Pouring concrete that fights cracking is possible if you follow my tips. Watch the amount of water added to concrete as it can cause shrinkage. Those "decorative" lines in your concrete are there as control joints to keep concrete from cracking. Rebar or reinforcing steel and a solid base will help your concrete fight cracks.
Concrete driveways are susceptible to damage from deicing salts and freezing temperatures. Ice crystals form in the cement and need a place to expand. Your concrete should have an additive mixed in to create air pockets for these ice crystals.
Pouring concrete in cold weather can be successful if precautions are taken with the weather and the temperature of the ground. Don't pour concrete on frozen soil. Take care with your finishing techniques-- don't let water sit on top of the slab. Use plastic and insulated blankets after the final finish.
Stamped concrete can take on the appearance of wood boardwalk, cobblestone, brick, etc. You may have walked on it not knowing it was "just" a stained concrete. Concrete stains and stamped concrete have been used for years in residential and commercial applications.
Concrete stains solve the problem of painting concrete to get a great color. Stained concrete can also be re-colored if it has started to fade from wear and tear. To keep the color even you must have a uniform colored concrete surface.
Concrete overlays to repair sidewalk and driveway surfaces will fare well when several guidelines are met. Only place overlays over a sound slab. Apply overlays in optimal weather. Cement paint and bonding agents should be used. Curing compounds must be applied when the finish is complete.
Concrete installation in cold weather can be successful if your contractor follows a few guidelines. Do no pour concrete on frozen ground. Mix concrete with hot water, preheated sand and gravel and add extra cement. Use a liquid curing compound and insulated blankets.
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