Driveway Installers
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Driveway Installers

From the Materials to the Driveway Installers-A Mini-Guide to New Driveway Installation 

Although the primary purpose of your driveway is to serve as a gateway to your home, it is also a place to safely park your vehicle. So it is essential that the driveway be in good condition. A weak driveway may crack, possibly causing damage to your vehicle each time you pull into the driveway. If it is time to have a new driveway poured, there a few things homeowners should be aware of concerning the driveway installers. The following guide will help you through the process of installing a new driveway; from choosing the materials to being prepared for the installers.

The Basics

Most towns and cities in Iowa require some type of driveway permit to be issued; driveway installers cannot begin work until this permit is obtained. In most situations, your concrete contractor will take care of getting all permits required but in some situations, you may be required to handle this part of the process. It is also important that you be aware of any specific restrictions that may apply to your permit. Although each city will generally have their own requirements, in general requirements are as follows:
  • A permit is typically required when the driveway encroaches on public right-of-way
  • Traffic safety will be assessed regarding the entry and exiting of public roads onto your driveway
  • Corner lots sometimes have different requirements than other lot types to ensure there is visibility from the street
  • There may be a set-back required from the property line or property frontage if the driveway will be large and circular
  • Impervious surface areas must meet the specified requirements for the side and front yard and these vary depending on whether you are on a regular or corner lot
  • There are typically requirements for the minimum and maximum length and width of a driveway
  • There may be other requirements that are specific to the type of material being used for the driveway, such as concrete, brick or pavers.

Design Requirements

Regardless of the type of material the driveway installers will be using, there are basic design requirements that must be followed to ensure the driveway has a long life span and that it will be properly constructed. The contractor will review the following items with you and ensure the installers are aware of these issues as well:
  • Drainage-even though your driveway may follow certain contours and/or slopes on your property, it is important to ensure that the water will properly drain off of the driveway as well as away from your home
  • Sub-grade preparation-this is an extremely important aspect of a driveway installation because it is responsible for the support and distribution of weight for the vehicles on the driveway. The soil must be properly worked and meet guidelines before the driveway materials can be installed.
  • Driveway thickness-the thickness depends on the requirements for your specific city, the sub-grade preparation, the number and weight of vehicles and any other unusual weight requirements you may have, such as a large truck or recreational vehicle’s.
  • Surface width-along with the city regulations, the driveway should be wide enough to sufficiently accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Other considerations-it is also essential that the weather conditions be taken into consideration, the ongoing maintenance and compaction.

Driveway Surface Materials

Before hiring the driveway installers, you will need to know what type of material you want to use for the surface of the driveway. After making your decision, it is important to contact a driveway contractor who is experienced in the specific type of materials you want to use. Material options may include:
  • Concrete
  • Brick
  • Asphalt
  • Crushed Rock
  • Decorative Pavers
  • Gravel
On the day of arrival for the driveway installers it is important that you have the area ready for them to work. Make sure to move all vehicles and allow room for the trucks and other equipment. Keep children and pets safe by keeping them out of the way of the tools, materials and equipment. Before the driveway installers leave, don’t forget to ask about the length of time you must wait before the driveway can be walked on or driven on and ask for recommendations on how to keep the driveway maintained.
Whether you are in the need of a newly installed driveway or you have an old driveway that needs removed and replaced with a new one, contact Kelly Concrete Co for more information on how we can help with your new driveway.
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