- 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!
Ardrossan
Ardrossan is a town on the North Ayrshire coast in south-western Scotland. Based on the 2001 Census, the town has a permanent population of approx 10952. In recent years, Ardrossan has become an affluent commuter town. The town is served by efficient and regular rail, bus, road and ferry links. Since 2006, Ardrossan has been part of a regeneration area, overseen by the Irvine Bay Regeneration Company. Its vision for Ardrossan is as a gateway to Arran and as a good spot to live and unwind close to the sea inside a regenerated town centre serving the current and incoming community. It has begun to be achieved through renovations of the town centre, which contains a derelict office in Princes Street which has been altered into two modern shops. The former Jack Miller's Hotel building at 78 Princes Street was refurbished during the autumn of 2010, and has been home to several companies. This includes an art gallery and artists' studio space called Phoenix, in addition to a graphic design studio. The old pumphouse has been changed into an Italian restaurant. Ardrossan is also home to some notable buildings, for instance Barony St. John's Church and St. Peter-in-Chains Roman Catholic Church. St Peter's is a more modern building in an all-brick, Swedish style, dating from the middle of the 19th century. Both buildings are situated on the South Crescent, which overlooks South Beach and Irvine Bay. The crescent is lined by big villas dating from the 19th century, many of which have been converted into several residences. For all your residence upgrades, be certain that you employ trusted pros in Ardrossan to ensure you get the most effective quality.
