Concrete Driveways, Walkways, Stoops, and Patios
When it comes to enhancing your home’s exterior, a concrete driveway stands as a top contender, combining visual appeal with a valuable and enduring investment. Invest in a professionally installed and well-maintained concrete driveway, and you’ll enjoy its longevity of 20+ years with minimal maintenance costs. Moreover, the possibility of coloring and stamping your concrete opens up a world of design possibilities, allowing you to achieve a truly unique and personalized driveway.
Pros of concrete
- By ensuring proper installation, concrete can surpass expectations in terms of durability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
- Has a long lifespan.
- Although concrete is known for its low maintenance, it may necessitate resealing every 3-5 years, depending on factors such as care and daily usage.
- Better in warm climates as it does not soften.
- Can be colored and scored.
CONCRETE PAVING SERVICES
CONCRETE EXTENSIONS & WIDENING
Concrete Driveways & Garage Floors
Extending a concrete driveway typically entails the removal and proper disposal of 9 inches of dirt, followed by the inclusion of 4 inches of CA-6 stone, wire mesh reinforcement, and finally, a 5-inch layer of concrete.
To ensure reliable and robust Concrete Paving in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, it is advisable to build driveways with a minimum combination of 4 inches of CA-6 stone, wire or fiber mesh reinforcement, and a top layer of 5 inches of concrete.
In terms of profile, the Concrete Garage Floor aligns with that of the driveway, creating a seamless and integrated appearance. Moreover, the integration of decorative concrete coatings facilitates the enhancement of its attractiveness and the infusion of character.
Expansion joints are thoughtfully placed at the juncture where the newly poured concrete intersects with the existing concrete, ensuring proper flexibility and accommodating any potential movement. This is particularly important where the driveway seamlessly connects to the established garage base.
For your Concrete Paving project in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, it is imperative to prioritize maximum strength by utilizing a six bag mix of Concrete with a minimum rating of 4,000 PSI.
Concrete Walkways
In most regions, walkways are typically 3 feet wide, although the front walkway is usually wider in size. When installing a walkway, it is customary to prepare a base layer of 4 inches of CA-6 stone, followed by a 4-inch layer of concrete.
When it comes to private walkways, it is advisable to build them with a sturdy base made of 4 inches of CA-6 stone, complemented by a 4-inch layer of concrete.
The standard construction practice for city walkways involves establishing a stable base with 4 inches of CA-6 stone, topped with a 5-inch layer of concrete.
When it comes to the City Approach, the thickness of this segment, located between the city walk and the road, can differ across various villages, often ranging from 6 inches or more of concrete.
Concrete Stoops and Steps
Concrete stoops and steps can be extended and widened as needed to ensure a comfortable step down and eliminate any potential trip hazards. Our Concrete Paving services in Buffalo Grove, Illinois prioritize adherence to industry standards. This includes utilizing a 7-inch depth for steps, in line with best practices. We go a step further by meticulously following village codes and typical engineer specifications, resulting in precise and accurate outcomes.
In many cases, concrete stoops can be enhanced by overlaying or “capping” them with pavers or natural stone, providing a more sophisticated and elegant appearance. When it comes to the front entrance, it is not unusual to opt for pavers or stone, like bluestone or flagstones, to create a distinct visual effect, while the surrounding areas are poured with concrete.
Choosing to level the concrete stoop with mortar or screenings and overlaying it with brick pavers or natural stone offers a cost-saving option compared to the expense of complete stoop replacement.
Concrete Patios
When it comes to Concrete Paving in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, our expertise in installing concrete patios has made it one of our most sought-after and highly regarded services. We recognize that every property has its own unique style, and that’s why we provide a wide range of patterns, colors, and stamps to ensure your patio showcases the individuality and character of your property.
Expanding a small patio with new concrete can address size limitations. However, to achieve a cohesive and well-integrated design, it is typically advised to redo the entire patio.
CONCRETE PAVING PROCESS
STEP 1.
DEMO, BASE & FRAME
Upon our arrival, our skilled crew will promptly begin by removing the existing surface of your driveway or patio. Following this, they will proceed with the installation of a new stone base, diligently grading and compacting it to prepare it for inspection by the local village or city, ensuring compliance with the necessary regulations.
Our team works diligently to frame the project as soon as possible, typically on the same day or the following day, to ensure smooth progress and prompt pre-pour inspections.
Please take into consideration that once the base and frames are ready for Concrete Paving in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, parking vehicles on the designated area will not be viable.
STEP 2.
INSPECTIONS
After the base has been prepared for your Concrete Paving project in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, we will coordinate the scheduling of any necessary base inspections to ensure the quality and integrity of the project.
Following the approval of the inspection, we will coordinate the scheduling of the project pavement installation. This installation is typically planned to take place within a timeframe of 1-3 days after the completion of the base preparation, provided the weather permits.
Typically, most villages do not mandate the presence of anyone during the inspection. Nevertheless, it is important to visibly display the permit on a front window or door, and have the approved plans easily accessible for reference if necessary.
It is important to note that there are Villages where a base inspection is not a requirement. Should this be the case for your project, we will inform you accordingly and proceed to schedule the paving process at the soonest available opportunity.
STEP 3.
CONCRETE INSTALLATION
Our proficient concrete installation team will handle the paving work with expertise. They will pour the fresh cement, giving you the option to select color if desired. The team will distribute the cement evenly, ensuring a smooth and leveled surface. In case it is necessary, they will utilize stamping techniques and a release layer to enhance the texture and visual effect.
To avoid any inconvenience, we suggest contacting your local police department and acquiring a street parking permit for the duration of the construction.
Giving the concrete sufficient time to cure is vital for its overall quality. It is recommended to refrain from parking vehicles on the freshly installed concrete for at least 5-7 days.
WHEN DO I NEED TO REPLACE?
IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:
DEEP PENETRATING CRACKS
EXCESSIVE PITTING (APPEARS AS THOUGH PIECES OF STONE ARE EXPOSED OR MISSING)
EXPOSED RE-BAR OR WIRE MESH
SLABS SETTLED, SLANTED, UNEVEN, OR RAISED
WATER SEEPING INTO THE FOUNDATION OR UNDER THE DRIVEWAY
MAJOR GAPS BETWEEN SLABS AND WHERE CONCRETE USE TO MATCH OTHER SURFACES
DECORATIVE CONCRETE PAVING IN BUFFALO GROVE
THE MOST POPULAR USES FOR RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE
Exposed aggregate concrete
Exposed aggregate concrete offers a remarkably appealing and straightforward approach to achieving a visually captivating and decorative surface.
Through the deliberate removal of the surface layer of concrete, as seen on driveways or interior floors, a mesmerizing composition of aggregates is exposed, exhibiting their varying sizes and contributing to an exceptional visual presentation.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Applications:
- Garage Floor Coating
- Concrete Steps and Stairs
- Concrete Driveways
- Concrete Patios
Stamped Concrete
For a hassle-free solution that achieves the look of pavers or natural stone, stamped concrete is an excellent option. Its ability to mimic various patterns and colors makes it a favored choice for patios, sidewalks, and driveways.
Stamped concrete stands as one of the most favored forms of decorative concrete, offering an excellent alternative to using costlier materials while still achieving an elegant and sophisticated appearance.
By combining specific coloring methods with intricate stamping patterns, stamped concrete successfully imitates the look of brick or stone tiles, making it a favorable choice for cost-conscious individuals who desire a similar aesthetic.
Stamping concrete is a nuanced process that can only be executed by concrete professionals due to the timing involved. The staining and stamping must be carried out before the poured concrete solidifies, highlighting the need for expert craftsmanship. After the concrete attains its optimal plasticity, a careful application of a release layer is performed to accentuate the desired color contrasts and facilitate the seamless maneuvering of the stamping tools, preventing them from sticking to the concrete. Following the completion of the stamping process, a meticulous application of a curing compound and sealer is carried out, delivering vital protection and enhancing the overall performance and appearance of the concrete.
While it is recommended to stamp concrete immediately after pouring when it is still wet, overlays allow for an alternative option by incorporating a layer of 2 inches of fresh concrete. This means that if your existing concrete is in good condition, you can easily elevate your flat driveway or patio by introducing an impressive stamped design that will transform the entire area.