Concrete driveways are one of the popular options for quick home renovations. Not only does it enhance the exterior appearance of a property, prevent land erosion, but also adds up to the value of the home over time.
Homeowners have the choice to either hire contractors to do the job or bring the matter into their own hands – an exciting and mini DIY concrete driveway project. It may seem tricky to get the project done, yet it is possible to do it on your own with the right and careful preparation and planning.
Planning
As part of the preparation process, planning is vital. In planning, make sure that the project is aligned with rules and regulations set forth by the local town/city authorities. If so, an estimation of the concrete needed and the dimensions of the DIY project can be established. Once settled, contact a local supplier in the area for the materials needed.
Set-up Base / Layout
Use wooden stakes to mark the perimeter while the wooden forms serve as temporary housing for the concrete to keep in place. Drive these into the ground at regular intervals so they will stay aligned and straight. Keep the top layer of the surface clean by removing unnecessary grass or dirt, make sure to fill in the base compacted gravel and soil afterward. For additional strength, reinforcing steel mesh or rebars is highly recommended.
Pour Concrete
When the perimeter and sub-base are all set up, pour even loads of concrete against the forms and spread it out evenly across the area by using a hoe making sure it is relatively flat and slightly higher with the top of the forms.
Finishing Touches
Once the concrete has been poured, flatten it for a smooth and consistent surface. Remove any extra concrete and use a 24-inch straight piece of wood to ensure that the final slab is level with the forms. Begin at one end of the driveway by laying the timber horizontally across the slab and smooth the concrete by steady sawing the surface back and forth. Any excess of concrete can be used to fill in shallow areas.
To increase traction, create a non-slip finish with a thick-bristled broom by sweeping the broom from one side of the driveway to the other. Repeat this movement until the entire driveway is covered.
Set and Cure
The concrete needs to be set and be cured for a few days. A dedicated sealant or water curing with a moisture-retaining barrier may speed up the process and can be done with regular sprinkling, using wet curing blankets, or layering of plastic sheeting. Concrete curing is a crucial procedure that causes the concrete to harden and gain strength. If curing is not properly observed, this might result in weak cement that tends to degrade and break down faster in due time. By this time, concrete forms and stakes can be carefully removed once the slab has hardened.
Driveway Ready
Concrete must reach 28 days to mark its full curing process. After such time, the DIY driveway is now ready for use.
This DIY driveway is possible as a homeowner’s project with careful planning, proper execution, and having the right supplier for the materials that can be made possible with the help of Tampa Concrete Solutions. If all factors are done well, this project not only saves the homeowner a fraction of the cost, adds charisma to their home but most of all provide them a driveway that can last for a long time.