Have you been thinking about getting your aging and deteriorating concrete driveway replaced? Replacing a concrete driveway is a significant home improvement project that requires proper planning and preparation. When you hire a professional concrete driveway company to take on this job, you can expect the process to follow some standard steps. Understanding what happens throughout getting a concrete driveway replaced will help you know what to expect.



They Decide if You Need a Replacement

There are some clear visual signs that it's time to replace your driveway. Extremely wide cracks that stretch across slabs are often a problem. Large broken chunks of concrete or holes fully eroded through the depth of the driveway mean replacement should happen soon in our experience. If you notice crumbling edges or surfaces that feel very uneven when you walk across them, that indicates issues below the concrete that will continue worsening. Dogging issues like extensive staining from vehicle fluids that simply cannot be cleaned off despite multiple attempts also lend reason for a new driveway. Sections that frequently pool rainwater due to sloping problems take their toll over time as well.

They Tear Out and Remove the Old Driveway

The first step a concrete driveway company will take is to tear out and remove your current driveway. This involves breaking up the concrete with special equipment like jackhammers and hauling away the rubble with heavy machinery. They will take care to protect any surrounding lawn, garden beds, or landscaping from damage during this demolition process. Depending on the size of your driveway, we've seen that removing the old concrete can take several hours over one or more days.

They Excavate and Grade

After tearing up the old driveway, the area underneath will need to be excavated to reach more stable soil and create space for gravel and the forms that will hold the new concrete. The excavated area is also graded or leveled to achieve the appropriate slope and drainage for the new driveway. Proper grading prevents water pooling issues. This foundation work must be done correctly for optimal driveway performance and longevity.

They Install Forms

Forms create the frame that will contain the liquid concrete as it is poured and cured. They are precisely set to specifications like width, edges, and depth. The forms also determine decorative touches like curves or edges. Getting the forms fully prepped and in the right position takes skill and attention to detail. If the forms are not true and consistent, they will show in the finished driveway.

They Reinforce

Fiber reinforcement like rebar may be added inside the form frames depending on factors like the driveway size and your region's freeze/thaw weather. The reinforcement bars or mesh add strength to help prevent cracks from developing as the concrete contracts and expands through seasons and temperature fluctuations. Any reinforcement needs to be carefully installed where specified within the depth of the poured concrete.

They Pour and Finish the Concrete

Pouring the fresh concrete into the forms is an exciting milestone in the driveway installation process. According to House Grail, the concrete mixture is made up of 60% to 75% aggregate material, 15% cement and water, and 5% to 8% air. Experienced concrete professionals have techniques to properly pour and settle the concrete for maximum durability. After pouring the concrete, the surface is leveled and smoothed to your desired finish texture. Proper concrete pouring and finishing cannot be rushed.

They Cure and Seal

Once the pouring process is complete, there are still some very important steps - curing and sealing. Curing means keeping the concrete damp consistently for one to two weeks as it sets up. This hydration process strengthens the concrete. Sealing the surface also needs to happen at the ideal time frame. The sealer protects decorative concrete and prevents damage from elements like water penetration and salt. Getting both the curing and sealing right is key to lovely, long-lasting results from the concrete driveway company.

Replacing a deteriorating concrete driveway with a fresh, durable, and attractive new one is a major home project. Being aware of the full process ahead of time prepares you for what to expect. Pay close attention to how well your concrete driveway company handles the proper techniques at each stage - from removing old concrete to pouring, finishing, curing, and sealing new concrete. Their skill level makes all the difference in getting your driveway to enhance your property value for years to come. If you're ready to have a new concrete driveway installed, reach out to our concrete driveway company at A-1 Driveway Replacement Company for an estimate.