An Ultimate Guide to Build a New Driveway
Guest Post by Asad Shoaib
Designing a new driveway can be full of difficulties.
Nevertheless, driveway construction can be a very effective way to furnish your residence with a secure parking area that does not require frequent maintenance and provide you with a private parking space for your vehicle.
Here we have discussed the main steps you will need to keep in mind while building a new driveway.
What Is a Driveway?
A driveway is generally a private road used by individuals or small groups of people to access one or more residences.
Certain roads have traffic lights, especially those that lead to commercial establishments and parks.
Tools Required:
When constructing your driveway, you would most probably search for concreters near me,
If you are doing the deed yourself, you will go for the tools required to build a driveway.
Below are some of the tools you will need during the construction.
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- Wheelbarrow
- Tape Measure
- Shovel
- Hand Spade
- Vibrating Plate Compactor
- Site String Line
- Brick Saw
- Stakes
- Ear Protectors
- Straight Edge Tool
- Hand Float
- Cement Trowel
- Chalk
- Hose
- Spirit levels
- Groover
Material Required
Every construction process needs to have some essential materials. Similarly, building a new driveway involves the following materials:
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- Concrete
- Gravel
- Wooden stakes
- Heavy-duty mesh
- Screws
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Step-by-Step Construction of a New Driveway
Design
Planning and designing the driveway should be the topmost priority of an individual.
Without the design, it is nearly impossible to build a new driveway. . . thus, a person should design the type of driveway he would like to have.
Underground infrastructure inspection
Before digging, you must locate and identify any short utility lines that pass through the excavation zone to prevent obstructing your excavation plans for repairing or building a concrete driveway.
It might be possible to recalibrate or move specific lines impeding construction; the relevant government department can share more information.
Setting up the Site
It usually takes a few days for the process to complete.
Debris from the site is removed as soon as possible.
Excavation of 200mm is carried out, then a 100mm hardcore sub-base is placed and vibration compacted.
Driveways must be laid out correctly and set up with the correct levels and slopes.
Calculate your concrete requirements
Since concrete is sold by cubic yards, you will need to measure the areA nd multiply by the depth.
Firm soil up with sand
Ensure that you have a robust and firm base in place if you want your concrete to have a chance to stand up to the weight.
You need to remove all topsoil and muddy aareas and replace with proper fill such as roadbase.
Compact soil with a plate compactor
To get a firm, even surface, it is essential to compact the basel, regardless of whether you add any materials.
Alternatively, you can use a hand tamp, from your local hardware store, if a comparator tool is unavailable.
It is essential to have a stable, well compacted base to support the concrete load and subsequent loads of vehicles using the drive.
Lay the stakes
By laying forms around the project site, you will make sure you get a good edge to the driveway, and have a strong support for levelling the concrete.
You must secure the forms to prevent movement.
Lay The Mesh
The best way to prevent cracking is to use reinforcing mesh.
Laying The Concrete
You need to be able to pour the concrete, vibrate it and finish the top surface in no more than 90 minutes.
For a small driveway its going to take two people to lay the concrete, for larger areas you might need 3-4.
It is highly recommended to search for “concreters near me” on the search engine so that they can do the task effortlessly.
Level the Concrete
You should smooth out the driveway with an edging trowel, wood float, and darby, creating joints with straight grooves.
Before the concete hardens, add a texture to the concrete so that when wet, it provides non-slip traction.
Cure Concrete
Although concrete can harden overnight it takes several days to reach full strength.
This is called curing and during this period you should either regularly water it or apply a specialized sealer.
Don’t walk on the concrete for 48 hours and don’t drive on it for 7 days, let it cure properly.
Bottom Line
Building a new driveway can be difficult for an average person, but a professional may be able to do it quickly.
As discussed above, you can find a concreter for your driveway.
I hope this has been an easy Step-by-Step Guide to Building a New Driveway.