Having new concrete installed is always a major task, whether it’s a new driveway or a large-scale parking lot. Not only is the project a major one, but the investment is as well. That’s why it’s important for you to understand the steps involved before the project is started. It will help you know if your contractor is skipping an important step in the process and, if so, it will remind you to ask why. The prep work involved in preparing to pour concrete takes time, but it’s a vital part of the process. If these steps aren’t followed, it can result in a lower quality end product. Here are the pre-installation steps necessary for concrete installation.
- Marking out the project – The first step in the installation process is marking out the project, which involves literally marking the area on the ground where the concrete will be poured.
- Removing existing pavement – If necessary, the contractor will remove any existing asphalt or concrete pavement from the site.
- Building the base – For most concrete installation jobs, some amount of excavating will be necessary. This involves removing dirt and replacing it with a base material. The amount of earth excavated varies, but it’s usually between 8 and 10 inches, after which 6 to 8 inches of a base material is placed.
- Adding forms – The next step involves the contractor adding forms around the edges of where the concrete will be poured.
- Adding a grid – The final task involved in preparing for concrete installation is the addition of a reinforced steel grid, which will provide additional strength and durability to the concrete surface.
Once these steps are complete, the paving contractor will be ready to pour your new concrete. Although the specific steps may vary somewhat from one contractor to the next, most paving specialists will follow this sequence to prepare for concrete installation. If your contractor does not follow these steps, or skips one, don’t hesitate to ask why. Any reputable paving contractor will be more than happy to answer your questions and further explain their process for preparing to pour new pavement.
Better yet, ask your paving contractor before you accept their bid what pre-installation steps they normally follow before beginning to pour. If their list varies significantly from this one, ask them why. They may very well have a good answer. But if they don’t, you may want to consider finding a new contractor that follows a more comprehensive pre-installation routine.