A concrete driveway not only provides an additional touch of character to any property but also is highly functional. As such, its construction or installation has to be taken care of by concrete experts. Yes, it is possible to be done as a DIY project as there are tons of resources available online for guidance. However, nothing comes close to the work of experts in concrete.
Before we discuss the benefits of having a concrete driveway, it is important to know the process of laying a concrete driveway. It pays to know such a process so you are aware of the stages of its construction. This way, you are not completely in the woods especially when concreters begin their work. Also, after careful study and observation of the concrete laying process, you may be able to do it in the future.
Steps in laying a concrete driveway
Here are the steps that expert concreters perform to create a fully functional, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing driveway:
Perimeter layout through wooden stakes
After the driveway shape and exact dimensions are in place, concreters outline the perimeter with wooden stakes. Have the stakes securely and firmly pressed down into the ground until the final outline is congruent with the driveway’s length and width.
Secure the driveway through the use of wooden forms
Concrete experts used sturdy and strong wooden forms around the perimeter of the concrete driveway. This is done so the concrete doesn’t seep out during the pouring process. The wooden forms let the concrete stay in place. Also, it helps in maintaining the surrounding areas. Needless to say, concrete in unwanted parts of the residence is a nuisance.
Topsoil removal and leveling
Nothing is more crucial than a level and smooth foundation. To ensure that this is the case, the topsoil must be removed. It has to be dug out of the surface until the desired level is achieved. Concreters see to it that the layer is fully compacted forming a stable foundation prior to concrete pouring. To completely confirm the levelness of the surface after topsoil removal, concreters may need to use a plate compactor.
Concrete pouring
Concrete experts need to pour ready mix concrete immediately once the base and perimeter are all set up. Notice that concreters pour the concrete on even loads. At the same time, they also evenly distribute the poured concrete using a hoe. This ensures that the concrete is consistently flat, level, and smooth during the entire pouring process.
Flattening the poured concrete’s surface
After pouring the concrete, concreters need to have it flattened to have a smooth surface. To do this, they first remove the excess concrete so the final slab is the same level as the forms. Concreters use straight timber for this purpose. They start from the end of the driveway with the timber across the slab. A steady sawing motion with a back-and-forth movement is necessary to flatten the surface. Also, concrete experts use excess concrete to fill out gaps and cracks that may have formed.
Cut in contraction joints
This process is crucial because the joints significantly control the concrete’s expansion and contraction after being poured. Concreters use a concrete grooving tool to cut control joints. They make sure that it is equally spaced, about four feet apart. Also, the joints have to be around an inch deep and along the driveway’s width.
Creating a non-slip surface
Creating traction on the concrete surface is necessary so it becomes practically non-slip and non-skid. This comes in handy especially during winter or rainy months when the extra grip on tires is needed for added safety. To create a non-slip surface, concreters use a thick broom by running it across the concrete driveway in one direction each stroke. This is crucial to make the traction looking uniform.
Curing
Concrete experts shall inform you about the curing period of the concrete driveway. The driveway should be water-cured between 7 and 10 days after laying the concrete. To lodge this undertaking successfully, concreters create a barrier that holds moisture. The barrier may be in the form of regular sprinkling and the use of wet blankets to name a few.
Removal of forms
After the concrete has completely dried and hardened, concreters finally can remove the forms. The forms are removed one at a time. They remove the forms carefully as some of the concrete may not have cured completely yet.
The concrete driveway is finally ready to use
Finally, the long wait is over! The concrete driveway is ready for use. You can surely walk on the driveway after two or three days. However, don’t be under the impression that you can already park your car on it at the same time. To be completely sure, the curing period takes about a month. Concreters definitely will advise you to never use it sooner to avoid cracking or even collapsing.
Advantages of a concrete driveway
Now that you know the process of building or constructing a concrete driveway, it is essential to understand the benefits of having one. Here are some of the notable advantages of concrete driveways:
Tried and tested longevity
Do you know that concrete can last up to 30 years when maintained the right and appropriate way? A solid foundation executed by an expert in the trade shall ensure that the driveway is at its best state all the time. Of course, it is still prone to natural wear and tear. However, with proper care, it may only need sealant reapplication from time to time.
Not only is this convenient but also cost-effective. Imagine adding up all the costs related to regular maintenance and repair work? It may hurt the pocket unknowingly. Case in point, invest in a good concrete driveway built and installed by those who know the trade so well. There are companies like Melbourne Concrete Experts that have been doing this job and more for many years back with a lot of satisfied customers.
Maintenance is key
Let’s put the spotlight on a concrete driveway’s easy maintenance component. This has been touched on a little bit on the first point about convenience. Yes, not having too much to do with it defines convenience at its finest. You are practically free from the worries of constantly doing repair work on the driveway. Obviously, having a lot of maintenance takes a lot of time.
With a concrete driveway, this is not the case for the most part. There are concrete experts in the area who can do simple maintenance for you. Even better, you can even do such maintenance work yourself because it’s not too time-consuming and difficult. Other driveways (like asphalt) may be easy to install as well, however, it’s prone to cracking and other forms of damage. Therefore, more work is required in the future which is not ideal at all.
Overall improved load-bearing capacity
Compared with other kinds of the driveway like asphalt, concrete is so much better in dealing with heavier loads. Regardless of the vehicle, it is far from cracking, chipping, or caving in. Concrete generally offers more flexibility compared to asphalt. As such, it can effectively adjust to the load it is being subjected to. Heavy vehicular or foot traffic doesn’t pose too much of a problem with a concrete driveway.
Not much surface issues h3
What does this mean? Well, simply put, after going through a proper curing process and concrete dries, there’s nothing to worry about anymore. No need to think about oil and other stains that may leave a mark on your shoes than leaving a trail to the house’s interior. Unfortunately, this is highly likely to happen with asphalt.
Myriad of designs to choose from
Concrete driveways are not just about the gray and flat surface anymore. Though classic, others find pleasure knowing that there’s more that can be done with such a driveway. Here are some of the decorative surfaces that can be done to concrete:
– Stamped concrete to make the surface look like the following:
- Stone
- Slate
- Tile
- Wood
- And other bespoke texture you wish to achieve for your driveway
– Aggregate concrete
– Concrete pavers
In conclusion
Such flexibility makes this particular driveway an easy favorite to many homeowners. If you are convinced to either have a concrete driveway to your new residence or perhaps overhaul the current one, then now is the time to reach out to expert concreters in the area. There are companies like Melbourne Concrete Experts to get the job done the best way only experts know how.