One of the most meaningful endeavours any person can undertake is their own DIY project. There’s nothing like seeing the fruits of your labour and seeing that new part of your home. With enough know-how, the right equipment, and skill, you might be able to make anything you set your mind to.
This particular article, however, will talk about driveway construction and paving. It should go without saying that every DIY construction project is easier said than done. There are plenty of considerations you need to take into account. Worry not; we have created this guide for the home handyman. With no further ado, here are four things you need to know about driveway paving:
1 – You need to adhere to local regulations and codes
Before you even buy a single ounce of ready-mix concrete, you should have all the right consents, permits, and an encyclopedic knowledge of local construction codes related to your driveway. Consult your local Council about these requirements and make sure to adhere to them so that you can maintain their consent.
Your district might also have its own planning rules. Following these is not just an issue of consistency in the neighbourhood, but one of safety and environmental protection. Skirting these rules or making just one mistake can result in expensive fines and an order to redo the whole construction project from scratch—the costs of which you will have to shoulder yourself.
2 – You need to use the right materials
Driveways are generally made of concrete because of the material’s low cost and versatility. Concrete can be stamped and imprinted with patterns to mimic the quality of stones or bricks. It can be mixed with aggregates to increase volume without reducing strength. However, there are other popular materials that are commonly used in driveways such as gravel, asphalt, and paving stones.
3 – You need to reinforce the area
Your driveway will bear the weight of your vehicles; as such, it needs to be strong and sturdy enough to carry these loads. A sedan alone is around one tonne; what more an SUV or high-performance pick-up truck?
Reinforcement begins with clearing away any grass, stones, and materials. Forms (slim wooden panels used to give concrete foundations shape) should be laid out to outline the boundary of the driveway. Next, a layer of gravel (about 4-6 inches) should be added to the area. Reinforcement bars or other reinforcement materials should be laid out in a grid on top of this gravel layer.
Finally, you can pour out the gravel and smooth it out. You may also remove smaller particles in the cement in a process called “floating” and imprint your driveway during this time.
4 – You need to wait through the curing period
Although concrete hardens soon after pouring, it does not achieve its full strength until 4 weeks into the curing process. You should wait at least 24 hours until stepping on it and wait at least 10 days before driving on it. After all, you wouldn’t want to do the hard work of paving and laying out your own driveway only to damage it.
Final thoughts
A driveway is an underrated but important part of your home. Since it carries the weight of your cars, it needs to be strong and sturdy. It also helps if you can appreciate how it looks and feels to drive on. After all, it should fit the aesthetic of your home.
If you’ve decided to leave the paving of your driveway to the professionals, book your appointment with us at W&W Construction. From your pothole to your road, we pave it all. We can promise you excellent service, no matter what designs or materials you decide to go with.
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