Does your current pathway look dull and boring? Is it becoming an eyesore to you and your visitors? Did you know that you can get a pathway renovation without completely destroying your current pathway? You might have seen homes with paved passageways that are made up of bricks and natural stones. They look very appealing and you might have wondered how much they cost. Bricks, tiles, and other paving materials can become quite expensive, especially if there is a lot of work to do. Nevertheless, a practical option for many homeowners today is to use concrete as the primary paving material.
Concrete is a very popular construction material used to create pathways due to its affordability and strength. Although some homeowners prefer to use bricks and stones for their pathways, a lot of houses have simpler walkways that are made of concrete. However, not many homeowners know that concrete pathways can still be upgraded into something better. You do not have to settle with the plain gray colour and rough surface of concrete pathways. You can always modify its colour, texture, and pattern using different methods.
To improve curb appeal we knew that something had to be done to the concrete walkway leading up to the porch. The chipping paint would not do and we felt that the house way crying out for some tlc. So much time is put into improving the interior of a home but the outside needs just as much love. A paint coat to a concrete walkway may last for several months or a few years depending on how much scrubbing, sweeping and mopping is done. Just like everything else, maintenance is needed to make your walkways look good all the time. You can read the full article at its main source.
There are some cases where you may need to create an entirely new concrete pathway. If the structural damages of your current pathway are already the worst, it is more advisable to have it demolished rather than try to repair it. You may be spending more on the repair than the complete renovation. If you want to reroute your current pathway, you do not have any other option but to construct a new concrete pathway.
What shape did you have in mind? Sketch out some options with the shape of pathways you want. What spots around your home do you need to “link up” with a pathway. Consider the space you have available, aesthetics of your home, plus any desired landscaping for the area. To view the full checklist, visit the main source.
Renovating a concrete pathway may require you to break and remove concrete slabs. You can do the task on your own but you will need the right tools and safety equipment. One of the primary tools that you will need to break concrete slabs is an electric heavy-duty breaker. This machine can easily break any hard materials such as concrete. However, it will get very noisy while using the machine so it is advisable to use earplugs while working.
This project will require power tools and you will be working with rough materials, so it’s vital that you wear earplugs, a hard hat, safety goggles and a face mask to protect your mouth and to avoid inhaling substances. You should wear sturdy boots and tough clothing with long sleeves and legs to protect yourself from loose debris. When hiring equipment through hss.com the recommended safety gear will be shown in your basket. To read the entire article, check out its main source.
Renovating your current concrete pathway is a good way to improve the appearance of your property. Paved concrete pathways are very appealing, especially when constructed in spacious areas. You can personalize your concrete pathway with a design that complements the style of your home. If you can’t decide a design on your own, you can seek for professional advice from your contractor. Experience contractors have a lot to suggest when it comes to pathway paving.
Designing with concrete
To make sure that your concrete is strong enough, you’ll need to take a number of factors into account when designing your path, pad or drive.
The type of mix will be decided by what the concrete will be used for (see the table for more details). The thickness of the concrete is determined by the weight it’ll be supporting. A pad for a lightweight wooden shed would only need to be 100mm deep. But for a stone, brick or block garage, you’d need a 150mm sub-base of compacted hardcore and a 125mm concrete pad. Also, the edges of this pad would need to be deeper (at least 200mm) to support the walls. The surface of the concrete must form a slight slope, so that water drains off. It should slope away from buildings or (in the case of a slab used to site a shed) away from the door. When it’s laid against the wall of your house, the surface must be at least 150mm below the damp-proof course. In an area that has to cope with heavy weights (such as a driveway), you should reinforce concrete with a steel grid at half its depth.
Read more: http://www.diy.com/help-ideas/how-to-plan-a-concrete-path-patio-or-driveway/CC_npcart_400222.art.
Top 10 Concrete Mistakes
1. Ordering just enough. If you’re ordering concrete, it’s much better to pay $60 for an extra half yard of concrete than to come up short. You don’t have to use it all. The driver will haul away the leftovers.
2. Ignoring the forecast. A little rain can destroy a freshly poured slab. Beware of hot, dry weather too. The concrete may set faster than you can finish it, especially if you’re a beginner.
3. Working solo. Line up more help than you think you’ll need. Extra help not only lightens the workload but avoids situations where the concrete hardens faster than you can work.
4. Not being ready. A big concrete pour is a rush job. Don’t add stress by waiting until the last minute to finish forms or gather tools. Have everything done and all your tools handy long before the truck pulls up.
5. Using wimpy wheelbarrows. A heavy load of concrete can crush a garden wheelbarrow. Use heavy-duty models only, even if you have to rent them ($15 per day).
6. Relying on fiber. The tiny fibers added to some concrete mixes may reduce surface cracking, but fiber is no substitute for metal rebar or wire mesh.
7. Finishing with extra water. It’s tempting to sprinkle a little water on the surface while you’re troweling to help you get a smooth finish. But it weakens the surface and will lead to flaking later.
8. Getting burned. Some people can tolerate hours of skin contact with concrete. Others end up in the emergency room with severe burns. Don’t risk it: Wear gloves and long pants, and wash concrete off skin immediately.
9. Tearing off forms too soon. It’s easy to break off concrete edges while removing forms. So let the concrete harden for at least two days first.
10. Forgetting your autograph. Be sure to scratch your initials in the concrete before it hardens.
Read more: https://www.familyhandyman.com/masonry/pouring-concrete/tips-to-build-a-concrete-walkway/view-all/.
