While hiring a professional contractor to install a concrete driveway is usually the best choice, it is also good to do your prep work. The labor costs associated with the job are often about 60 percent of the total cost, so it’s worth doing some of the rebar and base placement yourself. You can then leave the finishing up to Contractors. Of course, it also depends on your skill level and budget. This article will help you determine whether you can handle the job yourself or need to hire professionals to do it.
Before beginning a concrete driveway, make sure you have a crew of workers willing to help you. Concrete begins to harden very quickly, so be prepared for heavy lifting. Once the concrete has been poured, it will harden fast, so you may want to hire someone to assist. If you can get help from friends, family, or co-workers, then this project should go smoothly. A concrete driveway can last for decades, so make sure you choose a contractor with years of experience in the field.
Regardless of how sturdy your concrete driveway is, it can still become damaged by extreme weather conditions. Excessive moisture, such as rain, can erode its structural integrity. In addition, excessive weight can cause cracks, potholes, and breaks in the driveway. You should also consider trees, especially large ones, when building a driveway. Large trees have creeping roots that can push upward on the driveway’s foundation, causing the concrete to crack.
The thickness of a concrete driveway depends on the type of vehicle to be driven on it. A non-reinforced pavement of about 4 inches is adequate for most vehicles. Heavy vehicles, however, require a thicker slab with a higher slope. If you are planning to build a concrete driveway for heavy vehicles, consider going for a thicker slab that is at least six inches. And don’t forget to make sure you follow local regulations.
Using a concrete driveway means that you won’t have to spend additional money on asphalt. You can even save money by having a contractor install it for you. The cost of a new concrete driveway will be well worth the investment. And you’ll be glad you did! So why not take advantage of the low cost of a new concrete driveway? And what’s even better, it will last you for many years, which is something every homeowner should consider.
For a concrete driveway, you can use the same concrete as your home’s sidewalk. If you already have a sidewalk or garage slab, you’ll need to install an isolation joint where your new driveway meets the old one. The isolation joint is generally between a quarter to half-inch thick, and it’s made up of a ring or strip of premolded joint material. The minimum air content of concrete in most climates is five to seven percent. This helps make the concrete more durable and easier to work with. The slump should not exceed four inches.
A concrete driveway will enhance the curb appeal of your home and complement the style of your house. If you have a driveway made of stone or another type of natural material, you can choose a concrete driveway that has patterns and colors. This will also increase the value of your property. And, unlike with a stone driveway, a concrete driveway will last for over half a century. And, you can even choose a customized driveway to match the rest of your property.
After you’ve selected the base material, the next step is to prepare the concrete pour site. The concrete pour site should be level. In the event that the ground is sloping, broom the soil so that the driveway will be leveled. If the surface is rocky, use a hammer or vibratory plate compactor to compact it. Next, you can install forms that will keep the concrete in place during the pouring process. Ensure that the forms are properly anchored so that the concrete isn’t overturned.
Pouring a concrete driveway is not an easy task. You’ll need to mix the concrete, level the driveway, and create a form to apply the surface. Usually, homeowners don’t own the necessary equipment and tools to complete the job. Therefore, hiring a professional is the best option. You will have a much smoother driveway after the pour than if you try to do it on your own. For this reason, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to lay your concrete driveway.