Your Durable Driveway Choice
Concrete is an excellent choice for driveways; they’re strong, durable and there is little maintenance over time. The combined strength and longevity make concrete a relatively good value for large areas and with many decorative options – it doesn’t have to be your standard grey. Colour, stamping and texturing are all options that can create an eye-catching surface that matches the style a look of your home.
Installation
Installation of a concrete driveway generally starts with marking out the area you intend to surface, grass and other vegetation is removed and a stable soil foundation is created through aggregate application and tamping. Wood forms are constructed to accommodate the perimeter and depth. Reinforcement material is then added if you’re using rebar – fiber is another strengthening option.
The driveway is now ready to be poured. Your finishing crew works quickly with Arrow Lakes Ready Mix to fill the forms and finish the surface to your desired look. From there, the curing process begins to take place. Concrete doesn’t dry out; it actually undergoes a slow chemical process that hardens and strengthens the material. Is it very important that this curing process is carried out in the best circumstances possible. Weather can be a factor, and concrete tends to cure best at around 21 degrees Celsius with a surface that is kept damp, but not wet. In cool weather curing will take longer, and in hot weather the surface should be dampened regularly with water to slow down the curing time.
Wait at least a week before driving on your new driveway, and a month before sealing, then enjoy your new long-lasting driveway. A properly installed and sealed concrete driveway can last up to 50 years.
Call Arrow Lakes Ready Mix 250-265-8388 to see if a concrete driveway is right for your home.
