Concrete Driveway Errors

Improper Soil Preparation

• One of the most common errors during concrete driveway installation is failing to prepare the area properly. Before you even think about pouring the concrete, you must make sure that the location for the driveway is dug out and the soil is firmly packed and compacted. You must check to make sure the soil's consistency is correct as well. It should not be too dry, since the concrete may dry too quickly. However, if the soil is too wet, the concrete may not set at all.

Improper Drainage

• Failing to provide proper drainage for your concrete driveway during installation may lead to puddles and standing water on its surface that can weaken and damage the concrete. The area should angle away from your home and garage and decline toward the street instead, with a slope of at least 1/8 inch per foot. If you cannot create a sufficient slope because of surrounding structures, install a drain that can get rid of excess water.

Incorrectly Placed Joints

• Setting control joints in place before pouring your concrete prevents cracks once the concrete sets. However, if you do not install the joints at the correct spots in your driveway, it may crack anyway. While cracks in your concrete driveway do not usually affect the structural integrity of the surface, they can ruin its appearance. For a 4-inch-thick driveway, place control joints no more than 10 feet apart. You should also refrain from creating rectangular or triangular joint patterns because they are more likely to crack. Be sure to place the control joints deep enough in the slab as well. They should be set at a depth that measures one-quarter of the concrete's overall thickness.

Improper Curing

• Your concrete driveway must be properly cured in order for a hard, durable surface to form. However, this is a step that is often overlooked in concrete driveway installation. To ensure the strength of your driveway, choose one of the most common curing methods: continual watering of the concrete, covering the surface with a wet curing blanket or plastic sheet or application of a liquid membrane compound. If you are using some type of decorative treatment for your driveway, such as acid staining or integral color, there may be a specific method that works best. Consult your concrete installer to determine which method to use.