Whether you’re planning to install a concrete or asphalt driveway, you’ll need to find a professional contractor for the job. Whether you’re installing a gravel driveway, an asphalt one, or a combination of both, there are a few things you should know before hiring a contractor. For starters, the process is very different. Although asphalt and concrete driveways require a week of curing, both require several steps to complete the project.
You should contact three to five concrete driveway installation contractors for quotes. Once you have a shortlist, you can select the best company to install your new driveway. After receiving at least three estimates, you need to choose which option best fits your needs. For example, minimum building codes call for a six- to eight-inch-thick aggregate base and a 3-inch-thick compacted asphalt surface. Before choosing a contractor, ask about the cost, types of materials used, and the steps involved in laying concrete.
If you are in the market for a new driveway, be sure to check the minimum requirements for the new surface. A home must have a base that is six to eight inches thick and slopes to a drainage area. Moreover, a driveway must be strong enough to withstand heavy delivery vehicles and still have good traction. A concrete driveway can also include borders, stamped patterns, or even custom shapes. While laying a new concrete driveway, you should keep in mind that it will take at least one week to complete the process, including the time it takes for the material to cure.
Before pouring the concrete mix, you should prepare the site for the job. The driveway’s thickness should be calculated to determine the amount of concrete mix to use. Experienced concrete workers will spread the concrete mix in wooden forms, reinforcing the concrete with steel bars, and finish the concrete surface. Once the surface is completed, the concrete layer must be finished, with control joints every eight to twelve feet. In the end, the driveway should be waterproof and resistant to wear and tear.
In order to lay a concrete driveway, you should ensure that the area is well prepared before laying it. The area should be cleared of any vegetation, including trees. A wooden form should be placed along the edges of the future drive. A base of compacted gravel is also needed. These forms should be positioned in the right manner to ensure that the driveway is level and well-drained. If you’re unsure, call a professional to install a concrete driveway for you.
Concrete driveways should be prepared in a thorough manner. The area must be free of weeds and other vegetation that could affect the work. The area should be prepared using wooden forms. Next, compacted gravel must be placed on the base. Once the concrete is cured, the material should be sealed to prevent moisture, cracks, and residue. However, if you’re not sure what kind of finish you want, a simple broom finish will do.
After the concrete has cured, you should call a few different contractors to get a quote. Once you have several quotes from these contractors, you should decide which one is right for you. Typically, a concrete slab requires a minimum of six inches of aggregate base and three inches of asphalt. It’s important to make sure that the concrete contractor you hire is familiar with the minimum building standards. There are two types of installation processes: basic paving and asphalt.
When choosing a contractor, you should ask questions and note his demeanor. A friendly, professional contractor will be easy to work with, but if he or she seems unprofessional, you might want to consider a different contractor. When hiring a contractor, make sure to check the license and liability insurance of each company. It is important to find a driveway installation company that’s experienced, and that has a good reputation.
During the driveway installation process, it is crucial to select a concrete contractor with the appropriate experience and expertise. Before hiring a contractor, it is important to ask questions and take notes on his demeanor. A friendly and professional contractor is a great sign. A professional should be friendly, but an unfriendly one may be a bad sign. In addition, a concrete contractor should have a license and liability insurance. During the installation process, you should also make sure that he has the proper insurance and is licensed to work in your area.