The Concrete Driveway Installation Process

While every paving project is different, there are still similarities in the concrete driveway installation process. Having a new driveway installed is a big job and not one that should be done by yourself.

There are plenty of things that can go wrong and you never know what issues may arise once the crew gets underneath your old driveway. Trust the professionals and here is what you can expect.

The Concrete Driveway Installation Process

You can’t just dig up the old driveway and pour new concrete in the same spot. You need to have professional concrete contractors do the entire job.

Inspection/Estimate

The first step in the concrete driveway installation process is the inspection. Your contractor needs to know what they will be facing with your driveway project.

Is the ground solid, is it easy to access, is there an existing driveway already, are there any problems that they need to find underneath the existing driveway or ground, and then they can give you a detailed estimate.

This will also include obtaining any permits if needed, that your city may require before any work is even started. This is something you need to ask your contractor about, just in case you are not sure.

Planning

While the concrete is mixing, the crew will build the forms needed for your concrete driveway installation process. These need to be built on-site to make sure they are the perfect fit.

They will check out the space around the driveway, your garden, and determine where all your underground utilities are located. This may also include removing your old concrete.

Pouring

Once the forms are in place, the concrete can be poured in. The crew will be very vigilant as the concrete is being poured. They use flat boards and other flat tools to level out the concrete.

This is an important part of the concrete driveway installation process, as you want the surface to be smooth and even. The concrete will start to dry right away, so the crew will work fast to smooth it all out.

Curing and Coating

Once the crew has smoothed the surface of your concrete driveway, they will add a curing agent to the entire surface. This not only makes the concrete stronger but it will look better, as well.

The curing agent slows the evaporation of the water in the concrete. If the water evaporates too quickly, the concrete may not be as strong and it may develop cracks or sunken pockets.

Remove the Forms

Once the concrete has started to set, the crew will begin the cleanup and this part of the concrete driveway installation process includes the removal of forms, strings, and other remaining tools and equipment.

Despite the fact that the concrete dries quickly, you can expect to wait at least a week or more before you can use it. You want the concrete to reach its maximum strength before you drive on it.

Keep kids, pets, and their objects off of it after the initial pour as any footprints or pressure can leave a permanent mark. Let it sit for up to 10 days before driving on it.

The Concrete Driveway Installation Process

If you need an estimate for a new driveway, please give us a call here at Johnson Concrete. Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of what to expect when you get a new driveway installed.

As a full-service, top-of-the-line concrete company, we work hard to provide a huge variety of services in addition to replacing driveways to help improve your home and property.