When it comes to concrete driveways or pavement surfaces, @BradleyAsphalt has been taking care of clients in Denver and the surrounding cities since the 1980’s. We have a solid technical team that has been working with our company for many years and have all had extensive training. Whether it’s a new asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway you are needing, we can give you the best advice for your specific needs and to suit your home or business.
07 July, 2021
Our Concrete Services Include:
- Concrete Slabs
- Concrete Curb & Gutter
- Concrete Sidewalks
- Concrete Driveways
- Concrete Patios
- Concrete Walkways
- Concrete Dumpster Pads
Concrete driveways have always been a great choice for various reasons – their strength and durability being one of the reasons. The concrete surface doesn’t need as much maintenance as asphalt but is more costly than asphalt.
What is Concrete – Concrete is sometimes mistakenly known as cement, but in reality, the term cement refers to just one material that makes up concrete. Concrete is a composite material made up of various sizes of stone aggregate that are held together with a mixture of water and lime-based binder—usually called Portland cement. Cement is just a pulverized powder made from a mixture of limestone and clay. The size of the aggregate stones in the concrete mixture can vary, depending on the intended use of the concrete. The finer the crushed stones are the smoother the finish but for drainage on driveways, a mix of stones and finer crush is usually used.
Installation – The installation of a concrete surface is a very precise skill and should always be done by a professionally trained team for long lasting results. The correct preparation of the base or foundation is most important. There are many preparation stages such as removing roots, grass, rubble and rocks from the intended area. Wooden forms are then cut and measured to the correct size, a base of class 5 gravel is installed, graded and compacted to at least 4 inches thick, and steel wire and rebar is then laid on top ready for the concrete. The next stage of pouring and smoothing the concrete has to be done very quickly with a team of trained professionals as it is time sensitive before the concrete starts to set. They will also make sure that there are enough expansion joints allowing the slab to shift and contract at controlled spaces. Without these grooves, concrete can fragment under the constant expansion and contraction especially in Colorado with our changes in season and temperatures.
Once the concrete has been smoothed out the drying and curing time, which is also vital, will begin. Concrete doesn’t just dry out, it undergoes a chemical process while hardening. This process is generally better in 70 degree heat but can be cured in cooler or warmer weather.
It is strongly advised not to seal your concrete immediately and to wait at least a month or two before sealing your concrete surface.
Waiting at least a week before driving on your new concrete driveway is advised. One must wait at least a month before parking a heavier vehicle on a concrete surface. Once a year sealing will help to keep your concrete looking good and regularly scrubbing off oil and gas with water is a help. In the fall is the best time to seal your concrete surface to help protect it against the salts and harsh temperatures.
4973 E Collinsville Pl
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Denver Office: 303-467-0631
Email: duane@bradleyasphalt.com or duane@bradleyasphalt.us
We’re rated A+ by Better Business Bureau; Bradley Asphalt Services – Denver Asphalt.
