Get matched with top decorative concrete pros in New London, NH

No, fence posts aren’t always set in concrete. If you don’t want to use concrete footings for your posts, expanding foam is a popular alternative. Expanding foam and concrete each have certain pros and cons. For instance, foam is easier to install and more sustainable, but concrete is sturdier and less expensive.

A properly installed 6-inch concrete slab, mixed and cured under the right conditions, can support about 3,000 pounds concentrated over a single square foot without buckling. Conversely, concrete pavers can handle around 8,000 pounds per square inch when laid over a solid, well-compacted base.

A paver patio will add more value than a concrete patio. Pavers are a more commonly preferred option from an aesthetic and longevity point of view, so most buyers will be willing to pay more for a paver patio than they would for a concrete one. Pavers also don’t require a permanent foundation, so they won’t increase your property taxes. Buyers also prefer lower property taxes, so that will play into the ROI you’ll see, too.

You can pour concrete over asphalt if it’s in good condition, thick, stable, and well-compacted. Concrete is more durable than asphalt and can extend the lifetime of your driveway without having to pay frequent asphalt driveway repair costs or replace it completely. 

But this is best reserved as a temporary solution based on budget restraints, as asphalt requires more frequent repairs and assessments than concrete. Once that concrete top is poured, it’ll be harder to accurately understand what’s happening beneath that layer, which could lead to more issues.