Concrete driveways in Melbourne come in all forms. While some choose to have it appear traditional and conservative, others prefer more style and attitude through the use of materials such as aggregates. Interestingly enough, for some homeowners, the driveway also becomes an extension of their personality. Hence, the ever-changing and ever-evolving driveway design and concepts.
Needless to say, the driveway is one of the most functional parts of any residence. Also, it is so much a part of the residence/property just like the garden, terrace, patio, and the main house. Unfortunately, it is sometimes overlooked. While many homeowners tend to the other parts of the property, the driveway becomes left out in the process.
Truth be told, the driveway is an essential part of the residence. It perhaps takes the heaviest beating for getting a good amount of foot and vehicular traffic on a daily basis. Whatever the design approach is, the driveway has to be strong, durable, and can stand the test of time. Because of its purposiveness, a substandard driveway is never acceptable.
Characteristics and qualities of a good driveway
Different factors contribute to the driveway’s tenacity, agility, durability, and ability to stand the test of time. These factors, when combined together produce a driveway that can last generations. With this said, let us dissect the notable characteristics and qualities of a good driveway, shall we?
Sensitive and appropriate design
A little bit of sensitivity to the surroundings may be necessary for designing a driveway. As much as possible, make sure that it blends with the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood. One can add a little spunk to it by using aggregates and other materials. However, it should not stick out like a sore thumb.
More often than not, homeowners choose their residence locations by how they see the entire neighborhood. Some homeowners may be thrown off upon seeing a weirdly styled driveway. With this said, the appropriate color, shape, and materials used need to be taken into account. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being unique. However, it also pays to consider the overall form and fashion of the neighborhood.
Superb construction
The overall quality of the concrete driveway can be seen by the naked eye. However, a trained eye may be needed to see the nuances of the driveway that others may not immediately notice. As such, here are crucial items to watch out for to ensure the driveway has a superb and excellent construction:
– All edgings should be in place.
– For safety purposes, watch out for any uneven surfaces or points in the entire length of the driveway. These uneven surfaces may cause tripping or even damage vehicles by puncturing their tires.
– Appropriate high-quality materials were used. Also, it won’t hurt to consider the majority of the materials used by the neighbors in order to conform with the overall theme of the neighborhood. The materials have to be from trusted sources and produced with the highest standards. This is to ensure that it will stand the test of time while keeping everyone safe.
– Appropriate methods were lodged to ensure that the driveway construction is on point in terms of design and durability.
How to build a concrete driveway?
After knowing the important qualities and characteristics of a good driveway, it’s best to be introduced to the process of building one. Of course, the work of an expert concreter is required to do such an intricate job. However, it is always advisable to be well aware and informed about its processes so no one gets left in the dark. This is also a good opportunity to be involved in the building process so further inputs may also be integrated into the finished product.
Without further ado, these are the steps in building a driveway:
Checking and inspection of underground pipes and other utilities
Before any digging and other construction work commence, it is important to survey the ground for any pipes, cable lines, etc. that may be damaged. Coordinate with the state’s Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) service. This is a non-profit organization that assists builders across the country in terms of identifying any lines that may hinder any excavation plans.
Should there be any findings, the builder or homeowner may make arrangements to reposition or move the lines to a safer place. Fortunately, there is an organization such as DBYD in place to avert possible damage to lines that may affect the entire household and even the entire neighborhood. It is best to contact them for more information.
Check for property demarcation/boundary
Nothing is worse than doing work outside the property. This may bring forth unnecessary stress and issues. In order to avoid such cumbersome situations, be proactive in reviewing the property’s blueprint. Double-check on the property line and have them marked to be guided appropriately.
Again, this step also involves checking on utility lines and cables as well. Make sure that nothing gets in the way of the excavation. As mentioned, take the time to coordinate with DBYB to assist with such an undertaking. They are well-equipped and knowledgeable with steps and procedures for the driveway construction to continue without any other impediments.
Let the excavation begin
This step involves excavating the top part of the soil. Expert concreters may use both the good old shovel or an excavator machine to get the work done. However, the type of machine may vary depending on the intended size of the driveway.
For a typical residential driveway, concreters may dig a depth of 250mm from the ground level and use a mini excavator. For a larger driveway, a track-mounted excavator may be needed. Expert concreters in Melbourne should know the type of machinery to use for any specific driveway requirements.
Laying of forms around the area
This is an essential part of the entire driveway building process. Laying forms around the area ensures that the concrete doesn’t spill out of the area. In this building phase, concreters make sure that the forms are intact and sealed. This way, any parts of the wet concrete don’t seep out of the gaps.
Unnecessary concrete outside the project area may damage grass and generally alter the aesthetics. Also, it may be difficult to remove in the long run. It’s practically the same principle as using tape to protect surfaces when doing a paint job.
Add soil and gravel
Soil serves as a filler to make the base a lot firmer. On top of that, a thinner layer of gravel is needed as reinforcement of the base’s thickness, durability, and strength. The thickness of the base layer depends on the soil conditions. Ideally, though, the thickness should be between 4 and 10 inches.
To finish this process, the soil and gravel layer must be thoroughly and intensely compacted. The use of a plate compactor is needed to finish the job. All concreters in Melbourne definitely have the right tools and machines for any driveway building phase.
Steel reinforcements, either mesh or bars
To further reinforce the strength of concrete driveways, the use of steel mesh or bars is necessary. This comes in a grid pattern that covers the entire project area. Missing this step may make the driveway crack or crumble when exposed to heavy foot and vehicular traffic. To understand this step, even more, ask the concreters for more details. Better yet, be with them and watch them work if possible.
All about the concrete
Of course, the driveway won’t be a driveway without concrete. After all, the concrete is the focal point of the entire driveway project. Since the final stages of the driveway building process involve concrete, this section is divided into different sections accordingly. Here they are:
Concrete leveling and smoothing out
Leveling the concrete is best achieved with the use of either a trowel or leveler. It is best to create straight grooves in order to prevent the formation of cracks. To add a non-slip surface, use a broom to create some traction. With traction, the tires would have more surface to latch on to especially during a heavy downpour. Such a surface makes the driveway a little bit safer.
Curing and drying period
Here, patience is key as this process takes a little bit of time. Curing is crucial and critical. This is the phase where the poured concrete is gaining its much-needed strength. Remember, poor curing may lead to premature breaking, cracking, and degradation of concrete driveways.