If your driveway has entered its second decade of life, it is probably time to stop trying to repair it and replace it. Concrete driveways are a popular choice over asphalt because when properly installed, they can last between 25 and 50 years. If you are looking into installing a new driveway, concrete is a popular choice as it requires less maintenance, is longer-lasting and holds up better through the years as compared to other driveway surfaces. If you have made the decision to go with a concrete driveway, here are some tips to make sure your installation goes smoothly and you end up with a result you are pleased with.
#1. Pick the Right Day for Installation
Plan ahead when choosing a day to install your concrete driveway. The best weather conditions are 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Having some moisture in the ground is good but you do not want to risk a rainstorm. Plan accordingly to make sure the driveway is installed properly in order to get the longest life out of your investment.
#2. Make Sure the Driveway Slopes Toward the Street
Reduce the possibility of concrete driveway stillwater by ensuring your concrete driveway is installed at a slight angle that slopes away from your house, garage and other building structures towards the street. The correct angle for the driveway’s slope should be at least an eighth of an inch decline for every foot of driveway.
#3. Build a Solid Foundation
Make sure to hire concrete contractors who specialize in driveway installation to build a solid foundation for the concrete surface to rest upon. For the best performance and longevity, use a minimum of eight inches of subgrade–base material that easily compacts such as crushed rock. Also, the subgrade should be moistened or sprayed with a hose prior to laying the concrete so the rocks do not take away too much moisture from the concrete. This foundation promotes the uniformity of the final product.
#4. Cure the Concrete
After the final finishing, it is imperative to immediately cure the concrete by covering with plastic sheets or curing blankets and subjecting the surface to constant sprinkling of water. Failure to correctly cure the concrete driveway has several ill effects such as decreasing the strength of the surface up to 50% or reducing its resilience to adverse weather conditions. You want to take all precautions to avoid the expenses to repair concrete driveway cracks or damages.
#5. Add Textural Components such as Concrete Stamps for Aesthetic Appeal
Concrete stamps or stencils are great options to add curbside appeal to your home. Concrete stamps are available in a wide variety of designs which can transform a sheet of concrete into a surface that looks more like expensive rocks, pavers or bricks. The textural component contributes to the low maintenance of the product. In addition to using concrete stamps, many homeowners also choose to further customize their concrete driveway by selecting a stain to transform the color of their driveway.
If it is time for you to install a new driveway or you are looking to make home improvements that receive high return on investment, installing a cement driveway has plenty of advantages. Making sure to follow the correct procedures for installation helps to ensure that the durability and visual appeal of your concrete driveway will last for many years to come.