- 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!
Boncath
Boncath is a village, community and postal district in north Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated about 5 miles (8 km) to the west of Newcastle Emlyn. The village is positioned at a crossroad joining the neighbouring settlements of Newchapel (Capelnewydd), Eglwyswrw, Blaenffos and Bwlchygroes. Previously a hamlet around an inn, the village developed after the introduction of the railway in 1885. Boncath railway station, opened its doors in September 1886, was a two-platform stop on the line in between Crymmych Arms and Kilgerran Halt on the Whitland and Cardigan Railway, called 'Cardi Bach'. The line was shut on account of the 1963 Beeching Axe and the station building became a private house. The village once included three tailors, a cobbler and also a dressmaker, and in 2000 a brand new Community Hall was built. Cilwendeg House, described as one of the most significant mansions in Pembrokeshire, dates from the late eighteenth century and was constructed on the site of a former property dating back to the 1600s. One of many features of the property is the Grade 2 listed Shell House, constructed in the late 1820s. The 21 bedroom mansion was a care home between 1952 and 2010. Today, the village has a permanent population of around 736 people. The town is served by a frequent bus service. The Boncath Inn is located in the centre of the village as well as a village shop and Post Office, as well as many small companies. The Welsh Independent Chapel at Fachendre (Fach-hendre), formed in 1879, can be located towards the south east of the village and is a listed building. The Community Hall, a registered charity, provides a building that can be used for events in the local area. Cilwendeg hosted the 2013 Urdd Eisteddfod. For all your house improvement work, make certain that you pick trusted experts in Boncath to make sure that you get a great quality service.
