Curb Appeal
Rethink Your Gray Driveway or Patio
Written by Joe Ronstadt

The Standard Gray Driveway

Drive through any neighborhood and note that most have common gray concrete driveways. In the 60s and prior, Orange County homes were built with asphalt driveways, and they were considered to be the standard until concrete replaced them. Increasingly over the years the bar has been raised as people have opted for brick ribbons, stone ribbons, pavers, stamped concrete, etc.-all of which are beautiful but also very expensive. The cost can be as much as $15,000 per driveway.

Some reasonably priced alternatives have been catching on for the last few years. These include:

Concrete Overlay: Concrete based coatings that are colored and textured to look like real tile or stone. Stain and Seal: Simi-transparent stains that are layered and that work with the existing shades of the concrete and then topped with a beautiful clear coating.

Cutting in Grout Lines: Lines can be cut and then filled with grout to achieve the appearance of cut stone.

Any of these options can be accomplished at a fraction of the cost of a demo and re-pour.

Architecturally speaking, the goal is to break up the stark gray traditional driveway and to achieve a courtyard sort of appearance. Installing a planter with a tree could be incorporated if desired. Most people are happily surprised to see the difference just a color change or (stain) can make. You may also want to consider doing your backyard patio or pool area at the same time. The larger the area, the greater the price break will be per square foot.

Cracks in Your Concrete
Replacing your driveway or backyard concrete can be very expensive and it may be unnecessary. If your concrete has cracks in it, a professional licensed contractor with a creative eye can use them to his advantage esthetically. Ronstadt Construction has developed a technique where it cuts random stone-like shapes (i.e. faux stones) incorporating any cracks. The edges can be chiseled and the color can be permanently changed in variegated earthen shades and then sealed with a quality penetrating sealer that really lasts. The end result is a realistic appearance, and in some ways better than real stone.

Cleaning Products, Techniques and Our Environment
Many people have the following mindset: It's alright if I throw these batteries in the trash or if I rinse the grease off the driveway. The main reason for this is because it is inconvenient to go that extra step and it takes longer, but it's the right thing to do. In all types of construction and do-it-yourself projects, from house painting to just washing the car, it's alarming how few individuals pay attention to what they are washing down the curb. It's very important that any individual or contractor be aware and able to accomplish these jobs without flushing anything but water down the curb. "Where there's a will, there's a way."

Inexpensive options to enhance the appearance without replacement:

• Clean and seal it.
• Change the color (permanently) to variegated and vivid earth shades.
• Retexture, with a textured concrete overlay.
• Install brick, stone or grass ribbons.
• Cut grout lines to simulate large stones in various patterns such as the popular Versailles pattern, with borders around the perimeter as well as multiple interior segments.
• Fill expansion joints to keep water out.
• Seal out the water to reduce future maintenance. Keeping your concrete looking good will enhance the "Curb Appeal" of your house!

Ronstadt Construction
San Clemente, California
[949] 751-7159
www.ronstadtconstruction.com