- 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!
Cowes
Cowes is an English seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight. Cowes is situated on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. The two towns are connected by the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain ferry. It is one of a couple of remaining chain ferries not replaced by a physical bridge. Leland's 19th century verses detailed the towns poetically as 'The two great Cowes that in loud thunder roar, This on the eastern, that the western shore'. Cowes has actually been considereded as a home for intercontinental sailboat racing since the founding of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1815. The town gives its name to the world's earliest routine regatta, Cowes Week, which occurs every year in the very first week of August. Later in the summer, powerboat races are held. The population was 9663 in the 2001 census, a figure that doubles during the regatta in early August. More recently, the population at the 2011 Census was 10405. Much of the town's architecture is still greatly influenced by the design of ornate building which Prince Albert popularised. Industry in both Cowes and East Cowes has typically centred on the building and design of marine craft and components connected with boat-making, including the early flying boats, and sail-making. Cowes is an entry town for the Isle of Wight. Tourists to Southampton are served by a high speed catamaran passenger ferryboat from Cowes called the Red Jet. It is the area where the very first hovercraft was tried out. For all of your home renovations, make sure to identify credible specialists in Cowes to make sure of quality.
