Are you planning for concrete driveway installation? Do you want to know how to make it more efficient and durable? If yes, you are in the right place. You can work with reliable concrete driveway contractors OK for a smooth, appealing, and lasting installation. However, here are the techniques you need to follow for proper installation.
Consider Proper Thickness
The thickness will decide the structural capacity of your driveway. The concrete thickness needs to be at least four inches to avoid damage. You will have to spend more on better thickness, but the benefits are improved load-carrying capacity and minimal repair costs. You can thicken the edges one to two inches more to get additional support for heavy loading.
Use Steel Reinforcement
Steel reinforcement will offer better structural capacity and can withstand heavy traffic. It holds the driveway together and can minimize damages. However, you can hire a concrete driveway Repair OKC for any damages and restore the functionality of your driveway. Make sure that the reinforcement is four to five inches thick. You can use synthetic fibers to reduce shrinkage, but the structural integrity will be less.
Have Proper Subgrade
You can use a good subgrade to ensure adequate support for heavy loads. You can focus on the even slab thickness to prevent structural cracking. Remove and replace soft materials with durable ones. While having expansive soils, you can use two to eight inches of crushed rock in your subgrade material.
Check Joints and Finishing
A driveway will have control and isolation joints. The control joints will prevent cracking, and you can achieve better functionality. The spacing between joints can be ten feet for a four inches-thick slab. You can avoid triangular and rectangular pattern joint points. Consider both control and isolation joints to maintain the integrity and look of your concrete driveway. You can install an isolation joint where your driveway meets existing pavements. However, the finishing will involve three steps: simple, decorative, and final. First, achieve a smooth surface and then apply a broom finish. Next, use a decorative textured finish and then use the final finishing.
Follow Proper Drainage and Cure Techniques
The driveway must be sloped towards the street to eliminate any standing water. The slope should be at least 1/8 inch per foot. When the slab is between two structures, consider installing a drain. Another consideration is the cure techniques. Once the finish is complete, you can cure the concrete. It is the final but important step during the installation process. Many ignore the cure process and experience surface defects. You must cure the concrete soon after finishing for an appealing look and minimize the strength issues by up to fifty percent.
Apart from all these, know more about the concrete mix. The concrete mix will decide the performance and longevity of your driveway. Talk to experts and inquire about the mix. Remember, a poor concrete mix will result in frequent repairs and functionality issues. You can also use decorative concrete to make your exterior attention-grabbing. Stamped concrete driveway OKC can be perfect for those who want a functional and beautiful driveway. Follow the above steps and boost the functionality of your driveway and the appearance of your home exterior.
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Contact Us:
Bill’s Custom Concrete & Yard Drainage
Phone: (405) 755-3975