If you are considering giving your driveway a bit of a makeover, whether to make it more functional than it currently is, or to just make it more appealing, there are a few things you need to know about the process. Repaving a driveway takes dedication, craft, and good working relationships with plant hire companies that can furnish you with the correct equipment and machinery to make the whole project work satisfactorily within your budget and timeframe.
1. Plan your project well
The first step with any type of project like this is to undertake the planning with care and an eye for detail. Good planning prevents so many problems from presenting and limits any potential obstacles and challenges. In the planning stage you need to determine the size of your driveway, and from this work out the quantity of materials that will be needed, and the type of materials. Alongside the materials, you also need to ensure you have the right equipment and machinery too, this can be found through plant hire services, where you’ll also acquire the expertise and advice from specialists at the company. The design stage is where you need to create a gradient on the driveway for good drainage when it rains.
2. Remove the existing driveway
Once you have a detailed plan in place and know how many materials will be arriving and when, the next step is to dig-up the existing driveway and remove it safely and securely. You can use a hydraulic breaker to perform this task, a powerful tool that is used to break up concrete and other hard surfaces. This can also be achieved with a concrete breaker attachment on a digger (an excellent choice if you hire a digger).
3. Excavate the plot and compact the base
Once the old driveway has been removed you can then begin to prepare the surface for the new driveway by excavating the area. Use a mini excavator to dig up the ground and to level the surface ready for the new driveway. Mark the area accurately and remember the drainage gradient you have worked on. A compactor can then be used to compact the base layer and ensure it is stable and limits cracking in the future.
4. Remove materials and waste
Broken concrete, soil, and stone will pile up as you remove the old driveway and excavate the plot of land for the next stage. Hire a dumper to help you safely and effectively lift this waste from the site and transport it to a nearby skip. This is very useful if you have a skip, but it is not directly next to the plot you are working on.
5. Install the paving
Once the base layer is securely in place, concrete, asphalt or paving stones can be used to pave the driveway evenly and level, leaving room for expansion joints that prevent cracking. Once in place, use a compactor to ensure the driveway is stable and durable, compressing and flattening the surface evenly and thoroughly.
As you can see, if you follow the simple steps, have access to contractors to perform key processes and tasks, and have solid relationships with a plant lease company that you trust, you can begin a project to repave your driveway with confidence. There are a few things that need to be done and done well in order for a driveway repaving project to be completed to the standards that you expect. With the right support, and the correct machinery and equipment to hand, you can achieve this.
