Laying a concrete driveway can be one of the most rewarding projects to improve your property. If you’re planning to lay a concrete drive, of course you have many questions including what concrete to use for best results.
Concrete is durable. It could last for thirty years and requires little maintenance. Gone are the days of a stark, cream-coloured drive. Now you can colour concrete, add texture and polish your posh new drive to the envy of the neighbours.
This article answers most of the questions our team gets asked. We hope to be your ready mix concrete supplier and guide for installing your concrete driveway.
#1: What Concrete Do I Need for Laying A Driveway?
It might surprise you that there are multiple types and strengths of concrete, so it’s super important you choose the right one for laying a concrete driveway.
Although the essential ingredients are the same – cement, aggregate and water – different mixes have additional materials that influence how the concrete works for a specific application, such as the following: –
- Fibres – adds strength
- Plasticisers – improve flow and workability
- Retarding Agents – to reduce the setting rate
- Corrosion Inhibitors – reduce corrosion of steel rebars
- Accelerating Chemicals – speeds up the setting process
Adding these materials to the concrete creates a perfect mix for your driveway.
#2: Do I Need Planning Permission To Concrete My Drive?
Using permeable concrete to lay your drive, you don’t need planning permission. Water soaks through permeable concrete, so there’s no runoff, which could be problematic in wet areas.
However, you will need planning permission if you don’t use permeable concrete. The reasons are: –
- The risk of flooding
- The danger of affecting nearby electrical equipment
When speaking with ready mix concrete suppliers, seek confirmation that the concrete you purchase is permeable and suitable for laying a concrete driveway.
#3: How Much Concrete Will I Need?
Measure your driveway and contact the Flowmix team to discuss how much concrete you need for the project. Alternatively, use the concrete calculator at the top of the page.
As your ready mix supplier, we ensure you have the optimum concrete amount for laying your driveway. That way, you don’t risk overpaying for unused concrete.
#4: Can I Add A Dropped Kerb?
This question is tricky because local councils can be awkward about approving a request to add a dropped curve. That said, if you’re laying a concrete driveway, the last thing you want is your much-loved vehicle bouncing off the curb.
If your driveway doesn’t have a dropped curve, you will need planning permission. Our advice would be to submit your application early. Local councils don’t tend to rush these requests.
#5: How Long Do I Wait Before Walking on the Concrete?
Concrete gets stronger over time, but the initial curing period is crucial to ensure a driveway that withstands years of daily use. The suggested minimum time for curing the concrete is 24-48 hours.
The longer you can give the concrete to cure, the better. Ideally, wait around 28 days before you start parking cars on the driveway.
Read: Top 9 Factors Affecting Concrete Strength
#6: What Happens to the Concrete if it’s a Hot Day?
Understandably, the best time to lay a concrete driveway is during the dry season, which may mean hot weather.
It’s best not to lay concrete above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It increases the risks of premature drying and cracking. It’s best to liaise with your ready mix concrete supplier to choose optimum conditions for your delivery.
Read How to Pour Concrete in Hot Weather: The Top 6 Tips for best practices.
#7: Do I need to Organise a Timed Concrete Delivery?
Yes, a timed concrete delivery is vital for the success of your driveway project. Flowmix ready mix concrete suppliers guarantee time slots to suit your needs.
We use cloud software, meaning we know the exact movements of our concrete delivery trucks. If something goes wrong, we can immediately adapt to ensure we deliver your concrete on time.
#8: How Do I Find A Ready Mix Concrete Supplier I Can Trust?
Flowmix has established a reputation for caring for our customers and exceeding expectations. We understand the importance of your concrete project.
We value your business and will do as much as possible to make laying your concrete driveway stress-free.
From your first phone call to the concrete delivery, you will know you’re in good hands with people who care. Contact our friendly, experienced team to discuss your concrete project.
Conclusion
Laying a concrete driveway needn’t be stressful. You are good to go once you know what to do, what concrete to choose and organise a timed delivery with your local ready mix concrete supplier.
Flowmix covers the surrounding areas of Tewkesbury and Aldridge. Call our friendly and experienced team for the best advice on laying a concrete driveway.
How Flowmix Can Help With Your Project
Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide ready-mix concrete, mix on-site and liquid screed.
In addition, you can hire a 200′ concrete line pump to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up. Moreover, we also provide interlocking concrete blocks for temporary or permanent barriers.
Flowmix has the BSA-approved Ready Mix Concrete Kitemark KM683844, a certification that “confirms a product or service’s claim has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts” (source BSI).
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731