Is It Time to Replace Your Driveway?
In Northeast Ohio, concrete driveways endure severe freeze-thaw cycles, road salts, and heavy vehicle loads. While minor cracks can often be sealed, structural failure requires a complete replacement to protect your home's foundation and curb appeal.
At Gaetano Cement Contractors, we don't just pour concrete; we engineer a solution tailored to your property's soil conditions and drainage needs. We handle the entire process, from the demolition of your existing driveway to the final seal.
Our Technical Standard
We believe in transparency. Here are the specifications we use to ensure your new driveway lasts for decades, not just years.
| Component | Gaetano Standard |
|---|---|
| Concrete Mix | 4000+ PSI High-Strength Mix |
| Thickness | 4" Residential / 5-6" Heavy Duty (Aprons) |
| Reinforcement | 6x6 - 10/10 Wire Mesh or Fiber Mesh |
| Sub-Base | Mechanically Compacted Aggregate Stone |
| Expansion Joints | Strategically placed to control cracking |
Driveway Aprons
The "apron" is the section of the driveway that meets the street and often connects to the garage floor. This area takes the most abuse from turning vehicles and street plows. We reinforce our aprons with extra thickness and often tie them into the garage foundation with steel dowels to prevent separation.
The Installation Process
- 1. Demolition & Hauling: We break up the old concrete or asphalt and haul it away to a recycling facility.
- 2. Grading & Base: We correct drainage issues and install a fresh stone base, compacted for stability.
- 3. Forming & Pouring: We set forms to the correct grade and pour the high-PSI mix.
- 4. Finishing & Curing: We apply a broom finish for traction and cut control joints. Finally, we apply a cure-and-seal compound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I can drive on the new driveway?
We generally recommend keeping vehicles off the new concrete for 7 days to allow it to reach sufficient strength. You can walk on it after 24-48 hours.
Do you reinforce the concrete with wire mesh?
Yes. Standard practice includes wire mesh reinforcement to hold the slab together and increase tensile strength against shifting ground.
Will the new concrete match my old sidewalk?
New concrete is significantly brighter than aged concrete. While it will fade over time, we can discuss replacing adjacent walkways for a uniform look.