Details to Discuss With Your Driveway Construction Contractor

Construction & Contractors Blog

Before you have a new driveway poured in your home, you want to ensure you aren't overlooking any features to discuss with your contractor. Your home's driveway needs to be strong and durable, but it also should look attractive, as it can either add to or detract from your home's curb appeal. While your driveway construction contractor may have a number of recommendations for you, note a few details to discuss with him or her so you know you'll have a driveway that lasts for years and which also looks its best.

Ask if your soil may need some treatment before the driveway is poured

If you have consistent problems with a driveway cracking and one end sinking, this can mean that the soil itself is not strong enough to support your driveway; it may have very little to do with the driveway material itself. In very humid areas, soil can be very moist and soft, and very sandy soil might also be too weak to support a driveway. Discuss this type of recurring problem with your contractor and note if they would recommend bringing in lime, clay, or another material to make the soil stronger to support your new driveway.

Discuss standing water problems

If your property has any type of standing water problems, you want to mention that to your driveway contractor. Sloping your driveway more toward the street can mean allowing that water to run off and away from your home's foundation or even the driveway itself. The concrete slab of the driveway can trap water and moisture in the soil under that slab, so having it sloped or graded more toward the street can allow for better water runoff. However, your contractor won't know to include this factor in the driveway's construction unless you mention it to him or her, so always note standing water problems on your property before the driveway is installed.

Note how to improve the appearance of concrete

A concrete driveway doesn't need to look dull and drab. You can have an aggregate added to give it texture, depth, and color, or have the driveway painted. Concrete can also be stamped so that it looks like stone or another such material. You might also have concrete kerbing added to make the driveway stand out or give it contrast. The kerbing can be painted a different color or be poured to be taller than the driveway, to look like a border wall. This can improve your home's curb appeal overall.

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15 June 2016