replacement overview
Concrete Replacement Contractor
Concrete is not just our business, it’s our passion. Our family has been providing the Chicago-area with the finest concrete construction services for over 35 years. Our team of craftsmen have the expertise, resources, and most importantly, PRIDE to deliver solid concrete construction.
Why replace
When to Consider Replacement over Repair
- Multiple large cracks (wide enough to fit a quarter) outside of the control joints throughout exist.
- The finished surface has or is starting to deteriorate and break apart from the concrete slab
- You keep driving on the grass – time for a wider driveway
- Sections have sunk causing a trip hazard and/or improper water drainage. This problem may also be corrected by PolyLifting.
- Tired of dealing with the maintenance and ugly look of an asphalt driveway
Pouring Concrete the Hero Way
Chicagoland homeowners looking for a new concrete driveway, garage floor, patio or walkway can count on Concrete Hero to deliver premium quality work with unparalleled service.
Advantages & Features of a Concrete Hero job:
- Commercial grade 4500 psi lime stone mix
- Steel and fiber reinforcement
- Project supervised by company owner
- Written warranty
step-by-step
The Replacement Process
Step 1. Site Preparation
Existing driveway is removed and hauled away. Temporally forms are erected around the perimeter of the driveway. A new gravel sub base is installed and compacted. The grade of the sub-base must have an even thickness to ensure the slab of the driveway will have the same thickness throughout. The grading must also have enough pitch for proper drainage. Finally, steel wire mesh reinforcement is cut to fit and laid on base. The wire will be placed in the middle of the concrete slab during the pour. At this point, the site is ready for municipality inspection.
Step 2. Pouring & Finishing
Wet concrete is poured in place and leveled off. Concrete is then bull-floated and left alone until all the water on top of the concrete driveway has evaporated –this is to prevent water from getting trapped which can create a weak surface. Joints are cut with a hand groover to prevent unsightly random cracks. The entire area is now hand finished by floating and brooming the surface. Finishing will also vary depending on the application and preference. A few days later, the forms are removed and the site is cleaned. The surface is now ready for light foot traffic; however, a minimum of seven days of curing is required before it can be driven on. We recommend that homeowners apply a concrete sealer to prevent staining and damage caused by deicers.
