A strong concrete driveway starts long before the concrete is poured. The preparation underneath the concrete plays a major role in how well the finished surface performs over time. At Waccamaw Concrete, we take the time to properly prepare the area before beginning a concrete driveway installation.
Whether we are replacing an existing driveway, installing a new patio, or building another concrete surface, we start from the ground up. For homeowners in Myrtle Beach, proper preparation is an important part of getting a concrete surface that is built to last.
Preparing the Area
If there is existing concrete in the area, we begin by removing it. This gives us a clean space to work with and allows us to properly prepare the ground underneath.
Removing the old concrete also gives us the opportunity to address problems that may have contributed to damage or settling in the first place.Once the existing concrete is removed, we prepare the area for the new concrete. This includes removing roots, debris, and other materials that could interfere with the installation.
Roots can create problems if they are left beneath a new concrete surface. Removing them during the preparation process helps create a cleaner and more stable area for the new concrete.
Creating a Level Base
Proper grading and leveling are important parts of concrete installation. We use fill dirt to bring the area to the proper level and create a solid base for the concrete.
Our fill dirt is filtered to remove unwanted debris, helping us create a clean and level base for the concrete.
A properly prepared base can help provide better support for the finished concrete surface. This is especially important for concrete driveways and other projects throughout Myrtle Beach that experience regular use.
Compacting the Base
After the area has been leveled, we tamp the fill dirt down to create a firm, compact base.
This step is important because loose or poorly compacted material can settle after the concrete is installed. Proper compaction helps create a more stable foundation beneath the concrete.
Taking the time to compact the base is an important part of our concrete driveway installation process.
Adding Reinforcement
Depending on the size of the project and how the concrete will be used, we may add wire mesh reinforcement within the slab. This is especially important for surfaces that will experience heavier loads, such as driveways.
Our concrete also contains fiber reinforcement mixed directly into the concrete. This provides another layer of reinforcement throughout the concrete itself.
Using the appropriate reinforcement helps us build concrete surfaces designed to handle everyday use, whether we are installing a driveway, patio, or another concrete surface.
Pouring the Concrete
Once the area has been properly prepared, leveled, compacted, and reinforced, we are ready to pour the concrete.
From there, we carefully place and finish the concrete to create the new surface. Every step leading up to the pour matters because the finished concrete can only be as strong and stable as the preparation beneath it.
Ready to Start Your Project?
If you’re considering a new concrete driveway, driveway replacement, patio, walkway, or another concrete project in Myrtle Beach or the surrounding area, contact Waccamaw Concrete today.
Call us at 843-267-6243 to discuss your project and get started!
We take pride in doing the job right from the ground up, so you can enjoy a concrete surface built to last.