What is Pattern Imprinted Concrete?
Pattern Imprinted Concrete is an incredibly durable, almost maintenance free surface suitable for driveways, paths, patios and many other applications.
Pattern Imprinted Concrete is created using a super strong concrete mix which is poured onto the desired area. When still wet, it is stamped with specialised, textured mats to create a surface texture that mimics stone, slate, concrete, brick, paving or any other of countless variations. A colour hardener is then added to give your new driveway the color of your choice. Next, the surface is sealed to protect it from the elements and keep it in pristine condition for years to come.
So why use Pattern Imprinted Concrete?
Wirral Driveways use Pattern Imprinted Concrete (PIC) as their material of choice for several reasons:
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Durability:
A PIC surface can be expected to last for at least twenty five years with minimal maintenance. -
Originality:
With countless different combinations of patterns and colors, layed to fit any space required, Wirral Driveways can create a beautiful, characterful surface that it truly unique to your home. -
Ease of maintenance:
PIC is a non-porous, impermeable surface, which means that weeds can't grow through it and that stains (oil, paint etc) can be easily cleaned off. All that is required is occasional brushing to remove any dirt that may have built up in the textured parts of the surface. Depending on wear, we recommend re-sealing your driveway every 3 to 4 years. You don't have to do this, it just brings a dull surface back to life and keeps it looking as good as the day it was laid. -
Frost resistance:
Water can't penetrate the imperious surface of PIC, so when the weather turns cold there's no chance of moisture freezing, expanding and fracturing the surface of your driveway or patio. -
Stability:
Wirral Driveways lay all their PIC on a well constructed hardcore base. This means that your driveway will never spread, slip or slump and will maintain it's level, even surface for decades. -
Convenience:
Wirral Driveways will normally take, weather permitting, about five days to create your new driveway. This means less fuss and less inconvenience for you. You'll be able to walk on your new driveway within 24-48 hours of it being laid and you can park your car on it within about 6 days. -
Cost:
A Wirral Driveways PIC Driveway is comparable in price to most of the alternatives. However, because PIC is such a long term, durable surface, it proves to be far more cost effective over the long term.
How strong is the concrete used?
The concrete used is guaranteed to reach a strength of 30 newtons or more - the same strength as is required for motorway concrete!
Will it make a mess?
On the day of the pouring it can get a bit dusty, particularly if it is windy, but the next day Wirral Driveways will pressure wash the area to ensure every thing's clean and sparkling!
But surely any concrete surface cracks over time?
To prevent unsightly cracking Wirral Driveways apply Crack Control Joints, as recommended by British Standards. The Crack Control Joints are cut to a depth of 25% of the concrete and then filled and rendered invisible with a special compound. They are designed to cause the concrete to crack where we have directed it by weakening it at those points. By doing this, it means the crack never becomes visible.
How do I deal with accidental spillages?
For most spillages, including oil, simply clean away with washing up liquid as soon as possible.