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Concrete Driveway Construction - A Guide for Homeowners
November 05, 2009
Concrete driveway construction is usually a job for builders and contractors, with the homeowners acting as appreciative audiences. However, you may want a more decisive role in such a large and visible project. Take a moment to scan the tips below, and you can then have a fruitful and intelligent conversation with your contractor.
Preparing the Construction Site
Concrete driveways should be constructed on soil which is level and evenly compacted. In areas where the soil expands significantly, a bed of crushed rock between 2 and 8 inches thick should be laid on top of the soil.
Using the Right Concrete
Concrete used for driveway construction should have a compressive value of 4000psi, which makes it different from sidewalks or retaining walls. Additionally, the concrete should be poured between 4 and 5 inches thick.
Keeping the Driveway Flexible and Stable
Control joints should be cut in the concrete at least every 10 feet or so to protect the concrete from cracking during settling. Additionally, the contractor should place rebar or wire mesh in the middle of the layer of concrete to stabilize it.
Finishing the Concrete Driveway
The last step in constructing your driveway is actually a 3-step process, and it usually happens very quickly. First, the concrete must be leveled off with a screed, not a trowel. Next, they must float the concrete to make sure no bleedwater accumulates. Finally, they must sweep the surface with a broom for traction or prepare it for stamping or other textural treatment.
Knowing the basic steps of concrete driveway construction doesn’t exactly qualify you to pour a driveway, but it will allow you to vet your contractors properly and have a hand in planning your driveway.
