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One of the most interesting pathway designs is interlocking stone. You can combine exciting colours and unique designs to make an invitation to your home that is hard to miss. Plus, with proper landscaping and planning, you can genuinely improve the curb appeal of your home. However, the front of your house isn’t the only place for interlocking stone.

Concrete contractors in Calgary would certainly give you different suggestions for how to use interlocking stone. They might suggest a patio area, fire pits, stairways, or even a lovely gazebo. Overall, if you can think of an area that would use concrete or stone, you could probably replace it with your own style of interlocking design. You can find inspiration for some of these unique tacts below.

Calgary Interlocking Concrete Stone Ideas

Patios

One of the best places for you to utilize the wonders of interlocking stone is on your patio. Don’t have a patio? No problem, make one from interlocking stones! Indeed, it is that simple. Plus, one of the best benefits of interlocking stone is that you can choose the exact dimensions of your area. This versatility lets you choose a patio that extends from one side of your home to the other, halfway, or straight out into your backyard. 

 Fire Pits

Another place where all types of interlocking stone shine is around a fire pit. First, you can make the firepit entirely out of stone, but you can also think bigger. For example, with the help of concrete contractors in Calgary, you could make a lovely border around the pit. Indeed, you may even enjoy extending it further out so that you can have a flat and comfortable sitting area. 

Pavers in a circular pattern

Stairways

Stairways are another area vastly improved with interlocking stones. However, it is worth noting that exterior stairs are the better option for rock, as it may seem out of place inside your home. Although that does not diminish the value of them, as they make a fantastic greeting at the front or back of your domicile. 

Gazebos

The final entry on our list is also the grandest. Gazebos are a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of your property in relative comfort. The addition of interlocking stones only serves to better the experience. Plus, with such a large area, you can really get a variety of stones and colours that will entice the eye and ease pleasant conversation. 

Get Started on Your Interlocking Stone Project!

Apex Concrete is ready to take your outdoor space to the next level. As a professional concrete company in Calgary, we know how to customize our services to suit your style and taste. All year round, Apex Concrete is here to help you. Call us today at 403-333-6633

While it may seem like concrete companies in Calgary have a particular specialization, there are actually several benefits that they offer. Of course, this is over and above the beautiful, smooth walkway or concrete driveway that you expect them to provide. In fact, there are probably five surprising benefits that you may not be aware of, for instance:

Surprising Benefits of Concrete Companies

  1. AIR MILES Rewards Program

Truly, the best benefit you can reap from working with a concrete company is a boost to your AIR MILES. With the current cost of flights around the world, this small boost could be all you need to finally take the plunge and go on the vacation of your dreams.

  1. Improved Curb Appeal

One of the best reasons for you to consult with concrete companies is when you are planning to move. Selling your home often comes down to the first impression potential buyers have, and keeping your concrete looking its best is the least you can do to improve your home showing. 

  1. Better Parties at Home

Indeed. The benefits of concrete companies extend into your personal life as well. Having a beautiful patio made of interlocking concrete stones not only provides a great aesthetic but opens up your space for larger gatherings and simpler party setups. 

  1. Easier Commute

It may appear that you are being led astray with this benefit, but you would be mistaken. Sure, regular road improvements and replacements will quickly make your commute easier, but you can think of the improvement on a more local level as well. Fixing and maintaining your driveway prevents unnecessary damage to your vehicle and reduces the risk for you and your children at the same time. These benefits culminate in a more comfortable commute and a safer ride, every day.

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  1. Improved Aesthetics

Perhaps you don’t find this benefit too surprising, and that is totally understandable. Replacing your old concrete slabs with beautiful, textured concrete interlocking stones should provide a distinct advantage. As should your ability to get this wonderful service from concrete companies in Calgary.

How to Find The Concrete Company Benefits

The best way to discover the benefits of concrete companies in Calgary is by hiring them for your project. Yes, this fact may not come as a surprise like the others before it, but it is true nonetheless. However, the process isn’t as simple as picking a number from the phone book at random. Instead, make sure you perform diligent research and investigation to make sure you are getting the best quality and the best deal. 

Apex Concrete is ready to take your outdoor space to the next level. As a professional concrete company in Calgary, we know how to customize our services to suit your style and taste. All year round, Apex Concrete is here to help you. Call us today at 403-333-6633.

Concrete is a fascinating building material. Of course, it is easy to assume that it has been around forever with the frequency of its use. Concrete is everywhere, from concrete driveways to structural pillars and much more. However, concrete is actually a relatively recent innovation. Of course, compared to traditional building materials, concrete far outshines them in terms of cost, longevity, and ease of installation.


Although, certain aspects of concrete must bear consideration, and one of those considerations is how weather and temperature changes can affect it.

How Temperature Affects Concrete Driveways


Perhaps you’ve noticed during a walk, that concrete tends to show cracks, dips, or distortions. Likely, you’ve noticed the correlation in the age of concrete and the likelihood that it will exhibit these symptoms. There is a reason for this.

concrete-driveways

The reason is chiefly due to the porous nature of concrete. Which functions as both a blessing and a curse. One of the reasons that concrete has become such a mainstay in our lives is because the porousness of the concrete enables a significant amount of compressive strength, which allows it to bear substantial weight without breaking. However, this also means that water and other minute material can penetrate deep into the concrete.


Luckily, the porous nature of concrete is limited after the concrete is sufficiently cured, a process that typically takes upwards of 30 days. However, it will remain slightly porous and malleable, which causes changes in temperature to have an adverse effect on poured concrete. When it is cold, the concrete will shrink as though trying to ward off the cold. Conversely, when it is hot, the concrete will expand and spread out within its confines. 


Ordinarily, this expansion and contraction is accounted for during the building phase, and normal temperature changes will not have a damaging effect on the concrete. However, if there are frequent changes in the temperature, such as those characterized by the changing seasons, spring and fall, the concrete may not be able to handle the rapid changes.


This is when you begin to see cracks or changes to the surface of the concrete, and your concrete driveway is not immune to these changes. Unfortunately, it is merely a product of time that causes these changes, but the ease of working with this material makes a fix relatively easy. Therefore, the answer to the question “can hot weather damage your concrete driveway” is yes. Of course, as you’ve just learned, it isn’t solely the responsibility of hot weather, but a rapid change in the overall temperature that will cause the changes. 


How to Fix Your Concrete Driveway

If this occurs on your concrete driveway, don’t be concerned. Simply contact a concrete contractor and inform them of the damages, and they will be able to quote you a repair estimate. 

Apex Concrete is ready to take your outdoor space to the next level. As a professional concrete company in Calgary, we know how to customize our services to suit your style and taste. All year round, Apex Concrete is here to help you. Call us today at 403-333-6633.

Your concrete driveway is a beautiful piece of construction that offers convenience and ease for your vehicles, and your eyes. A well-maintained concrete driveway can impress friends, family, and neighbours alike. For people willing to spend a bit of extra money, exposed aggregate concrete looks beautiful while giving a natural, authentic feel to their driveway. 

However, for all of the virtues of your concrete driveway, there are still some necessary steps to take to maintain it properly. It will not remain beautiful with a lack of attention. This is why it is important to prepare your concrete driveway for the summertime, and there are some easy steps that you can follow.

Tips for Maintaining Your Concrete Driveway

Pressure Washing

If you have an older home, chances are the concrete areas have started to turn a slightly off-putting colour. This is natural with concrete because it is just modified stone, and it will engage in oxidation and chemical changes throughout its life cycle. However, if you want to keep it looking fresh and new that can be easily accomplished with a power washer. 

Concrete Driveways Calgary

If you do not have a power washer, consider renting one from your local hardware store. When doing the pressure washing, you should try to maneuver the wand close to the concrete and far away, so that you can accurately measure the proximity required. This will ensure an even clean that keeps your concrete driveway beaming and gleaming. 

Tend the Gardens

Many people use the sides of their concrete driveway to install planter boxes. This improves the overall curb appeal of your home and brings serenity to your life that only gardening can produce. Although, it is still important to maintain your garden beds year after year. The spring months are the best time to prep your soil beds, and remove any offending or deadened foliage from the planter box. 

As well, you should try to examine the structural foundations of your garden beds at this time. This way your boxes will continue to look straight and orderly, and receive compliments and mentions from observers on the regular.

Fill the Cracks

An unfortunate side effect of concrete is that it will not last forever. Occasionally, concrete will crack or chip. This is natural as the temperature change that the seasons bring will cause the concrete to expand and contract many times throughout the year. Eventually, the structural integrity will buckle under the pressure, and cracks can start to form. However, this is no reason to despair.

If you are experiencing cracks or chips in your concrete driveway, consider calling on an expert concrete company to come and repair your driveway. This will keep it bright and beautiful for the summer, and even longer.

Apex Concrete is ready to take your outdoor space to the next level. As a professional concrete company in Calgary, we know how to customize our services to suit your style and taste. All year round, Apex Concrete is here to help you. Call us today at 403-333-6633.

Your driveway is exposed to the elements all year long. While the concrete may feel like it is baking in the summer, it can get dangerously cold in the winter. That is why you need to make sure that you are working to protect your concrete driveway this winter.

 

Protect Your Driveway This Winter By Sealing It

Start by protecting your driveway before the winter even starts. You can take measures in the fall before the first snow. Various concrete seals can be applied. These seals can give your driveway an added layer of necessary protection from the cold, snow and ice.

 

Concrete driveway calgary

 

Keep Your Calgary Driveway Safe By Removing Snow Promptly

You should also work hard to protect your concrete driveway with fast snow removal. You should never leave snow and ice on your driveway for very long. The weight of snow and ice can be problematic and lead to cracking and shifting. If possible, snow should be cleared from the edges of the driveway as well. This can prevent too much moisture from seeping beneath your concrete.

 

Your Driveway Will Be Safer With The Right Tools

Snow removal should always be completed with the best tools for the job. It is important to have a good shovel or snowblower that will not damage the concrete while clearing the snow. Moreover, be careful when using sand or salt. These substances can cause degradation in your driveway.

 

Hire a Professional to Keep Your Driveway Pristine This Winter

There are a lot of considerations for protecting your driveway this winter. If you really want to see the best results, you should think about hiring a professional. A professional can apply the right seals and employ the best tools for your driveway.

 

Apex Concrete is ready to take your outdoor space to the next level. As a professional concrete company in Calgary, we know how to customize our services to suit your style and taste. All year round, Apex Concrete is here to help you. Call us today at 403-333-6633.

Winter weather makes life hard for everyone. It even makes life hard for your concrete driveway. In order to protect your driveway this winter, here are a few simple maintenance tips.

Protect Your Driveway By Sealing It First

There are sealants available that can be applied to your concrete driveway. These seals are designed to protect the surface. This is incredibly important in the winter when there is so much snow and ice. To pick the right sealant, be sure to talk to your concrete contractor. Many contractors can be hired to apply the sealant for you.

Regularly Remove Snow and Ice

It can get exhausting removing snow and ice all winter, but it is important for many reasons. Snow removal is a safety issue for you and others, but it is also a way to preserve your driveway. For the best results, be sure to clear the snow off very promptly. Additionally, it is recommended to clear snow away from the edges of the concrete as well to prevent too much moisture from getting below the driveway.

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Give Your Driveway the Best Care and Avoid Salt

Salt is commonly used to provide traction in the winter, but it is incredibly caustic. It has been proven that salt contributes to the breakdown of concrete driveways. If you apply salt regularly, it could lead to cracks in the spring.

Address Problem Areas Quickly To Preserve Your Driveway

The wear and tear of winter are inevitable in Calgary. Therefore, be sure to keep a keen eye out for damage when the snow melts. If your driveway is showing signs of damage, then get it fixed quickly. Addressing small problems now can avert larger problems later. Contact your concrete company in Calgary if you have any problems with your driveway. 

Apex Concrete is ready to take your outdoor space to the next level. As a professional concrete company in Calgary, we know how to customize our services to suit your style and taste. All year round, Apex Concrete is here to help you. Call us today at 403-333-6633.