Driveway Contractors, Lincoln, NE

 Concrete Driveway Contractors | C&C Contractors

 HOW TO POUR AND REPLACE A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY

Whether you are replacing an existing asphalt or concrete driveway with a new concrete driveway or constructing a new driveway from the ground up, the construction process determines the quality of the finished product. C&C Concrete Contractors in Lincoln, NE, has a long history of creating concrete driveways, and we've learned that only meticulous attention to detail can deliver the high-quality results we're known for and that our customers expect and deserve.

Here are some of the most important steps in creating a great concrete driveway.

• Planning & Scheduling – The time it will take to build your new driveway will vary depending on the project. In most cases, a concrete replacement driveway will take several days to complete, with additional time for complete curing keeping you off your driveway for another two weeks or more. We'll work with you to create a schedule that works for you.

• Removal of the Old Driveway – After evaluating the project and contracting with the property owner to create a new driveway, the first step is to demolish the old driveway. We demolish the old driveway with wheel or tracked loaders and load the broken-up asphalt or concrete into dump trucks for transport to a recycling center. If necessary, we will begin demolition with jackhammers in some cases.

• Sub-Base Preparation – The sub-base, or foundation, is critical to its longevity under any driveway. It has to be thick enough to support the driveway and thoroughly compacted to provide a solid foundation for the pavement. Because concrete has a high strength, the existing sub-base from the old driveway may be sufficient. We will grade and compact it as necessary if this is the case. Otherwise, new aggregate will be placed and compacted after removing contaminated or poor materials. The soil conditions determine much at the site. Grading and compacting the sub-base also considers proper drainage of the new driveway.

• Paving Preparation – After determining drainage requirements and the finished grade, forms will be placed around the driveway's edges for concrete driveways. Then, a grid reinforcing steel is installed to provide tensile strength to the paving. Final measurements are taken to determine the amount of concrete needed to complete the driveway.

• Concrete is Ordered – We place an order for a special mix of concrete to be delivered on the paving date. The concrete mix is intended to be strong, and it will include air entrainment and other additives to that end. Our concrete suppliers collaborate with us carefully to provide the best mix for your driveway. Every job also includes micro-fiber reinforcement to add strength and reduce cracking during the cure period.

• Concrete Pouring and Leveling – Our concrete crew will begin work as soon as the concrete trucks arrive. The concrete is poured into the forms, beginning in the garage and moving toward the street. Depending on the site, various methods, including pumping the concrete mix, may be used to place the concrete. As the concrete is being poured, our crews begin leveling the pour, a process known as "screeding."

• Concrete Finishing – Because concrete hardens quickly, the finishing job must be completed quickly. The previously screeded surface is smoothed and evened out using a combination of power and hand tools. Another step is to trowel the driveway edges and control joints carefully. If you chose an exposed aggregate finish, the last step is to carefully wash away a layer of cement from the top. This exposes the carefully selected aggregate, resulting in the distinctive pebbly surface. If you choose a broomed finish, workers will achieve it by artistically roughening the surface of the concrete at just the right stage of setting.

• Curing – We apply a curing agent to the concrete's surface after it has been installed. This slows water loss over a 30-day period, resulting in more robust, more attractive concrete. It will take 7-10 days for the concrete to cure before it can be used. While concrete hardens quickly, it remains weak until completely cured. However, it is critical to keep people and pets off the surface for several hours after the paving crew has left until it is completely firm. Any previous foot traffic can leave permanent marks. During the first few days following the pour. Workers would then remove the forms and clean up the area once the initial set was complete. Any control joint cuts will be made during the curing process.

• Waiting Before Use – The actual time it takes before you can drive or park on your driveway depends on temperature and other factors, but in most cases, you'll be able to do so in 7-10 days. It is critical to allow enough time for the concrete to cure before driving or parking on it. We will notify you when the driveway is completed of the wait time. In most cases, you'll be able to drive on the concrete within seven days.

GET IN TOUCH

C&C Concrete Contractors in Lincoln, NE, understand that each step in the construction of your new or replacement driveway is critical to the end result. Everyone at C&C Concrete Contractors is concerned with your satisfaction and the longevity of your new driveway. Our crews never cut corners or take shortcuts when it comes to the quality of our concrete mix or the completion of our work. We also keep you fully informed throughout the project and discuss any issues that arise as soon as they arise. We always welcome your questions and are happy to observe our work as it is being built. If you need a new or replacement concrete driveway, give us a call right away. One of our experienced driveway consultants will come to your home to discuss your project and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.