A concrete driveway is an attractive option that can increase the value of your home. It is also durable and requires little maintenance over the long term. It is less expensive than an asphalt driveway and is eco-friendly because it uses natural materials. The concrete is mixed, poured, and cured on-site, which limits the amount of offsite energy used in production.
When planning your project, consult a concrete driveway Colorado Springs professional for assistance. They can help you calculate the volume of concrete you'll need based on the dimensions and depth of your driveway. Then you can figure out the cost of materials by multiplying the square footage by the price per cubic yard. Don't forget to include other costs like gravel for the base, fabric underlayment, labor, delivery charges, sleeving materials, and rebar or mesh wire.
Most residential concrete driveways are 4″ thick 3,000 to 4,000 psi slabs on a 4″ to 8″ prepared and compacted gravel base. Increasing the thickness to 5″ increases the compressive and tensile strength of the slab, but it will significantly increase the cost as well.
Before you pour the concrete, lay down a roadbase to stabilize the soil. This is a nonspecific compound of gravel and crushed rock that is compacted by rammers or vibratory plate compactors to form a stable foundation under the concrete. You can add rebar or heavy-duty mesh to increase the strength of the concrete and help it stand up to vehicle traffic.
