So, Why Concrete?
With so many additives and structural elements, concrete is build for the long-term. A concrete driveway could last 50+ years. Add rebar, wire mesh, fiber, or increase the thickness to increase the durability. Like they say: houses are built on concrete, not asphalt.
With concrete, we can add custom stamped patterns, borders, color, curbs, lights, and more to make your normal driveway look much more luxurious. For more flair, try custom control join patterns too! That is something that asphalt just cannot do.
You may look at the cost of an asphalt driveway and think: This isn't accurate. While concrete is most expensive initially, there is less maintenance and, when done correctly, it can last over 50 years. Asphalt, in most cases, lasts around 20 years.
As we already alluded to, concrete is strong. We typically pour 4" concrete driveways at 3,500 PSI. But, to accommodate heavy objects or heavy use, consider increasing the thickness of the slab or increasing the PSI to around 5,000.
Specifications
The width of a driveway can vary from property to property. However, Greenville County, SC notes that typical driveways are 12′ across. By code, driveways can be as wide as 24′ and as narrow as 10′.
A driveway radius is the measure of the curve where the driveway meets the road. Due to turning radius’ of vehicles, it would be difficult to turn out of a driveway that has no radius. We use a 10′ radius.
If your driveway sits on a County Road (not within a neighborhood with curbs), we are required by code to install reinforced concrete or corrugated metal drainage pipes. It will extend 6′ past each side of the driveway.
Within the City of Greenville, permits are NOT required for a driveway or sidewalk. However, Greenville County does note that you must inform them of your plans prior to beginning.
Rebar is typically used for industrial or commercial applications and requires a rebar chair to be elevated. Wire Mesh is cheaper, but just as durable and strong for residential driveways.
We get this question all the time: How thick should a concrete driveway be? Well, it depends. Most driveways are poured at 4″ and settle to about 3.75″. If you have heavy equipment on it, 6″ is best.
Control Joints are a concrete contractor’s way of controlling where the concrete cracks. It’s inevitable: it will crack. We use control joins to specify where the crack should form. If it cracks within the joint, you never see it.
Unless we are using a stamped concrete pattern, we recommend going with a traditional broom finish. The texture provides grip and keeps the surface from being slippery.
What to expect.
The decision has been made, you are going to have Zeus Concrete come give you a quote on your new concrete driveway. So, what should you expect?
First, we will schedule an appointment to come view your property and to hear your vision. Don’t have a vision? Let us make some suggestions and help guide you. While we are at your property, we will take notes and measurements.
You like our price and decide to move forward with the project. We require a 50% deposit up front that will help cover some of the material cost. The final 50% is due at the completion of the project.
We will schedule a day to complete the project (or a week on larger projects) and our crew will make necessary arrangements with the concrete plant to supply and deliver the materials.
On the day of install, the crew will arrive around 8:30 or 9 to begin prepping the area. They will remove any existing concrete, asphalt, or grass and haul it away.
Then, they will set up the form work and conduct some light grading. When the concrete arrives, it will be all hands on deck to pour and finish the concrete. If you are doing a stamped concrete driveway then there will be additional steps to finish the project.
After the job is complete, we will advise you on how long you should stay off of the concrete driveway, both for foot traffic and vehicle traffic.
With some pours we recommend watering the surface to help with the curing process, but we will advise based on the scope of your project.
As with anything, this is a very general guideline of what to expect. Your project may warrant alterations to some of the expectations, but we are happy to cross that bridge when we come to it.
Zeus Concrete will grade, form, pour, and finish your concrete driveway. However, there are a few services that we do not offer at the moment:
- Application of concrete sealer for driveway, unless we have provided you with a stamped driveway.
- Concrete driveway resurfacing
- Asphalt paving
- Concrete driveway pressure washing
There are certainly some items to take into consideration with a concrete driveway. First would be the cost of a concrete driveway. We do not shy away from the fact that it will cost more than an asphalt driveway. But, the quality of the product will prove beneficial to your pockets in the long term. No more surface refinishing every 10 years, no more filling potholes, and no more crumbling edges.
Second, let’s be mindful of the landscape around your residence. If you have large, mature trees close to the driveway, we would suggest adding additional rebar and support in those areas to prevent uplift over time.
Finally, a concrete driveway will crack over time, no matter how well done it is. The saying in the industry goes: the only guarantee I make is that the concrete will crack. While we do guarantee our craftsmanship, it is true that moisture in the ground, changing temperature, roots, and many other environmental factors can increase the rate of deterioration for a driveway. Keep in mind, though, that a concrete driveway is still far more durable than asphalt.