Residential Concreting – 5 Essential Steps for Pouring the Perfect Concrete Driveway
A concrete driveway can be an excellent addition to your property when upgrading your home. Besides their stunning appearance, they are durable and keep your outdoors cleaner. If you choose to pour a concrete driveway without professional help, you must follow strict guidelines to achieve the ultimate results.
To get you off on the right footing, consider these five essential steps to pour a concrete driveway the right way:
Begin with a Solid Plan
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, which applies when pouring a concrete driveway. Any mistake halfway through the project can mean redoing the entire task afresh. Thus, begin by consulting your local authorities about whether you need any permits to upgrade your property.
After receiving the required permits, proceed to assess the lay of the land. Analyse the topography and drainage issues and how they will affect the construction of your driveway. For instance, if your property is located near a blind corner, design a driveway that allows turning around before driving into the main road.
Once you're through checking all that, determine the materials needed for your project. Ideally, numerous online resources help you calculate the amount of concrete required for any driveway size.
Find a Reputable Supplier
The next step is to choose a reliable supplier who can procure your concrete. Today, the industry offers numerous suppliers, but be warned that not all offer top quality standards. Thus, it's crucial to run background checks by researching online reviews, comparing quotes and assessing their insurance coverage. Remember to cross-reference all these aspects to make an informed pick.
Preparing the Concrete Driveway
If you've successfully gone through the steps above, it's time to begin preparing your driveway foundation. Lay the wooden forms to make borders for concrete pouring. Ensure that these boards are placed around the area designated for your driveway, securing them in place with wires and stakes.
Concrete Pouring and Curing
The next step is to pour your concrete and give it time to cure. Concrete curing is a vital stage of your project. It would help if you took it seriously to achieve a durable and long-lasting driveway. According to The Concrete Network, it takes up to 48 hours for the concrete to partially cure and approximately 28 days to fully cure. Covering the concrete with polythene sheets is preferable to regulate moisture levels and speed up the curing process.
Get Professional Help
Finally, while these DIY tips are helpful, working with a reputable concrete contractor for professional advice makes more sense. A qualified contractor knows the correct concrete mix, reliable suppliers and other precautionary steps to make your concrete driveway a success. Look into residential concreting for more information.