A concrete driveway in Melbourne has been favored by many. Whether it’s for residential or commercial use, concrete driveways have this certain appeal. Not only does it look classic but it’s also teeming with benefits and advantages.
Here we discuss two things we all know about concrete driveways such as:
– Benefits and Advantages
– Steps on the installation of new concrete driveways
These two facets serve as a guide for those who still aren’t sure about the kind of driveway to have. With a myriad of driveways to choose from, a concrete driveway may be the most ideal to which we shall discuss here.
Benefits of a concrete driveway in Melbourne
Concrete driveways have their fair share of benefits. This is precisely why it’s a go-to driveway for many homeowners and commercial businesses as well. Let’s discuss some of its resounding benefits to help you finally decide on having a concrete driveway for your home or business.
Affordability h3
A concrete driveway’s affordability goes hand-in-hand with longevity. It may incur a little bit more cost during installation, but more savings are achieved in the long run. Sure, a concrete driveway in Melbourne still requires maintenance. However, it’s not needed as often as, say, an asphalt driveway.
Concrete driveways need general annual maintenance. This is to fix cracks and all other damages incurred over time. With little pockets of smaller maintenance work such as resealing (perhaps per quarter) and immediate stain removal, there should be no major damage. This is necessary to avoid the annual maintenance bill skyrocket.
Small pockets of maintenance do not cost a lot as well. Even better, it can be a DIY project. There are plenty of online videos and articles that provide clear instructions. As mentioned, these projects can be for resealing purposes. Also, stain removal is common since oil from vehicles can leave nasty stains that are difficult to remove when not acted upon right away.
Longevity
Concrete is known to have one of the most durable surfaces. Imagine, a concrete slab can last for well over 50 years when maintained and installed properly! This says a lot about concrete driveways in Melbourne. With a reasonable amount of maintenance (that does not cost much), it can last generations.
Durability and Overall Strength
It has already been said and will have to be stressed more for emphasis. Not only is it strong enough to last generations but can also withstand heavy loads and traffic (foot or vehicular). When installed with the right reinforcement, it can take on the weight of heavy machinery and vehicles. In spite of the heavy beating, it is subjected to regularly, only reasonable maintenance work is needed to keep it in a pristine state.
Installation of new driveways
Now that the impressive benefits and advantages of having a concrete driveway in Melbourne have been laid out, next up is its installation. It is important to note, however, that the concrete driveway installation process is best handled by expert concreters in your area. Even with abundant online resources for DIY concrete driveway installation, it is still prone to errors.
Even when this undertaking is best handled by expert and professional concreters, it is best to know about what they do. By knowing the steps, you are fully aware of where they are in the process. Through gaining knowledge, you understand the value and importance of what they do to ensure the best concrete driveway quality possible.
Checking if the surface is clear
It is essential to know the entire work surface is clear of any utility lines, etc. To ensure that this is lodged properly, it is best to call DBYD or Dial Before You Dig. It is a non-profit organization that identifies underground utility lines that may hamper excavation plans.
They will let you know if there are utility lines obstructing the driveway installation. Your next step is to make arrangements for such lines to be repositioned or moved out of the construction’s way. DBYB can definitely provide you with more information on how to go about this.
Topsoil excavation and project area leveling
Once everything is checked and cleared, the next step is to excavate the topsoil. Expert concreters will use an excavator machine to get the work done easier and faster. They are most likely going to excavate about 250 mm from the ground level for a solid base.
Laying of wooden forms
The laying of wooden forms in the project area ensures no spillage during the concrete pouring process. It serves as a container so the concrete only stays where it’s supposed to. Therefore, it is crucial for the wooden forms to be straight and completely secured.
Adding fillers for base firming
Sand is a good filler to consider in this process of constructing a concrete driveway in Melbourne. Fillers (like sand) are essential to ensure that they firm up the base. Also, it is best to add an adequate layer of gravel for base thickness. For best results, it has to be about 4 to 10 inches considering the condition of the soil.
Compacting
To further ensure that everything is securely in place, compacting both the filler and gravel are necessary. To get this stage done, concrete experts use a small plate compactor. Either they have it as one of their equipment or may have it rented out.
Steel reinforcement
When we say strengthening the foundation of the driveway, we mean it. Steel reinforcement using mesh or rebar is necessary to further strengthen the base/foundation of the driveway. Concrete experts ensure that the reinforcement covers the entire surface.
Concrete pouring
The concrete driveway in Melbourne is nearing its last stage. The concrete pouring process is perhaps one of the most crucial stages of the entire concrete driveway construction. Concreters pour the concrete against the forms. After pouring, they evenly spread the concrete across the project area.
Expert concreters use a skid skeeter with a front bucket to get the job done with accuracy and precision. They also use tractors and wheelbarrows should the project require it. For the most part, not many tools are used for residential driveway construction. As it gets more advanced, more pieces of equipment become necessary (even required).
Smoothening, leveling, and grooving
Concrete dries quickly. Therefore, concreters have to act fast during this stage. Concreters use a trowel and leveler to smooth and level out the concrete. Also, a groover is used to create straight grooves all over the concrete surface to avoid crack formation. They may also use a broom to create a non-slip surface. In fact, the broom finish is highly recommended so the driveway won’t be slippery in case it rains.
Setting and curing
This is the last and final stage before you can finally use your driveway. Setting and curing stage use a sealant or daily watering for a couple of days. Needless to say, concreters consider this stage as one of the most crucial (if not the most). The setting and curing stage defines the overall strength and quality of a concrete driveway in Melbourne.
Poor curing leads to weak cement. Unfortunately, the cement may degrade and eventually break down in just a few years. It is important to understand that concrete curing time varies. It can last for a couple of days to even almost a month (which is most ideal). Therefore, the curing process should never be rushed to have the best-quality concrete driveway in Melbourne.