Concrete Driveways

Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway

Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they visit your home. A quality concrete driveway adds curb appeal and provides a durable surface that handles daily use without constant maintenance. Concrete driveways can last 30 years or more when properly installed, making them one of the best long-term investments for your property.

We have been installing concrete driveways in Hemet for property owners who want reliability and value. Unlike asphalt that needs resealing every few years or pavers that shift and settle, concrete gives you a solid, low-maintenance surface. You will spend less time and money on upkeep and more time enjoying your property.

Benefits of Concrete Driveways

• •Durability: Concrete withstands heavy vehicles, weather extremes, and daily wear better than most alternatives
• •Low Maintenance: No annual sealing or regular repairs needed like asphalt driveways require
• •Cost-Effective: Higher initial cost than asphalt but lower lifetime expense due to longevity
• •Property Value: A well-maintained concrete driveway increases your home's resale value
• •Design Options: Available in various finishes including broom, smooth, exposed aggregate, or stamped

Our Driveway Installation Process

Installing a driveway correctly requires proper planning and execution. We do not cut corners or rush through projects. Our process ensures your driveway will perform well for decades without premature cracking, settling, or drainage issues.

Step 1: Site Preparation and Base Work

We start by removing your existing driveway if needed and excavating to the proper depth. The base is the foundation of a good driveway. We grade the area to ensure proper drainage away from your home and garage. Then we compact a layer of crushed aggregate base material to create a stable, level surface. This step prevents future settling and cracking.

Step 2: Forming and Reinforcement

We install forms along the edges of your driveway to contain the concrete and create clean, straight lines. For added strength, we place steel rebar or wire mesh reinforcement throughout the slab. This helps distribute weight and minimizes cracking as the concrete cures and experiences temperature changes.

Step 3: Pouring and Finishing

We pour high-quality concrete mixed to the right specifications for driveway use. Our team levels and smooths the surface, then applies your chosen finish. We cut control joints at proper intervals to direct any minor cracking to inconspicuous locations. The concrete needs time to cure properly, so we will let you know when you can start using your new driveway.

What Makes a Quality Driveway

Not all concrete driveways are created equal. The difference between a driveway that lasts 30 years and one that starts failing after 5 years comes down to proper installation. Here is what matters most.

Thickness is critical for driveways. We pour residential driveways at least 4 inches thick, and 6 inches for areas with heavy vehicles or RVs. The concrete mix needs the right ratio of cement, aggregate, and water. Too much water weakens the concrete, while too little makes it difficult to work with. We use the correct mix design every time.

Proper drainage keeps water from pooling on your driveway or flowing toward your foundation. We slope the surface appropriately and consider where water will go when it rains. The base must be compacted thoroughly to prevent settling. Skipping this step or doing it poorly leads to cracked, sunken concrete within a few years.

Control joints are planned cracks that let concrete expand and contract naturally. We space them correctly and cut them deep enough to be effective. This simple step prevents random cracking and keeps your driveway looking good. We also know when to use expansion joints where the driveway meets other structures.

The finishing process affects both appearance and durability. We work the surface properly to avoid weak spots, then apply your chosen texture. A broom finish provides traction and hides minor imperfections. Smooth finishes look elegant but can be slippery when wet. We will help you choose the right finish for your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions