Concrete Driveway Installation and Maintenance

The first step in installing a concrete driveway is the planning phase. We will determine the exact size and shape of your driveway, taking into account factors like the natural slope of your land, optimal water drainage, and easy access to your property.

Once our plan is in place, the excavation process begins. This involves digging out the designated driveway area to the required depth, which is typically around 10-12 inches. It's crucial to remove any organic material, such as roots and loose soil, to ensure a stable foundation for your driveway.

The subgrade, which is essentially the native soil where the driveway is being installed, must be compacted and leveled. It's of utmost importance that this layer is free from organic material to prevent unwanted shifts or settlements in the future. We will use a mechanical copactor and ensure that there is a minimum slope of 1% to 2% to ensure proper drainage.

In regions with softer soils, a geotextile fabric might be necessary. This fabric stabilizes the soil and acts as a barrier, preventing the mixing of the subgrade with the aggregate base layer that we will be adding later.

After laying down the geotextile fabric, the next step is to pour in a layer of crushed stone or gravel, usually ranging from 4 to 8 inches in depth. This aggregate is then compacted to form a solid, stable base that ensures both stability and proper drainage for the driveway.

With the base course in place, it's time to set up the formwork. We will be using wooden boards or metal forms to outline and shape the driveway. We will securely anchored to hold the wet concrete that will be poured into them.

To ensure the longevity and durability of the concrete driveway, reinforcements such as steel reinforcing bars (rebar) or wire mesh are often added. These reinforcements help evenly distribute the weight on the driveway and can significantly reduce the risk of cracking over time to increase the longevity of the driveway.

With everything set up, the concrete mixture, made of water, cement, sand, and aggregate, is prepared and poured into the formwork. Proper and even distribution is essential to prevent weak spots and ensure a uniform appearance.

Once the concrete has been poured, it needs to be smoothed out using trowels. At this juncture, homeowners can also opt for decorative finishes, such as stamping, brooming, printed and stenciled overlays, and JewelStone to add a touch of elegance to the driveway's appearance.

Concrete naturally contracts and expands with temperature changes, expecially with Canadian extreme cold and warm thaw cycles. To guide where this movement occurs, control joints are cut into the concrete at regular intervals, usually every 10-15 feet. This strategic placement ensures that any cracks that form will do so predictably along these joints.

After the concrete has been laid and shaped, it needs to be cured for several days. Curing is a critical step, as it ensures the concrete reaches its potential strength. During this period, the surface should be kept moist to prevent premature drying, which could lead to surface cracking.

The final step is to protect the driveway with a quality sealer. Sealers shield the concrete from stains, adverse weather conditions, general wear and tear, and harsh UV rays thereby enhancing its lifespan and maintaining its appearance.