If it's time to get a new driveway but you are concerned about old problems resurfacing, then worry no more. Often, driveways are replaced when they have cracked and sunken to the point where repair is impossible. You may be worried that the same problems that ruined the old drive will also affect the new one. The following are some techniques that can be used during construction to help reinforce your new drive against past issues.
Proper preparation of the base
Many concrete problems are determined before the concrete is even poured. This is because problems with the base often equate to cracks and settling in the concrete later on. The base should consist of well-compacted subsoil covered with an equally well-compacted layer of crushed rock or gravel. There should be no "soft" spots where settling could occur or water could collect. The base should also be graded slightly away from the house so that water flows away from the driveway and home, instead of pooling and causing more problems.
Addition of concrete joints
A lot of concrete damage occurs due to normal expansion. Concrete is porous, which means some moisture will seep into the concrete slab. During the winter, this water freezes and expands, which can lead to cracks or potholes. Expansion joints built right into the concrete will counteract this tendency. In areas with rare freezes, a two-car driveway may only need a single joint, whereas the same driveway may benefit from two or more joints in areas with a more rapid freeze-thaw cycle. An isolation joint should also be installed where ever the driveway connects to another concrete slab, such as the sidewalk. This protects the driveway in the event the sidewalk expands or shifts.
Reinforcement options
Driveways are under a lot more stress than a patio or sidewalk simply because cars are much heavier than people. Reinforcing the driveway can prevent stress damage to the concrete. A steel reinforcing grid is sometimes used in the concrete to strengthen the structure if the concrete layer is less than 4 inches deep. While this can provide some protection, a better option is to team up rebar with a thicker concrete slab. Rebar, or concrete reinforcing bars, are steel bars that are laid down in a grid. They are elevated from the base so that concrete flows beneath them. A 6- to 8-inch layer of concrete is then poured over the rebar can result in a sturdy driveway that can handle the loads you will subject it to.
To learn more, contact a concrete contractor or a business that sells concrete supplies or rebar like Atlantic Supply.
As you can see, you have options.
Share26 August 2019
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