- 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!
Largs
Largs is a town on the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire in Scotland. It lies about 33 miles (53 kilometres) from Glasgow. The original name means "the slopes" (An Leargaidh) in Scottish Gaelic. The town markets itself on its historic links with the Vikings and an annual event is held in early September. In accordance with the 2011 Census, the town has a permanent population of around 11241. Largs progressed from the estates of North Cunninghame over which the Montgomeries of Skelmorlie became temporal lords in the 17th century. Sir Robert Montgomerie constructed Skelmorlie Aisle in the ancient kirk of Largs in 1636 as a family mausoleum. Today, the monolith is all that stays of the old kirk. From its beginnings as a modest village around its kirk, Largs developed into a busy and popular seaside resort in the 19th century. Sizeable hotels were constructed and the pier was finished in 1834. It was not up until 1895, however, that the train made the link to Largs, which consolidated the town's popularity. It also transformed into a stylish region to live, and multiple excellent estates were built. The most significant of which includes 'Netherhall', the residence of William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, the physicist and engineer. In spite of its lowered status as a holiday resort, much of Largs is still focused towards tourism. There is the award winning Vikingar Centre at Barrfields, an interactive glimpse into the history of Viking life; Kelburn Country Centre, Barrfields Pavilion Theatre, Largs Swimming Swimming Pool, Douglas Park and Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre. It is best known for 'Nardinis', the distinguished ice cream parlour, cafe and eatery, that dominates the Esplanade and which reopened in late 2008. For all your home refurbishments, be sure to identify respected experts in Largs to make certain of quality.
