Installing Concrete for Driveways

Installing a concrete driveway is an economical and long-lasting way to enhance the appearance of your home’s curb appeal, which also increases property values. However, installing this type of driveway necessitates professional experience and skills which should only be handled by experienced contractors.

The Process of Installing a Driveway

Before beginning, your contractor will prepare the site and clear away vegetation. This step ensures a stable soil foundation for your new concrete driveway; depending on soil condition, this may involve taking away existing sub-base or placing new aggregate. Afterward, grade and compact the ground to make sure everything is flat.

Step Two: Preparing and Setting the Forms

Once your forms have been set up, your concrete contractor will mix the concrete in a truck or large hopper before spreading it evenly onto one side of each form. This could take anywhere from one to a day depending on how much material needs pouring.

Once the concrete has been laid, it’s time to even out the surface with a concrete float (see photo). Begin at one end and work your way across the width of the driveway in an even and slow arching motion for a flat and even finish. Jamestown Concrete

If desired, you can add a border around your concrete driveway using bricks or stones. This optional step can significantly enhance its aesthetic appeal. Generally speaking, prices for borders range from $6 to $15 per linear foot.

Curing Concrete

After mixing and pouring, the concrete must cure for at least 3 days before you can walk on it or park your car on it. After that, you can begin using it; typically within 7-10 days after pouring.

Installing Reinforcement If Needed

Reinforcing your concrete will strengthen it to support heavier loads, increasing its durability and strength. Reinforcement can be either wire mesh or 1/2-inch (#4) steel rebar; generally speaking, mesh is recommended for driveways four to five inches thick while rebar is suggested for those over five inches in thickness.

Installing the Gravel Base

Establishing a sturdy foundation for your concrete driveway begins with creating a base of class-5 gravel at least 4 inches deep. Make sure the gravel has been dampened thoroughly and extends into the edges of the forms; use a homemade template which measures down from the tops of each form 4″ of the finished driveway; if it barely touches the gravel, your base is thick enough.

If you haven’t already, adding reinforcing wire mesh or rebars to your concrete is a wise idea, as they will evenly distribute the weight of your vehicles and boost its strength. Alternatively, installing a drain in the concrete that diverts water away from your home’s foundation will prevent standing water from collecting on it.