- 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!
Falmouth
Falmouth is a town, civil parish and port on the south coast of Cornwall. It is positioned on the River Fal, which reaches the English Channel. Its population, at present totalling 26767, is one that has actually grown drastically over the last century and a half after the Cornwall Railway reached Falmouth in August 1863. The prosperity brought to the town by the ease of mobility of people and items to and from the town meant that it grew into an attractive place in which to settle. The town currently has three railway stations, each of which have a frequent train service. The student population is gradually on the rise since the establishment of the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus, which predominantly specialises in courses on the environment and sustainability. Although Falmouth's maritime activity has actually declined drastically from its peak in the late 19th century, the docks continue to be a substantial contributor to the town's economy. Not only is it the largest port in Cornwall, Falmouth continues to be a cargo port, which means that the bunkering of vessels and the transfer of cargoes keep consistent activity in the port's facilities. The port is also popular with cruise ships. The conversion of Falmouth's eye-catching Georgian town houses into visitor houses and small hotels, with several offering a sea view, has actually meant that Falmouth has come to be a popular holiday destination, and is mostly a tourist resort. Alongside the town centre is Kimberley Park, land which goes back earlier than 1877, which displays a lovely variety of exotic and ornate plants and trees. The town centre offers a selection of independent and commercial chain restaurants, clubs, cafés and shops. For all your home upgrades, make certain to make use of respected contractors in Falmouth to make certain of quality.
