- 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!
Helmsdale
Helmsdale is a village on the east coast of Sutherland, in the Highland council region of Scotland. The village is on the A9 road, at a junction with the A897, and has a train station on the Far North Line. Buses run approximately every 2 hours Mondays-Saturdays and occasionally on Sundays from Helmsdale to Brora, Golspie, Dornoch, Tain and Inverness in the south and Berriedale, Dunbeath, Halkirk, Thurso and Scrabster in the north. West Helmsdale lies on the river from the main village above the railway station. Old Helmsdale is directly to the north while East Helmsdale is a settlement under a mile to the east. Helmsdale is a fishing port at the estuary of the River Helmsdale, and was once the home of some of the most extensive herring fleets in Europe. The river itself is popular for its fishing. Helmsdale Castle, the remains of which were knocked down in the 1970s in order to build the new A9 road bridge, was the site of the murder of the 11th Earl of Sutherland in 1567. The Earl and his Countess Marie Seton were poisoned by Isobel Sinclair. The modern village was set out in 1814 to resettle groups that had been removed from the surrounding straths as part of the Highland Clearances. Facilities in Helmsdale include things like an independent hostel, a heritage centre, an art gallery, and an inn. Helmsdale is legendary for its Highland Games which are held on the third Saturday in August yearly. Best known is the evening Marquee Dance when the village population of 700 more than doubles thanks to visitors being at the dance. Helmsdale is also the home of Bunillidh Thistle F.C. and Helmsdale United. For all of your home renovations, make sure to identify reputable contractors in Helmsdale to make certain of quality.
