than rebar. Firstly, wire mesh is made of thinner steel bars, so less materials. As you’ll recall, it can be rolled up. And secondly, because it does come in a roll, the labor of installation is less intensive. Rebar’s cost will depend upon the thickness of the bars and will ultimately add to more labor expense.
Support
Rebar is definitely the stronger candidate for support. However, that said, if we’re talking about a four inch thick residential driveway (four inches is the thickness recommended for driveways holding less than 10,000 lbs), mesh does the trick just fine. In fact, many contractors consider rebar for residential jobs overkill. If you are looking to get a thicker driveway because you plan on having heavy trucks or an RV parked on it, then rebar is a good suggestion.
Cracking
Both wire mesh and rebar cannot prevent cracking, but are helpful in holding the concrete together when cracking occurs. The steel behaves similarly to concrete in how it expands and contracts during hot and cold temperatures, which is why it’s used in concrete slabs. Likewise, the mesh and rebar will stop small cracks from expanding further. Wire mesh must be laid correctly to serve the concrete best. It should be directly in the middle of the slab. So a four inch slab should have the wire mesh two inches deep. If it becomes exposed to the air, it ultimately can rust and lead to cracking. But a good contractor will make sure that doesn’t happen. Some contractors feel the smaller squares of the mesh, and the thinner steel, allows for more flexibility as the contractions in the concrete occur, staving off cracking better than rebar.
The myth about strength
When people talk about mesh or rebar and compare it for strength, one major part of the discussion should focus on the base of the concrete slab. Neither wire mesh nor rebar will perform its duty if the bottom of the slab isn’t laid properly to hold concrete.
For more info on pattern imprinted concrete driveway instalations pls check this link http://supremedriveways.ie/about-us/
If you never thought that dull and boring concrete could be innovative and fun, companies providing Minnesota construction services might just have some surprises for you. Chances are that most of the developed surfaces you see use some type of concrete, wood, carpets, or tiles.While many buildings are made of concrete, it is not necessary to keep this sturdy building material grey and uninteresting. Minnesota building contractors use contemporary ideas and technology to transform utility into [...]
Though I normally espouse the wonders and joys of decorative concrete applications, I feel I should also inform about the other side of the coin: no matter what the color or stamp design reflects, it is still concrete. Your new patio may look like a gorgeous slate, but it is not. It is concrete. What does this mean? Well, it means that although concrete has limitless design options and can me formed into almost any design, mimicking many other building materials; it does have minor limitations. [...]
Though I normally espouse the wonders and joys of decorative concrete applications, I feel I should also inform about the other side of the coin: no matter what the color or stamp design reflects, it is still concrete. Your new patio may look like a gorgeous slate, but it is not. It is concrete. What does this mean? Well, it means that although concrete has limitless design options and can me formed into almost any design, mimicking many other building materials; it does have minor limitations. [...]
After 25 years in this business, I've pretty much got it all figured out... First of all, for those who've never sealed their own driveway before, all I have to say is RUN! Run to the nearest phone, and call your local seal coating professional and let them do the dirty work. Some of my best customers were people that had tried to do this themselves at home. Unsuccessfully.However, after studying this do-it-yourself guide to fun and profits in the seal coating business, you too will be able to [...]
Have you checked out the curb appeal of your home lately? Does your home reflect your style? Perhaps it's time to plan some improvements to your driveway and walkways. An upgrade will make your return from work sweeter and impress your neighbors and visitors as well as yourself.Adding paver stones will have a great impact on your driveway and walkways. Colors, textures and patterns tend to slow down traffic, while uniform surfaces and large paver stones will cause people to pass by without a [...]
Exposed aggregate concrete is a style of decorative concrete where the aggregates of the cement, mainly pebbles and small stones, are exposed in contrast to the traditional smooth finish of concrete surfaces. Exposed aggregate concrete adds visual interest to a surface because of its random designs and diverse colors.It is a cost-effective way to give old or new concrete an appealing look. Aside from looks and a reasonable price, exposed aggregate also features the main characteristic of [...]
Exposed aggregate concrete is a style of decorative concrete where the aggregates of the cement, mainly pebbles and small stones, are exposed in contrast to the traditional smooth finish of concrete surfaces. Exposed aggregate concrete adds visual interest to a surface because of its random designs and diverse colors.It is a cost-effective way to give old or new concrete an appealing look. Aside from looks and a reasonable price, exposed aggregate also features the main characteristic of [...]
Exposed mixture concrete is a incredibly ornamental type of concrete style and design which also gives a non-skid texture to the composition. The particulate mixture make a difference of the concrete is pronouncedly visible on the leading layer of the concrete providing an great pleasing finish to the concrete composition. It is employed in different spots like driveways, patios and sidewalks.The exposed mixture concrete mixture is fundamentally the exact same concrete mixture that is employed [...]
Exposed aggregate concrete is a very decorative style of concrete design which also gives a non-skid texture to the structure. The particulate aggregate matter of the concrete is pronouncedly visible on the top layer of the concrete giving an awesome appealing finish to the concrete structure. It is used in various places like driveways, patios and sidewalks.The exposed aggregate concrete mixture is essentially the same concrete mixture that is used in general purposes. The top concrete surface [...]
Exposed aggregate concrete is a very decorative style of concrete design which also gives a non-skid texture to the structure. The particulate aggregate matter of the concrete is pronouncedly visible on the top layer of the concrete giving an awesome appealing finish to the concrete structure. It is used in various places like driveways, patios and sidewalks.The exposed aggregate concrete mixture is essentially the same concrete mixture that is used in general purposes. The top concrete surface [...]
We'd love to hear what you think
Send Cancel