- 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!
Achnasheen
Achnasheen is a small village found in Ross-shire in the Highland council area of Scotland. The village is situated on the River Bran at the junction of two roads built by Thomas Telford. In line with the 2011 Census, the village features a permanent population of about 10000. Despite the size of the village, Achnasheen is also the name of a postal district which covers several muchbigger communities. This includes Kinlochewe, Poolewe and Laide. Achnasheen being the name of a postal district appears to have originated from the time when the village railway station, which was constructed in 1870, was an important stop on the Kyle of Lochalsh Line, serving a large area of Wester Ross. The railway continues to operate, but this mostly concerns the transportation of mail and freight. Most residents of the village, together with the village's visitors, travel by road. Facilities within the village are restricted. Nevertheless, there is a modest number of facilities for residents and guests. This includes the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel, which is a mile west of the village. This is the village's only hotel after the Achnasheen Hotel, which was located by the railway station, burnt down in the early 1990s and has never undergone plans nor attempts to be rebuilt. For all your home upgrades, be certain that you employ trustworthy pros in Achnasheen to make sure you get the very best quality.