How Long Will My Concrete Driveway Take to Build?

This will depend on the extent and complexity of the project itself, the expertise of the concrete contractors you hire, and the condition of your driveway (if excavation or removal is needed or not). Typical concrete projects for residential use normally take 1-3 days. Curing time adds to the time required before new concrete can be used. To understand this better, you first need to understand the process of concrete driveway paving.

Concrete Driveway Paving

If you are opting for a concrete driveway, the surface will last longer if the concrete is built on solid, level, well-drained soil. A gravel base is then laid and inspected by the concrete crew. Once the crew builds up forms that will determine the shape of the concrete, it is ready for pouring. The concrete is then poured followed quickly by what is referred to as screeding. A flat board, power tools, and hand tools are used to flatten and smooth the surface. This process is ongoing throughout the process as the concrete sets quickly.

Factors to Consider When Opting for a Concrete Driveway

Thickness: An even thickness is important to avoid cracks over time. How thick it should be is most frequently determined by the contractor, based on a few key questions they will ask. Thickness is also determined by what sort of vehicle or equipment the driveway will be supporting. There may be more than the average car involved, many times concrete slabs are laid down to accommodate larger vehicles like RVs.

Mixture: There are several options to consider, and it can get a bit daunting. There are three basic tips to be aware of, first, know the difference between concrete and cement. Cement is only one ingredient to concrete, which also includes gravel, sand, and water. Having just the right proportions of these materials is critical for strength.

Driveway Longevity: A concrete driveway is not a cheap prospect; it is an investment in your property. There are things you can do to keep it attractive and functional for a longer period. The first consideration is to hire a reliable and experienced contractor like Burnaby Blacktop. Another important consideration is knowing how to prevent water damage. Keep standing water away from your concrete as much as possible with proper drainage. Regular maintenance is always a good idea. Stop the cracks from expanding by filling them and sealing them as they occur.

Expansion Joints: Concrete joints are used to prevent cracking and enhance the strength and performance of the concrete.

Setting and Curing: Although there are initial setting times for concrete, it never really stops curing. Full strength concrete is generally recognized to occur at 28 days. The “setting” time is between 24 to 48 hours. After seven days, concrete is cured to about 70% of full strength or more. Although people and pets won’t leave footprints at this point, you should avoid parking your car during this time. You should probably wait 28 days before parking heavier equipment or RVs.

What Are the Main Factors that Determine the Success of a Concrete Driveway?

Three of the most important factors that determine an effective, long-lasting driveway are:

• The Contractor: Choosing the right contractor is critical, and it isn’t easy. You need to determine if the one you hire is qualified, reliable, and trustworthy. It is important to make yourself do a little research, read the reviews, and find out what others’ experiences were. The right contractor will be able to let you know how long it will take.
• The Ground: There is nothing like a solid foundation to build on. If you are not sure, this might be the time to get the contractor involved. Preparation of the base aggregate and drainage is where experience is critical.
• The Mixture: An experienced contractor understands the proper proportions of materials for the strongest possible concrete.

How Long Will a Concrete Driveway Take to Build?

To give you an exact answer, as it depends on your project, you should contact Burnaby Blacktop. Send us a form request, with your project details and we will try to respond as soon as possible with a time estimate and paving quote. You can give us a call at 7788550513 or fill out the form online with all your paving details to get a written estimate.