Concrete Driveways, Walkways, Stoops, and Patios
Investing in a concrete driveway is a surefire way to elevate your home’s curb appeal while making a wise financial decision that stands the test of time. Invest in a professionally installed and well-maintained concrete driveway, and you’ll enjoy its longevity of 20+ years with minimal maintenance costs. Plus, with the option to incorporate color and stamping into your concrete, you have the freedom to create a driveway that is a true reflection of your own style and taste.
Pros of concrete
- Installing concrete correctly significantly extends its lifespan, resulting in reduced maintenance needs over time.
- Has a long lifespan.
- Concrete driveways, generally low maintenance, might require resealing every 3-5 years to maintain their quality, considering factors like care and regular 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.
For durable and dependable Concrete Paving in Highland Park, Illinois, it is best practice to construct 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.
With a profile matching the driveway, the Concrete Garage Floor establishes a unified aesthetic within the property. Moreover, the integration of decorative concrete coatings offers the potential to elevate its visual appeal and inject personality.
The installation of expansion joints is carried out thoughtfully at the intersection of the new and old concrete, ensuring structural integrity by allowing for expansion and contraction. This is especially critical at the point where the driveway seamlessly connects with the established garage base.
Selecting a six bag mix of Concrete with a 4,000 PSI rating is crucial to ensure that your Concrete Paving project in Highland Park, Illinois achieves the maximum strength required.
Concrete Walkways
Walkways in most regions have a standard width of 3 feet, but the front walkway is often wider. During the installation process, a base layer of 4 inches of CA-6 stone is laid down, followed by a 4-inch layer of concrete for the walkway.
To ensure durability and stability, it is recommended to establish private walkways using a 4-inch base layer of CA-6 stone, topped with a 4-inch layer of concrete.
City walkways are best built using a solid base of 4 inches of CA-6 stone, topped with a 5-inch layer of concrete to ensure longevity and stability.
The specific thickness of the City Approach, the section between the city walk and the road, can vary from village to village, typically necessitating a thickness of 6 inches or more of concrete.
Concrete Stoops and Steps
Creating a comfortable and safe step down without any trip hazards can be achieved by extending and widening concrete stoops and steps as needed. When performing Concrete Paving in Highland Park, Illinois, we strictly follow the standard depth of 7 inches for steps. Our work is carried out in full adherence to village codes and typical engineer specifications, ensuring precise and accurate results.
Incorporating pavers or natural stone as overlays or “caps” on concrete stoops can transform their appearance, creating a more elegant and upscale ambiance. In many cases, the front entrance is given special attention by contrasting it with the surrounding areas, which are poured with concrete, by utilizing pavers or stone like bluestone or flagstones.
In certain situations, the cost of replacing the concrete stoop can be avoided by opting for a more budget-friendly solution: leveling the stoop with mortar or screenings and overlaying it with brick pavers or natural stone.
Concrete Patios
Concrete patios are highly sought after and one of our most popular services in Highland Park, Illinois when it comes to Concrete Paving. 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.
In situations where the patio is too small, extending it with new concrete is an option. Nonetheless, for aesthetic purposes, it is generally more favorable to redo the entire patio to achieve a uniform appearance.
CONCRETE PAVING PROCESS
STEP 1.
DEMO, BASE & FRAME
Our dedicated crew will commence by removing the current surface of your driveway or patio upon arrival. They will then proceed with the installation of a new stone base, carefully grading it to ensure optimal drainage and stability. Once the base is compacted, it will be ready for inspection by the local village or city as required.
Our team is committed to framing the project as soon as possible, typically on the same day or the following day, to enable timely pre-pour inspections.
Kindly be advised that once the base and frames are set for Concrete Paving in Highland Park, Illinois, parking vehicles on the specific area will not be permissible.
STEP 2.
INSPECTIONS
After the completion of the base preparation for your Concrete Paving project in Highland Park, Illinois, we will proceed to schedule any necessary base inspections to guarantee the project’s adherence to standards and regulations.
After a successful inspection, we will work together to finalize the project pavement installation date. Typically, this installation occurs within 1-3 days after the base has been prepared and is ready, contingent upon weather conditions.
In most villages, it is generally not required for anyone to be present during the inspection. However, it is necessary to visibly post the permit on a front window or door, and ensure that the approved plans are readily accessible if they need to be reviewed.
In certain Villages, a base inspection may not be mandatory. If we determine that a base inspection is not needed, we will promptly notify you and schedule the paving process at the earliest convenient time.
STEP 3.
CONCRETE INSTALLATION
The dedicated concrete installation team will skillfully complete the paving work. They will pour the fresh cement, allowing for the addition of color if desired. The team will distribute the cement uniformly, resulting in a flat and even surface. If necessary, they will apply stamping techniques and a release layer to enhance the visual appeal and texture.
During the construction process, it is advisable to contact your local police department to obtain a street parking permit.
Allowing the concrete to set undisturbed is essential for its long-term performance. It is advisable to wait for a minimum of 5-7 days before parking vehicles on the concrete surface.
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 HIGHLAND PARK
THE MOST POPULAR USES FOR RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE
Exposed aggregate concrete
The application of exposed aggregate concrete offers an incredibly attractive and straightforward method for creating a captivating decorative surface.
Through the process of selectively stripping away the surface layer of concrete, like that of a driveway or an interior floor, the inherent beauty of the aggregates is showcased, creating a distinctive visual presentation with varying sizes.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Applications:
- Garage Floor Coating
- Concrete Steps and Stairs
- Concrete Driveways
- Concrete Patios
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete offers a fantastic alternative for achieving the look of low-maintenance pavers or natural stone, utilizing patterns and colors to create an appealing and durable surface. It is a popular choice for patios, sidewalks, and driveways.
Stamped concrete stands out as a widely embraced form of decorative concrete, known for its capacity to emulate the aesthetic of higher-priced materials, making it an excellent choice for achieving a sophisticated look.
With its ability to replicate the texture and appearance of brick or stone tiles, stamped concrete provides an affordable alternative that allows homeowners to achieve a desirable look without the higher price tag.
Stamping concrete requires the expertise of concrete professionals, as they possess the specialized skills to complete the staining and stamping procedures before the poured concrete sets and becomes rigid. When the concrete reaches its perfect plasticity, an attention-to-detail application of a release layer is employed, serving as both a visual enhancer by highlighting color contrasts and a practical measure to prevent the stamping tools from sticking to the concrete. Once the stamping is done, a thorough application of a curing compound and sealer is performed, providing essential preservation and extending the lifespan of the concrete surface.
Though stamping concrete when it is freshly poured and wet is the preferred approach, overlays offer an alternative method by introducing a layer of 2 inches of fresh concrete. This means that if your existing concrete is still in good shape, you can effortlessly enhance your current flat driveway or patio with a captivating stamped design that will invigorate the entire area.
STAMP COLOR SIMULATOR
CUSTOMIZE, VISUALIZE & MAKE A BETTER CHOICE
1. Choose a Pattern
- ASHLER STONE
- CANYON STONE
- FRACTURED SLATE
- LONDON SLATE
- VERMONT SLATE
2. Pick a Color
- Spring Beige
- Summer Beige
- Autumn Beige
- Winter Beige
- Porcelain Gray
- Sorrento Red
- Cool Gray
- Sunbaked Clay
- Brownstone
- Desert Sand
- Limestone
- Sombrero Buff
- Antique Cork
- Mesa Beige
- Adobe Tan
- Coachella Sand
- Westwood Brown
- Tawny Pink
- Coral Red
- Quarry Red
- Shadow Slate
- French Gray
- Charcoal
- Dark Gray
- Spring Beige
- Summer Beige
- Autumn Beige
- Winter Beige
- Porcelain Gray
- Sorrento Red
- Cool Gray
- Sunbaked Clay
- Brownstone
- Desert Sand
- Limestone
- Sombrero Buff
- Antique Cork
- Mesa Beige
- Adobe Tan
- Coachella Sand
- Westwood Brown
- Tawny Pink
- Coral Red
- Quarry Red
- Shadow Slate
- French Gray
- Charcoal
- Dark Gray
- Spring Beige
- Summer Beige
- Autumn Beige
- Winter Beige
- Porcelain Gray
- Sorrento Red
- Cool Gray
- Sunbaked Clay
- Brownstone
- Desert Sand
- Limestone
- Sombrero Buff
- Antique Cork
- Mesa Beige
- Adobe Tan
- Coachella Sand
- Westwood Brown
- Tawny Pink
- Coral Red
- Quarry Red
- Shadow Slate
- French Gray
- Charcoal
- Dark Gray
- Spring Beige
- Summer Beige
- Autumn Beige
- Winter Beige
- Porcelain Gray
- Sorrento Red
- Cool Gray
- Sunbaked Clay
- Brownstone
- Desert Sand
- Limestone
- Sombrero Buff
- Antique Cork
- Mesa Beige
- Adobe Tan
- Coachella Sand
- Westwood Brown
- Tawny Pink
- Coral Red
- Quarry Red
- Shadow Slate
- French Gray
- Charcoal
- Dark Gray
- Spring Beige
- Summer Beige
- Autumn Beige
- Winter Beige
- Porcelain Gray
- Sorrento Red
- Cool Gray
- Sunbaked Clay
- Brownstone
- Desert Sand
- Limestone
- Sombrero Buff
- Antique Cork
- Mesa Beige
- Adobe Tan
- Coachella Sand
- Westwood Brown
- Tawny Pink
- Coral Red
- Quarry Red
- Shadow Slate
- French Gray
- Charcoal
- Dark Gray