A common sight on many a property, concrete driveways are a feature often undertaken as a DIY project by homeowners who want a fresh look for the front of their premises. This process is certainly something that can be done in a DIY fashion, but there are certain steps that need to be followed and factors taken into account before, during and after the building of your driveway.
Choosing the right concrete
Probably the most important step in the process of building your concrete driveway is choosing exactly which type of concrete you need for your surface. At EasyMix, we provide domestic concrete that is specifically created to cope with the weight of domestic vehicles, making it perfect for driveways. This concrete can be used as the only material on the driveway if you like, or it can be used as a reliable sub-base or foundation if you would like to add decorative paving on top of it. If you are unsure of the amount of concrete you need, use our concrete calculator for an accurate measurement.
Preparing the site
Preparing the ground is a crucial part of the process. The first step is to remove the top layer of the site, digging down around 10cm. If the ground underneath is particularly poor, you may need to dig a further 10cm down, and then use crushed hardcore to fill this space. Use weedkiller to remove and prevent any weed growth, and then set up boundaries to keep the concrete in the right areas when it’s poured. These boundaries can take the form of temporary wooden barriers, or if you have a more permanent solution in mind, you can use decorative blocks. Any temporary barriers will need to be treated with a release agent, so they can be removed from the concrete once it has set without damaging the surface.
Laying the concrete
Efficiency is the key for laying concrete, as it starts to cure, or set, within hours of being mixed. Pouring and levelling the mixture quickly will ensure you are left with a smooth finish that can be walked on in a few days’ time. Any temporary boundaries should stay in place for five days after pouring, however. When you’re sure of the concrete you are using and how much you require, contact EasyMix and we will deliver the concrete to you within a 2 hour timeslot.
Depending on your requirements, we will set up the pipes on arrival to pump the concrete directly to the exact location it needs to be, or we will pour it from the truck into wheelbarrows for you to transport yourself.
Concrete should be poured into the furthest corner of the boundaries, and then spread evenly using a rake or shovel. The concrete should overflow the edges of the boundaries by a few centimetres. Once spread evenly, the excess concrete can be removed using an edging trowel.
Finished product
Finally, use a polythene sheet to protect the concrete while it cures. Once cured and hardened, any temporary formwork (boundaries) can be removed.
After the process has been completed, you will be left with a perfect concrete driveway that is ready to be used. The resilient and durable nature of concrete means you can be sure that you have a trusty surface for years to come.
EasyMix Concrete are proud to offer domestic and commercial concrete services for customers throughout London and the surrounding areas. For more information, please get in touch with us today and we will be more than happy to help you with anything you need.