If you’re planning to build a concrete driveway in Hillsboro, OR, there are a few important factors you need to consider before you start pouring the first truckload of concrete. For one thing, the size of your driveway will determine how much concrete you’ll need to buy and how long it will take to complete your project. On the other hand, if you have an idea of what you want but aren’t sure how to realize it, this guide can help you with that as well.
Why concrete may be better than asphalt
One of the most popular materials for constructing driveways and parking lots is asphalt. It’s highly durable, so it can withstand harsher weather conditions like snow and rain, it lasts long enough that it saves you from having to worry about future repairs or upkeep on your property, and there are a lot of different colors available to choose from. However, while all these factors may be true with asphalt paving material, many homeowners have found that they prefer a concrete driveway instead.
The 3 basic styles of driveways
There are three basic styles of driveways; asphalt, concrete and brick. One of the most important things to consider when choosing a driveway is your geographical location. Those who live near bodies of water have little need for concrete driveways due to weather erosion and salt damage that accompanies an ocean climate. When one of these elements is not present, the choice can be based on color preference, design preference or price.
What you need to know before getting started
Before starting a concrete driveway construction project in Hillsboro, there are several things you need to know. You should be aware of the necessary steps and costs involved. You also want to make sure you have a plan for your final product before you start building. Finally, always follow all the safety precautions for protection of yourself and those around you during the process.
Choosing your driveway style
Choosing the right driveway style for your property is an important part of the process. The type of finish, coloring and texture you want will depend on what types of problems you would like to remedy. Ultimately, a good decision can increase property value.
Getting ready to start construction
Before you start any work on the driveway project, it’s important to know what you’ll need. Aside from a shovel and general construction materials such as buckets and tarps, you will also need a measuring tape, a masonry sealant such as silicone or an acrylic coating like latex paint, and some specialized tools such as concrete trowels.
Establishing your driveway’s border
The border of your driveway can be determined by one of two options: the frontage or center line. This is an important choice to make before starting any work and will dictate the location of any steps or turnouts that may need to be built. In this instance, we have determined that the frontage will be used for a 50’ long by 20’ wide driveway. To find out where your lot’s frontage is, have a surveyor come take a look at it for you. if you are still confused or unable to work, then I will recommend hiring a licensed concrete contractor.
Setting up forms for the first layer of concrete
The driveway will be constructed with three or four layers of concrete. The first layer is called the underlayment and it covers the foundation area. Fillers are mixed with a liquid cement to produce a slurry.
Laying down the first layer of concrete and smoothing it out
First and foremost, concrete driveways are created using a ready mix concrete that you will either purchase or make yourself. The first step is to lay out the cement in place before adding any stones or gravel that are going to serve as extra cushioning on top of the driveway. At this point, you should use a hand tamper to work the cement evenly into the ground and start forming it into your desired shape.
Framing the top of your driveway
If you are looking for concrete driveway construction in Hillsboro OR or the surrounding areas, then look no further. The process of installing a new driveway is relatively straightforward and only requires a few steps. The first step is to find out whether or not your existing driveway is still structurally sound. Once you have determined that your old drive needs to be removed to make way for the new one, the next step is to contact the property owner’s insurance company.
Finishing your driveway with a border
- Determine the total width of the border you want to use. If this is a single strip border like a strip of brick or flagstone then the width should be half the height. For example, if you’re using 2 high brick then your border would be 1 wide. With wider borders like pavers or bricks laid on their side you can also use half the total height as your width.
Planting grass around your new driveway
After pouring your new concrete driveway, plan to let it set for a few days or even weeks. The best way to know if the drive is set is to do a saucer test on the surface of the concrete by applying just enough pressure from your shoe to leave an impression. It should not be easy to make an imprint in the fresh concrete so if you are able to make an imprint without any effort then it’s time for the next step!