THE PROCESS

STEP 1 – PREPARATION     The installation area is excavated either manually or by machinery dependent on the condition of the existing driveway, pathway or patio. Preparation usually takes between 1 and 2 days. This may alter on larger installations or those that require more groundwork to be undertaken (e.g. removal of trees, bushes, shrubs or the removal of an existing wall). Once excavation of the area is complete, any manholes, gullies and drainage are installed. Then the area is covered with MOT grade 1. The area is then levelled out and compacted with a plate compactor. The shuttering is then positioned and fixed to the desired shape. All levels and falls are checked at this point.

STEP 2 - THE POUR     Pouring needs dry weather conditions. The driveway, pathway or patio will be constructed with approximately 100mm thick concrete which is air entrained and has Fibremesh reinforcement added at the concrete batching plant. The concrete will arrive in a ready-mix concrete lorry. This is when all the action takes place. The concrete is poured, levelled and trowelled out using a trowel and bull float prior to adding the colour and release of your choice. The concrete is either poured with the aid of the concrete mixer or manually poured dependent on access available. The whole area is then printed with the design of your choice. On completion of the printing and prior to leaving the area will be closed off using hazard-warning tape. Where release powder has been used the area is brushed off. The area is then cleaned with a power wash which will expose the pattern imprinted concrete. The area in the meantime is dusty and care must be taken when walking on it.

STEP 3 – APPLYING SEALANT   Before sealing the area is cleaned with the a soft brush, a blower and in some cases a pressure wash. This ensures that any dirt or other debris is removed from area. Pattern and aligned expansion joints are then cut using a diamond blade. The cuts are made where necessary to minimise the chance of cracking. Cuts are aligned with the pattern to help disguise them.

The final stage prior to sealing requires that silicone is placed in the expansion joints, manhole covers are freed and any remedial matters are dealt with. The area has to be thoroughly dry before the sealant can be applied. Sealing can then proceed, adding that final touch to your driveway, pathways or patio. Subject to weather conditions the installation should take between 30 – 60 minutes to dry.

It is advisable not to drive on the area sealed for at least 24/48 hours

NB Weather conditions do have a strong bearing on the whole job. Bad weather may disrupt the expected schedule.