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The concrete driveway and sidewalks leading up to your home are important aspects of your home’s curb appeal. The right type of concrete used in creating these surfaces can make all the difference in their appearance and durability, which means you have to carefully consider your options before hiring any concrete contractors to complete the job.
Concrete driveways are often subjected to intense sunlight and harsh weather, which can result in cracks from an extension; besides filling minor gaps that may come out also required to re-seal your driveway a minimum of every two years.
Concrete driveways and sidewalks are increasingly becoming the most popular option when it comes to adding value, functionality, and appeal to your home, which has increased the number of concrete driveways and sidewalk installation businesses popping up all over the place. If you are building a new home, or if you live in an area that is not fully developed but still has to deal with snow and ice, then deciding on the type of driveway or sidewalk that will be used can be difficult.
Driveway and sidewalk materials are important considerations when building a new home. There are many different options, but most people nowadays choose concrete. Concrete is often the preferred choice because it’s durable, low-maintenance, and easy to work with. It also comes in a variety of colors to suit your personal preferences.
So, let’s look at concrete driveways and sidewalks in a home, why they may be right for you, and the steps you need to follow when building concrete driveways and sidewalks for your home.
Step 1: Pour your Concrete Base
To start, you’ll want to ensure your concrete base is level before you pour the concrete. An excellent way to do this is by using a laser level to measure each side of the base. Once your base is measured, you can use a straight edge to draw a line on both sides of the area where the concrete will be poured. You can then use that line as a guide when pouring the concrete from wheelbarrows. When it’s time to pour, ensure there are no obstructions like rocks or roots in the middle of your sectioned-off area, then go ahead and pour! To maintain an even layer of concrete, try spreading out any excess around the edges with shovels or boards.
Step 2: Place the Aggregate on your Base
Once the base is dry, it’s time to place the aggregate. Aggregate, also called crushed stone, is a mix of gravel, sand, and small rocks. This will give traction on your driveway or sidewalk a nice finished look. You can find aggregate at any home improvement store in various colors or textures to match your preference.
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Step 3: Compact the Aggregate with Heavy Equipment
There are two major ways to compact the aggregate. One way is using a roller or a paver with a steel shoe attached to it that can crush the concrete. This method is popular because it only requires one machine, but it does not work well in tight spaces. Another way is by using what’s called an A-frame. An A-frame looks like a small house with a metal frame and an axle on top of it. A worker sits inside and turns the axle, which rotates the blade attached to the frame, crushing the concrete with each revolution.
Step 4: Smooth out your Poured Concrete Driveway
Once the concrete has been poured, it will be very rough. It is necessary to smooth out the driveway’s surface so that water will not pool on the surface. To do this, a power trowel is often used. This tool has a blade with teeth that can be dragged over the concrete to level out bumps or ridges on the surface of your driveway or sidewalk. Be sure not to use too much pressure, as this could weaken the slab of concrete you just poured. You may want to hire someone who knows what they are doing if you are inexperienced with power tools. Smooth your concrete by dragging your power trows around it in an S-pattern until you have achieved a uniformly level and flat surface.
Step 5: Add a Sealer and Coloring if Desired
Driveway and sidewalk materials are essential to any home’s appearance, durability, and usability. When it comes to these two features in a home, concrete is the best option by far. Concrete driveways are made by pouring wet cement into molds or using concrete blocks to form a foundation. It’s then smoothed with a trowel or other tool to create an even surface. Conflate sidewalks are often installed with concrete slabs that have been cut from larger pieces of cement, though they can also be made from bricks.
So, above are the steps you need to follow when constructing concrete driveways yourself. But if you think you need a professional to help make your yard look more awesome with concrete driveway installation, you can contact PRIS Concrete! We have over 30 years of experience creating beautiful and functional creations for both residential and commercial purposes, so we have the skills and expertise to satisfy all of your concrete needs.