- Prepare the sub-base The driveway company will excavate, or dig, the existing surface down to a depth of around 200mm. They will remove any debris from the area may place it in a skip or arrange for it to be removed in another way. When they dig down to the sub-base of your previous driveway, they will assess how much hardcore they need and arrange for that to be delivered to the site. They will then spread the hardcore across the sub-base to create a level surface to pour the concrete on. Most good contractors will apply a gel to any walls and doors to protect them from concrete splashes. They will also add any gulley tops, manhole covers or shuttering that’s required.
- Installation and imprinting Next, the tradespeople will have the concrete either poured from a large mixer vehicle or barrow it in from a mixer and pour onto the surface. They level it with rakes, then add a colour surface hardener in a colour of your choice. This will give the driveway its permanent colour. They will then wait until the concrete has hardened to the correct consistency for imprinting the pattern, then will use special tools and stencils to make the pattern that you asked for. They will then spread a colour powder called a release agent over the surface, and leave to dry for 1 to 2 days depending on the weather conditions.
- Cleaning When the contractors return, they will add crack control cuts into the concrete. This is important because concrete expands and contracts in the heat, so there needs to be some give to stop any larger cracks from forming. Then everything is power washed clean, and a chemical wash is also used on the concrete to ensure it’s completely dust-free. The installers will ensure all your walls and doors are clean, which will hopefully be an easy job if they used wall gel.
- Sealing The final step is to seal the driveway. There needs to have been at least two dry days before the tradespeople can do it, so you might find it’s best to have your pattern imprinted driveway installed in the summer. The contractors will blow any debris away from the surface and dry any damp areas where necessary. They will then add an anti-slip agent to the sealant and brush it on. It’s best to not walk or drive onto your new concrete driveway for about 4 days after sealing to allow everything to set. But after that, you’re ready to use your new driveway!
Armagh
Armagh is the county town of County Armagh within Northern Ireland. It is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland-- the seat of the Archbishops of Armagh, the Primates of All Ireland for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland. In the early period, the town and its nearby Navan Fort, Eamhain Mhacha, was one of the famous royal capitals of pagan Gaelic Ireland. Irrespective of being classified as a medium-sized town, Armagh was bestowed city status in 1994 and Lord Mayoralty status in 2012, both by Queen Elizabeth II. As per the permanent resident population of 14,749 individuals assessed during the 2011 Census, it is the city with the lowest population in Northern Ireland as well as the fourth smallest in the UK. Armagh has for a long time been a centre of education, and is frequently regarded as 'the city of saints and scholars'. The academic heritage proceeded on through the centuries, with the creation of the Royal School in 1608 and the Armagh Observatory in 1790 as vivid signs of this well established track record. To fight the issue of a diminishing city centre and to deal with the concerns of local individuals, Armagh City and District Council decided to improve the exteriors and general visual appeal of the primary shopping areas. It will reinvigorate the centre of Armagh, transforming it into a top quality pedestrianised environment. In addition to brand new street layouts, the look of the city centre is planned to be improved by updated lighting, paving, seating, bins and greenery. For all of your home upgrades, ensure to employ trustworthy specialists in Armagh to make certain of a high quality service.