Having a driveway does much more than simply connect the garage to the road. It’s a long-term addition that also enhances the look of your property. Well-maintained driveways minimize erosion, give kids a safe space to play, and make parking cars easy. Conversely, a cracked or uneven driveway detracts the value of your home and also makes it unsafe for use.

Below, we’re going to discuss the benefits and the process of installing curbs and driveways for you Chicagoland home.

The Benefits of Concrete Curbs and Driveways

Concrete looks aesthetically pleasing and offers a sturdy functionality. After installation, you may have to wait a few days or weeks to use the driveway, but in the end, it’s well worth it. Professionally constructed curbs and driveways will last you a lifetime with minimal maintenance efforts. What else?

·      Compared to asphalt, concrete driveways absorb less UV radiation, and they don’t heat up as much during summertime.

·      Concrete may last up to 30 years, as it’s highly resistant to disintegration and distortion.

·      Even without refinishing or resealing, concrete is very durable and requires only basic cleanings.

·      Stamping or tinting allows for aesthetical changes in the concrete driveway.

·      The composition of concrete uses recycled and waste materials, making it an environmentally safe option.

The Process of Installing Driveways

Let’s quickly walk through the process of installing a driveway:

Make a Plan

Arrange the permits, sketch the outline of your driveway, determine the concrete measurements you’ll require, decide what reinforcement materials would work best, and make sure to list the estimates of the entire project. The total cost should include labor, permits, equipment, materials, delivery charges, and more.

Prep the Spot

Next, lay out the shape of your driveway with the help of metallic or wooden stakes, then install form boards anchored with wooden stakes. With a sledgehammer, drive the stakes into the soil to better align the panels. For curving drives, it’s important to use plywood that’s flexible but sturdy enough to support the concrete load.

Next, add filling materials up to at least 4 inches of thickness, and make sure there aren’t any uneven spots. For precise grading, tie strings across the top of the forms and measure down to the correct depth of the soil. With a hand tamp, compact the material to make sure the base is stable for pouring concrete. Finally, use a mat of steel reinforcing bars to increase the strength of your driveway. This will also help dissipate the weight of the vehicles that’ll drive or park on the driveway.

Pour and Cure the Concrete Mix

Here comes the final step — pouring the concrete into the forms. Flatten the surface to the desired smoothness and avoid standing water. Not all curbs and driveways will remain perfectly leveled, but achieving flatness should be the goal here.

Put in contraction joints to avoid cracking, separating, or other irregularities. In order for the vehicles to obtain traction, you can also add textures to the concrete as it dries. It’s also important to create a moisture-retaining barrier on the surface to prevent quick drying.

Need Professional Curb and Driveway Installation Services in Chicago or the Suburbs?

Are you looking for a professional concrete contractor to install a curb or driveway on your property in the Chicagoland area? If so, Via Galante Cement Contractors is here to help. You can reach us at (773) 589-9893 or email us at [email protected]. You can also fill this contact form, and one of our experts will get back to you with the requested information.

Via Galante Cement Contractors has over 30 years of industry experience, and you can confidently turn to us for professional installation and repair services. We’ll be happy to assist you!