Concrete is a popular option for paving driveways, patios, and other areas of a residential property. Due to the pavement being a long-term addition to the property and the difficult labor involved with pouring concrete pavement, there are residential concrete work contractors that offer valuable assistance to property owners.
Removing Damaged Or Worn Pavement From The Area
When concrete or asphalt surfaces reach the end of their lifespans or suffer significant damage, replacing them can be a project that will restore the property's appearance as well as its functionality. The first step in this type of replacement work will be to remove the previous layer of pavement. This may require special tools and equipment that break up the pavement to remove it so a new layer of pavement can be applied. In some cases, resurfacing the concrete may be an option as it will allow the damaged top layer to be removed and replaced while leaving the foundation of the pavement intact.
Improving The Runoff Management For The Area To Be Paved
Poor runoff management can be a major source of damage to concrete pavement. Moisture seeping into the pavement or being exposed to it for long periods of time can lead to the concrete becoming brittle. Eventually, the pavement can have deep cracks form in it or it may even start to crumble as a result of this deterioration. The use of trench drain systems, gutters, and even water pumps can help to move water away from the pavement before it will have a chance to contribute to these damages. Ideally, this should be done prior to pouring the concrete as it will be far more costly to make these changes once the concrete slab has been poured.
Sealing The Concrete When It Has Finished Curing
Once the curing process for new concrete has finished, sealing it can be an effective preventative maintenance step that can minimize the wear that it will experience. It may take several weeks or even months for the concrete to finish curing enough to allow a sealant to be applied, the surface of it will need to be thoroughly cleaned with a pressure washing system before the sealant is applied. Furthermore, the pavement should not be used for a day or two after the sealant is applied to avoid disturbing it while it is drying.
For more information, contact a residential concrete construction company.