RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE PAVING IN LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS
STREAMLINED PERFORMANCE • SUPREME QUALITY
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. Experience the durability and affordability of a well-installed and well-maintained concrete driveway, which can last for more than 20 years with negligible maintenance expenses. Furthermore, opting for color and stamping on your concrete enables you to craft a driveway that is distinctly yours, adding a touch of personalization and character to your home.
Pros of concrete
- When installed correctly, concrete boasts exceptional longevity, requiring minimal regular maintenance due to its inherent durability.
- Has a long lifespan.
- While concrete driveways are generally low maintenance, it’s important to factor in resealing every 3-5 years to ensure their longevity, based on care and the level of daily use.
- Better in warm climates as it does not soften.
- Can be colored and scored.
CONCRETE PAVING SERVICES
CONCRETE EXTENSIONS & WIDENING
Concrete Driveways & Garage Floors
In the usual process of extending a concrete driveway, it is necessary to remove and properly dispose of 9 inches of soil, followed by the incorporation of 4 inches of CA-6 stone, wire mesh reinforcement, and finally, a 5-inch layer of concrete.
To achieve reliable and long-lasting Concrete Paving in Lake Forest, Illinois, it is essential to design driveways with a minimum specification of 4 inches of CA-6 stone, along with the inclusion of wire or fiber mesh reinforcement, topped by a 5-inch layer of concrete.
The profile of the Concrete Garage Floor closely resembles that of the driveway, offering a consistent and cohesive look. Additionally, decorative concrete coatings can be applied to enhance its aesthetic appeal and infuse it with distinctive character.
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.
The key to achieving superior strength in your Concrete Paving project in Lake Forest, Illinois lies in utilizing a six bag mix of Concrete with a 4,000 PSI rating.
Concrete Walkways
In the majority of regions, walkways are commonly 3 feet wide, except for the front walkway, which tends to have a wider width. The standard installation procedure entails utilizing a 4-inch layer of CA-6 stone as the base, followed by a 4-inch layer of concrete for the walkway.
Building private walkways with a 4-inch base layer of CA-6 stone, along with a 4-inch layer of concrete, is the recommended method to ensure longevity and strength.
Constructing city walkways with a 4-inch base layer of CA-6 stone and a 5-inch layer of concrete is the recommended approach to achieve a durable and resilient structure.
When considering the City Approach, the thickness of this area, which lies between the city walk and the road, can differ depending on the village, often requiring a minimum of 6 inches or more of concrete.
Concrete Stoops and Steps
By extending and widening concrete stoops and steps, you can eliminate potential trip hazards and provide a spacious and secure stepping area. At our Concrete Paving service in Lake Forest, Illinois, we prioritize the use of a 7-inch depth for steps, in strict accordance with industry standards. Our work is conducted meticulously, in compliance with village codes and typical engineer specifications, to ensure the utmost precision and accuracy.
Enhancing the appearance of concrete stoops is easily accomplished by overlaying or “capping” them with pavers or natural stone, resulting in a more luxurious and classy aesthetic. Purposefully highlighting the front entrance is often achieved by utilizing pavers or stone, such as bluestone or flagstones, while the rest of the space is poured with concrete.
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
Our Concrete Paving services in Lake Forest, Illinois are in high demand, particularly for the installation of concrete patios, which remains one of our most popular offerings. Your patio can be transformed into a stunning and cohesive outdoor living area by incorporating patterns, colors, and stamps that seamlessly tie in with the overall style of your property.
While it is possible to increase the size of a small patio by adding new concrete, redoing the entire patio is typically preferred to ensure a uniform and cohesive outcome.
CONCRETE PAVING PROCESS
STEP 1.
DEMO, BASE & FRAME
As our team arrives, they will immediately begin by removing the existing surface of your driveway or patio. Next, they will install a new stone base, expertly grading and compacting it to guarantee optimal performance. The work will be left in a state ready for inspection by the local village or city, ensuring compliance with the applicable requirements.
Whenever feasible, we strive to frame the same day or the following day in order to prepare for pre-pour inspections.
Kindly take note that once the base and frames are prepared for Concrete Paving in Lake Forest, Illinois, it will be necessary to refrain from parking vehicles on the designated area.
STEP 2.
INSPECTIONS
Following the completion of the base preparation for your Concrete Paving project in Lake Forest, Illinois, our team will promptly proceed to arrange any essential base inspections.
Once the inspection has been passed, we will proceed to schedule the installation date for the project pavement. This installation is typically arranged within 1-3 days after the base has been prepared and is considered ready, subject to favorable weather conditions.
Generally, in most villages, it is not necessary for anyone to be present during the inspection process. However, it is important to visibly post the permit on a front window or door, and ensure that the approved plans are easily accessible in case they are needed.
It is worth mentioning that some Villages may not require a base inspection. Should that be the case, we will inform you accordingly and promptly schedule the paving process based on the earliest possible availability.
STEP 3.
CONCRETE INSTALLATION
The skilled concrete installation team will complete the paving process by pouring the fresh cement, providing the choice to incorporate color into the mixture. They will meticulously distribute the cement, achieving a level and uniform surface. If requested, the team will also utilize stamping techniques and a release layer to add texture and enhance the overall appearance.
We recommend obtaining a street parking permit from your local police department to accommodate the construction activities effectively.
Patience and proper care are crucial after concrete installation. It is important to wait for a minimum of 5-7 days before parking vehicles on the concrete surface to avoid any potential damage.
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 LAKE FOREST
THE MOST POPULAR USES FOR RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE
Exposed aggregate concrete
If you desire a decorative surface that is both visually striking and easy to achieve, exposed aggregate concrete is an exceedingly appealing option.
Stripping away the uppermost portion of concrete, whether it’s a driveway or an interior floor, unveils an enchanting exhibition of aggregates, each with its own distinct size, resulting in a captivating and distinctively textured surface.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Applications:
- Garage Floor Coating
- Concrete Steps and Stairs
- Concrete Driveways
- Concrete Patios
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete serves as an excellent alternative that utilizes patterns and colors to replicate the appearance of low-maintenance pavers or natural stone. It is commonly employed for various applications such as patios, sidewalks, and driveways.
When it comes to achieving a sophisticated and upscale look, stamped concrete serves as a highly popular choice, offering a cost-effective alternative to using other more expensive materials.
With its specially applied colors and meticulous stamping techniques, stamped concrete offers a compelling alternative to brick or stone tiles, enabling homeowners to achieve a comparable look at a reduced cost.
Stamping concrete is a complex process that requires the expertise of concrete professionals, as the staining and stamping techniques must be executed before the poured concrete reaches its hardened state. When the concrete reaches its desired plasticity, a carefully applied release layer is utilized to accentuate color contrast and guarantee that the stamping tools glide smoothly without 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.
Although the ideal time to stamp concrete is when it is freshly poured and wet, overlays offer a viable solution by incorporating a layer of 2 inches of fresh concrete. This means that if your current concrete is still in good shape, you can effortlessly transform your existing flat driveway or patio with a stunning stamped design that will rejuvenate 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
