We know that having work done to your property can cause some inconveniences, but here at Divine Landscapes we want you to make the process as transparent as possible, so you can be prepared. As a result, we have put together this article to give you an insight into the process of getting your pattern imprinted concrete driveway installed. Whilst we expect disruptions to be minimal, we do expect some minor disruptions e.g., if you are having your driveway done, it is most likely that you will be unable to use your driveway for much of the project.
The first part of day 1 is to excavate and prepare the surface that is going to be your pattern imprinted concrete driveway. We then add hardcore; this is effectively a mass of solid and non-easily degradable materials that is used to create a base for concrete floors e.g., driveways and patios. It is during this stage that we also add drainage, which is one of the most crucial parts of the process. It is important to have drainage for your concrete driveway for several reasons as it reduces the chances of flooding on your property as the water can smoothly run off, whilst also limiting the damage to your driveway as the water isn’t able to erode the foundations.
During Day 1, the preparation work has been completed to allow for the laying of the concrete on day 2. This day is arguably the busiest and is the day when you will see your driveway begin to take form. Once the concrete has been poured, it is then smoothed before a layer of colour is added. The concrete is then smoothed again, with another layer of colour being added. This process of adding colour twice helps the colour to last longer. Finally, the surface is smoothed one final time before any patterns are added to the concrete. The diversity of colours and patterns available is one of the primary benefits of pattern imprinted concrete. To learn more about designs and colour see our article here.
A couple of days following the laying, colouring, and patterning of the concrete, we will clean down and acid wash the driveway to ensure it has an immaculate finish. On this day, we will also cut expansion joints. Expansion joints are a necessity of concrete driveways as concrete will expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall. The joints allow the concrete to do this without cracking and are crucial for the maintenance of your driveway.
The final part of the process is to seal the concrete driveway. Sealant helps to reduce the impact of weathering and allows for the driveway to be cleaned simply with a jet wash, without having to worry about damaging it. As the sealing process is weather dependant, we will complete this on the closest dry day that we can to the completion of your project.
Whilst pattern imprinted concrete is amongst the driveways with the lowest maintenance costs, some issues can still occur when you have had your driveway for a long time. As a result, we have put together a short piece here on how to maintain your concrete driveway, ensuring it remains as aesthetically pleasing as the day it was completed.
Based in Manchester, Divine Landscape Solutions are specialist installers of pattern imprinted concrete driveways and pattern imprinted concrete patios for both domestic and commercial clients. If you are based in Greater Manchester, or elsewhere in the North West, please do not hesitate to get in touch for more information. If you want to talk to us, call us on 01618853661 or email us via divinelandscapes@icloud.com.
