When you think of fall, you might not immediately think of the best season to make home improvements. But if that improvement is a new driveway, think again! Fall is, in fact, the best time of year to install a new concrete driveway. The reason this is true has to do with the beautiful fall weather that we all enjoy during this time of year.
Concrete should never be poured when it’s too cold or too hot, which makes the mild fall temperatures the perfect happy medium. And, in many areas of the country, autumn is less humid than warmer times of the year. During the fall, when the days are still warm but the nights are cool, concrete material dries faster than at other times of the year. For example, if the weather is too cold, the water in the concrete mixture may freeze before the rest of the material dries, which will result in a cracked surface. In fact, cracked pavement is often an indication that the concrete was poured during extreme weather conditions when it was either too hot or too cold.
Still, some people insist on installing concrete during extreme weather conditions. In these circumstances, paving specialists need to use extra precautions to ensure that the concrete dries properly. This usually means additional cost to the homeowner. But if you choose to have your new driveway installed during the optimum weather conditions provided by the fall season, it’s not necessary for installers to take those additional precautions, and that usually reduces the costs for the home or property owner.
If you’re considering a new driveway for your home or business, fall is an excellent time of year to have the work done. Not only will you be adding to the curb appeal of your property; you’ll be increasing its value as well. In fact, some experts believe that a positive first impression of your home or business – in other words, good curb appeal – can add as much as 5 to 10 percent to the value of your property! The best place to start is by contacting a reputable, local concrete installation company. These paving experts can provide you with recommendations regarding the size and layout of your driveway. A concrete contractor can also give you additional information on how to best maintain your new concrete driveway so you can protect your investment for many years to come.