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Concrete Driveways Jacksonville FLConcrete driveways Jacksonville FL can be one of the best investments you could ever make for your property, as a homeowner. This material is renowned for the numerous benefits it can present when used to construct this vital area of residential buildings. Some of the most notable includes long term cost savings due to its low maintenance attributes and its unparalleled durability. The latter of which ensures that when properly installed, such a driveway can last for decades upon decades. Not to mention its uncommon versatility that guarantees a perfect fit for your home’s landscape design. In this regard, you will definitely be spoilt for choices when it comes to the colors, textures and even patterns of decorative concrete, you could pick. However, the most pertinent thing that should always be in your mind is enlisting the services of a reputable and competent concrete contractor. Failing to cover this point can have far reaching repercussions on the eventual workmanship and durability of your driveway. We are rated among the foremost companies that offer this service in this region. So, you can always have a guarantee we will go to great lengths to make your dream concrete driveway a reality. With that fully understood, let us now take a look at the steps we take to satisfy our customers. |
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Steps to Prepare a Concrete Driveways Jacksonville FL
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Proper sub-grade preparationIt is very essential to create an even soil composition along with ideal compaction, which can fashion a sub-grade that offers sufficient support. This will result in a slab that is characterized with an even thickness too. A proper sub-grade preparation is also crucial in the prevention of settlement or even cracking. In most residential projects, we generally use vibratory plate compacters together with rammers to execute this critical process.
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Appropriate concrete mixesThe concrete mix design can significantly influence the performance and durability of a concrete driveway. True, high-performance mixes will cost you more. However, in the long term it could enable you to do away with problems, which may cost you a small fortune to resolve. Your concrete driveway will be exposed to a lot of abuse, including automobile traffic and even freeze and thaw climatic conditions. Therefore, you require a long lasting and low permeable mix that can resist these factors in a stress-free manner. Ideally, strengths of not less than 4,000 PSI, an air content of about 6% and a water to cement ratios of under 0.5 are indispensable in driveway concrete mixes.
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Appropriately positioned jointsOur concrete driveway contractors utilize control joints to do away with challenges such as randomized cracking. These joints are usually positioned with a maximum spacing of 10 feet for a 4” thick driveway slab. The exact depth of these joints is essential as well. To this end, we ‘hand-tool’ or ‘saw-cut’ them to a depth of ¼ “ of the overall slab thickness.
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Appropriate reinforcementWhen undertaking our clients’ concrete driveways Jacksonville FL projects, proper reinforcement is often called for. This step, at one go, can deliver extra structurally integrity to these concrete structures. Granted, in most cases than not, this process will not completely eliminate the risks of cracking. Still, it can efficiently hold cracks together whenever they occur. Generally speaking, there 2 main options we endorse. The first is a wire mesh crafted from steel, while the second is ½ “steel re-bars that are laid in a grid-like pattern. Also, synthetic fibers have a good track record in minimizing cracks attributable to shrinkage.
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Appropriate finishingMost incompetent contractors normally commit errors when finishing concrete driveways. Some of the most prominent are overworking the surface or executing finishing when the ‘bleedwater’ is still present. The finishing of concrete driveways involves 3 steps. In the first place, the concrete has to be leveled off with the utilization of a screed to attain a uniform surface. Second, the concrete has to be ‘floated’ prior to the accumulation of bleedwater. Finally, a broom finish ought to be applied to enhance traction.
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Appropriate curingThe last process our skilled concrete driveways Jacksonville FL contractors perform is curing the concrete. This is a very crucial step, and failing to execute it immediately after the finishing process can result in substantial reductions in strength of as much as 50%. It can also heighten the likelihood of a variety of surface defects.
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