Concrete Driveway Services
Commercial, industrial, or residential driveways and concrete approaches can all be repaired by La Ross and Son Construction service. For over 10 years we have worked with property owners, managers, cities, as well as homeowners in fixing their driveways and concrete approaches. With affordable rates and quality services, La Ross and Son is your best choice. Call us today to talk about your driveway and approach repair project. Remember we serve St Tammany Parish, Greater New Orleans Metroplex, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and beyond so call us for a quick and precise quote. Our services include commercial, industrial and residential projects.
Concrete Driveway Replacement
If your driveway or approach has reached a critical level of damage then driveway or approach replacement might be the best choice for you. If this is the case, then our company has the ability to come in and demo out the old concrete and pour back new concrete. We can handle all of your city or county permitting on the project and we offer a wide variety of options for your new driveway. City approach replacements are also a service we perform every single week throughout the southern Region. La Ross and Son has worked with countless businesses and municipalities to repair and replace driveway approaches that are in need of repair or just need to be newly installed.
Concrete Driveway Construction
If you have a tenant improvement project coming up, or just want to add something new to your business or home, La Ross and Son Concrete can handle all facets of concrete construction. This includes driveways and approaches installed from blueprints or plans. Our crews can handle any facet of concrete construction that you need to be done. From concrete demolition to forming to the pouring process we can handle every facet of construction repair. No short cuts are taken at La Ross and Son Concrete and our company’s reputation shows that. We treat your project with the same importance we would want our work in our homes done with. Our concrete construction company is a family-owned and operated business that is service driven.
o ensure that your concrete driveway will look good for many years to come, there are important specifications your contractor should follow during installation. How well your driveway looks and performs long-term is largely related to the quality of workmanship and materials that go into it. To help ensure a problem-free driveway, use the following list for information about proper construction.
Placing Concrete at the Proper Thickness
Thickness is the major factor (even more than the strength of the concrete) in determining a driveway’s structural capacity. Place concrete at a minimum thickness of 4 inches. Increasing the thickness from 4 inches to 5 inches will add approximately 20% to your concrete cost, but will also boost your driveway’s load-carrying capacity nearly 50% , according to the Tennessee Concrete Association.
Also consider thickening the edges of the driveway by 1 or 2 inches to provide additional structural support in the area most likely to be subject to heavy loading. The thickened sections should extend in from the slab edge 4 to 8 inches.
Your local soil conditions and weather patterns may also require a thicker driveway slab. Contact a local driveway contractor for an expert recommendation.
Rebar & Wire Mesh Reinforcement
Using steel reinforcement will provide additional structural capacity for your driveway and is especially important if the slab will be exposed to heavy traffic. Reinforcement won’t prevent cracks, but it will help hold them together if they do occur.
Reinforcement can be either wire mesh or ½-inch (#4) steel rebar. Use wire mesh for driveways that are 4 to 5 inches thick, and rebar for those that are 5 inches or more. Place rebar in a grid pattern with a spacing between bars of approximately 12 inches. In either case, blocks should be used under the reinforcement to keep centered within the concrete.
Synthetic fibers have also proven to be beneficial in driveways as a way to reduce shrinkage cracks. Fibers will not provide structural reinforcement, however. (See Using Fibers for Secondary Reinforcement.)
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A PROPERLY PREPAIRED SUBGRADE
Uniformity, in both soil composition and compaction, is the key to a good subgrade-one that will provide adequate support, ensure an even slab thickness, and prevent slab settlement and structural cracking. Soft spots should be removed and replaced with good material, such as gravel or crushed rock. Many western states have expansive soils. In these conditions, 2 to 8 inches of crushed rock should be used as subgrade material, depending on the degree of expansiveness. If you are unsure about the soil characteristics in your area, consult a soils engineer.
Don’t allow the concrete to be placed on bone-dry subgrade, advises the Tennessee Concrete Association. Spraying the subgrade first to dampen it will prevent it from wicking water from the fresh concrete.
Vibratory plate compactors and rammers are the most common machines used for subgrade compaction of residential driveways. Click here to read more about subgrades and subbases for concrete slabs.
The Correct Concrete Mix
Mix design will impact the performance and longevity of a concrete driveway. Read more about concrete driveway mix design to find out exactly what to ask for.
Correctly Placed Joints
To help prevent random cracking, control joints should be placed at a maximum spacing of 10 feet for a 4-inch-thick driveway slab. While random cracks are generally not a structural problem and will not reduce the service life of the driveway, they can be an eyesore. Also avoid joint patterns that produce rectangular or triangular sections. The depth of control joints is also critical. Your concrete installer should hand tool or sawcut them to a depth equaling one-fourth the slab thickness (or 1 inch for a 4-inch slab).
In addition to control joints, an isolation joint should be installed where the driveway meets a sidewalk, garage floor slab, and other existing pavements. Ask your contractor to provide a jointing plan as part of his written proposal.
Proper Finishing
The biggest mistakes that occur during the finishing of concrete driveways are overworking the surface and performing finishing operations while bleedwater is present.
Finishing is generally a three-step process. Your contractor should:
- Level or strike off the concrete with a screed to achieve a uniform surface.
- Float the concrete with a wood or magnesium bullfloat before bleedwater accumulates.
- Apply a simple broom finish to improve traction-unless plans call for stamping the driveway or applying another type of decorative textured finish (see Making Concrete Slip Resistant).
Final finishing with a steel trowel is unnecessary and can actually do more harm than good by sealing the concrete surface prematurely and preventing the evaporation of bleedwater.
Read about proper finishing tools.
Proper Drainage
To eliminate standing water on your driveway, it should be sloped toward the street and away from existing structures (such as your house and garage) a minimum of 1/8 inch per foot, recommends the Portland Cement Association. If proper drainage is prevented because the concrete slab is wedged between two structures, you may need to install a drain that will collect the water at a low point in the concrete and divert it away.
Proper Curing Techniques
Cure the concrete as soon as finishing is completed. Curing of the concrete is the final step of the process, and one of the most important. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most neglected. In extreme cases, failure to cure the concrete immediately after final finishing can result in strength reductions of up to 50% by reducing the concrete’s resistance to the effects of weather and increasing the possibility of surface defects.
Methods of curing include covering the concrete with plastic sheets or wet curing blankets, continuous sprinkling, and application of a liquid membrane-forming curing compound. For slabs that are to be acid stained, wet curing is the best approach, since a curing compound would have to be completely removed to allow the acid stain to penetrate. The most common way to cure plain or integrally colored concrete, though, is to use a liquid curing compound. Read more about why curing concrete is important and how it’s done
Concrete Demolition and Removal
Concrete removal, demolition, and breaking are essentially one way of saying the same thing to us. Concrete removal is one of the premier services that we offer here at La Ross and Son Construction. Regardless of the size of your concrete removal project, we have the equipment, resources, and know-how to get the job done correctly and competitively. With tools and equipment ranging from bobcats, breakers, and back-hoe’s, we have removed over 1 million tons of concrete in the last ten years. In addition to concrete demolition, we can also break and remove asphalt, grass, brick, and countless other materials from your project site.
Concrete Driveway Replacement / Approach Replacement
If your driveway or approach has reached a critical level of damage then driveway or approach replacement might be the best choice for you. If this is the case, then our company has the ability to come in and demo out the old concrete and pour back new concrete. We can handle all of your city or county permitting on the project and we offer a wide variety of options for your new driveway. City approach replacements are also a service we perform every single week throughout southern Region. La Ross and Son has worked with countless businesses and municipalities to repair and replace driveway approaches that are in need of repair or just need to be newly installed. Call us today to discuss your project.
Sometimes our customers have the ability to breakup their own cement foundation or slab, but do not have the equipment to get it Concrete hauling to the appropriate place
Please feel free to call and ask for our estimator, if you have any questions in regards to this or any other of our concrete services. La Ross and Son Construction service areas include Southern Region concrete service areas include St Tammany Parish, Greater New Orleans Metroplex, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Mississippi. Call Toll Free Today 985-205-8808.
The following is for GENERAL INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY. This is a very general overview of the permitting process for demolition projects. The actual process may vary widely between regions of the country, counties and municipalities.
You’ll also find an overview of common demolition methods and tools. Compare your options for how to demolish existing concrete as well as what equipment to use. Furthermore, you’ll be able to find safety information and warnings about possible hazards during demolition.
Dismantling
By cutting concrete elements, and then removing them by crane, the demolition of an entire concrete structure may be carried out with a minimum of noise, dust, and impact on surrounding structures.
This may be done by sawing, water-jetting or thermic lance, and is a particularly good method of demolishing portions of a structure, especially portions of walls or slabs.
Water-jetting
- Minimizes dust and eliminates dust and fire hazards
- Can be used to cut both straight lines and contours
- Requires the use of an abrasive and water-catching system during the cutting process
Thermic lance
- Excessive heat causes some deterioration of the concrete adjacent to the cutting
- Works particularly well in the presence of reinforcing steel
- Eliminates vibration and dust problems
- May create smoke and fire hazards
Ball and Crane for Demolishing Masonry and Concrete Structures
One of the oldest and most commonly used methods for building demolition, the ball and crane uses a wrecking ball weighing up to 13,500 pounds to demolish concrete and masonry structures. During the process, the ball is either dropped onto or swung into the structure that is to be demolished.
The ball and crane, however, is not suitable for all demolition applications. Some limitations:
While the concrete can be broken into rather small pieces, additional work in the form of cutting rebar may be necessary.
Only highly skilled and experienced crane operators should be used on ball and crane demolition projects — smoothness in controlling the swing of the ball is important since missing the target may tip or overload the crane and a mild swing-back may cause the ball to hit the boom.
The size of the building that can be demolished with this method is limited by crane size and working room, including proximity to power lines.
This form of demolition creates a great deal of dust, vibration and noise.
Explosives
Explosives are generally used for removing large volumes of concrete via insertion of explosive devices in a series of boreholes:
- Versatile and flexible in terms of work output
- Vibration and air blast may damage surrounding structures
- Heightened safety considerations involved when compared to other demolition methods
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCRETE DEMOLITION
When is a demolition permit required?
Most governmental bodies require a permit to be pulled before the demolition of any structure, which may include stand-alone concrete structures such as sidewalks, seawalls, or other concrete walls. Permit forms may be available through the building department, an inspection services department, and sometimes through the municipal fire department if there is a structure abatement program in place.
Why are Demolition Permits Required?
Most often, the purpose of a demolition permit is to enable the governing body to monitor any works or activities performed within its jurisdiction for public safety monitoring. The permit also usually ensures that plans comply with various other concerns, such as environmental regulations and asbestos and other HazMat issues.
Who Can Apply for a Demolition Permit?
Usually this is determined by the type of work to be performed. For instance, a licensed general contractor may be allowed to obtain a permit to demolish any structure, while other licensed contractors may be restricted to the demolition of a structure that will be replaced, and to disassemble/re-assemble any building. Many states allow owners to apply for a demolition permit when the project involves an owner-occupied residence.
What Does the Demolition Permit Cost?
The cost of most demolition permits is relatively inexpensive between about $15 and $25.
However, there are often additional fees for services such as inspection of the electric power disconnection and for capping water and sewer at the property line.
An additional cost for an encroachment permit may be required in order to abandon the sewer at the main (this must be done by a licensed plumbing contractor, in most cases).
Additional municipal fees may be involved depending if the property is anticipated to be developed within a reasonable time (this involves have the water shut off at the property line) or if no development is anticipated (this involves the water service being abandoned at the main).
What is Involved in the Typical Demolition Permit Process?
The following procedure is a general guideline in terms of applying for a demolition permit:
You usually have to obtain some type of approved demolition release form from the appropriate state, county or municipal body prior to applying for a demolition permit.
The demolition release form must be completely filled out and submitted to that regulatory body which is directly responsible for demolition in your area. All fees must be paid at this time.
Contact appropriate utilities, including water, electric, and gas, as well as the telephone and cable companies to remove meters and wires.
If necessary, obtain approval from the appropriate municipal body to abandon water and/or sewer.
What is Involved in the Inspection Process?
You will usually need an inspection prior to demolition of the structure. Typically the city inspector verifies that all utilities and water and sewer facilities are disconnected. A final inspection is required after all demolition and final clean up has been completed.
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AVOIDING HAZARDS DURING CONCRETE REMOVAL
Concrete Demolition Unknowns (job site surprises that shouldn’t surprise a demolition contractor)
Most concrete contractors, even though not demolition specialists, will have to demolish portions of structures as a part of their usual business. Knowing which method or combination of methods to use for demolition of reinforced or prestressed concrete structures is essential for a safe and profitable job.
Demolition work involves many of the hazards associated with construction. However, demolition incurs additional hazards due to unknown factors such as:
- Deviations from the structure’s design introduced during construction
- Approved or unapproved modifications that alter the original design
- Materials hidden within structural members
- Unknown strengths or weaknesses of construction materials used on the project.
Many concrete contractors specialize in jobs that include demolition. Some contractors only do demolition- and leave the concrete construction to other concrete contractors.
Concrete Demolition Safety Considerations
All personnel involved in a demolition project must be fully aware of the various hazards, which may be encountered, and the safety precautions that may be taken in order to control the hazards. Beginning any type of demolition project without all the players knowing every aspect of the plan is an invitation for something to go wrong.
Hold daily pre-job safety meetings with all workers, stressing safety basics, common sense, alertness, and proper use of demolition equipment. The meetings should cover inspection, proper use and maintenance of all tools and equipment.
Also, keep in mind that OSHA mandates an engineering survey be undertaken by a competent person prior to beginning a demolition project. This is necessary to determine the condition of overall structure, and also the possibility of the unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Safe floor loads should be determined to prevent overloading with demolition.
Hand Tool Hazards
The vast majority of hand tool injuries occur when the proper tool is not used for the job. Workers are often tempted to use whatever is at hand to hammer, pry or chip instead of going to get the proper tool. When the wrong tool is used for the job, injury is much more likely to occur than if the right tool is used correctly.
- Wrecking bars or crowbars:
- Make sure they have a sharp point or keen edge that allows the bar to get a firm hold on the object being moved. Using poor substitutes for these tools, such as pieces of pipe, angle, iron or other building materials can be a serious mistake, since the are more likely to slip or break and cause injury.
- Wire and bolt cutters:
- These require the wearing of eye protection at all times. Dont use a cutter too small for the task, or try to gain added leverage by putting a length of pipe over its handle. These tools are made to withstand a certain amount of stress, depending on their size. Dangerously over-stressing them can result in injury.
- Sledges and hammers:
- These also require workers to wear eye protection in order to prevent possible blindness from concrete chips and splinters. Inspect equipment prior to use for unacceptable conditions such as mushroomed heads, cracks, looseness and splinters.
- Shovels:
- Shovels are often thought of as a relatively safe construction tool, but improper use can cause serious back injuries, as well as injuries to other parts of the body. Proper use requires a firm, solid stance, and moving the entire body in the direction the material is being thrown instead of twisting the back or knees.
Machine-Mounted Tool Hazards
Falling debris is of particular concern in demolition projects, both in terms of the workers actually doing the demolition work, and other workers or bystanders. Make sure the demolition area is clear of all unnecessary personnel prior to work. Large attachments, such as those on excavators, require a viewing area of at least 75 feet, and one of about 30 feet for smaller attachments, such as those mounted on skid-steer loaders, backhoe loaders and mini-excavators. Make sure all attachments are installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Refrain from modifying tools or equipment without first contacting the manufacturer.
When an excavator, skid-steer loader, or other piece of equipment is used on a floor deck, floor openings must have protective curbs installed to prevent the equipment from falling through the opening.
Excavators should have cab safety screens installed over top and front glass when demolishing any type of overhead structure, as well as a falling objects protection structure (FOPS). Cab windows should be of transparent, shatterproof glass.
The ball on a ball and crane should not exceed the smaller of 50% of the crane’s rated load capacity, or 25% of the breaking strength of the wire rope on which the ball is suspended. Check with the crane manufacturer before beginning work to determine if the crane can be used safely for demolition, as a demolition ball places unusual stresses on a crane boom.
Clothing and Dress Tips
A large part of demolition safety involves proper dress and the use of appropriate safety accessories, especially when using power tools.
- Do not wear loose clothing that can get caught in machinery
- Pull long hair back
- Remove any jewelry that can interfere with safe machinery operation
- Wear safety goggles or glasses with side protection
- Use a face mask in dusty applications, ear plugs when the site is especially noisy or for extended periods of work
- Heavy work gloves should be worn to protect against the steady vibration of power tools and the heat that can be generated, especially in the bit
- Wear steel-toed shoes or boots
We are a reliable local business that have acquired numerous awards. We don’t want our clients to be intimidated by our exceptional track record and award-winning designs and innovative expertise. We promise you that we know precisely what you expect to see once you get our solutions.
Concrete Patio Services Cost Factors
Besides material, there are other factors that can affect your total concrete patio price. Those factors include:
- Location
- Patio Size
- Patio Shape
- Thickness
- Patio Color
- Multiple Levels
- Purchaser
Needless to say, the farther the concrete has to travel, the more expensive it will be. In fact, according to our concrete delivery cost guide, the national average is $1,200. Furthermore, the larger or more complex your patio design is, the more expensive it will be.
Finally, any added color will increase your total patio price. Staining or using stamped concrete is more expensive than the traditional gray for concrete patio.
A patio is an essential element in today’s backyards. Concrete is the most popular patio material in the country. With many decorative finishes, concrete patios attract homeowners who want an outdoor surface with unlimited design potential. When compared to wood decks, pavers and natural stone, a concrete patio is also more durable and requires less maintenance.
Here, we offer tips for designing and sizing a concrete patio, give you an overview of the various concrete patio finish options, and tell you about ways you can accessorize and enhance your patio. For people with existing concrete patios, we also tell you about ways to give your old patio a decorative makeover by resurfacing, staining or engraving.
IS A CONCRETE PATIO A GOOD CHOICE FOR MY BACKYARD?
Here are four reasons to pick concrete for your patio:
Create an outdoor entertaining zone
In addition to serving as a gathering zone for lounging and entertaining, concrete patios allow homeowners to seamlessly blend interior and exterior living spaces. They are the perfect decorative flooring surface for outdoor kitchens and living rooms, complete with cozy seating areas, fireplaces and water features.
Concrete Patios – Color Choices & Tips
Time: 03:03
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Customize with color and pattern
What’s more, this outdoor floor offers unlimited design options. When enhanced by stains and integral colors, concrete patios can be color coordinated to match a home’s exterior or landscape. They can also be stamped or engraved in patterns that mimic other popular paving materials, such as brick, flagstone, slate and tile.
Check out these examples:
Stamped concrete patios
Stained concrete patios
Save money without sacrificing style
As an investment, concrete patios typically cost less than patios made of brick or natural stone because they are less labor-intensive to install. The lower price tag combined with the wide array of patterns and colors available make concrete an economical choice for most budgets. Plus, concrete is easily formed into any shape to accommodate backyard space restrictions.
See a more detailed breakdown of concrete patio cost.
Enjoy a durable, low-maintenance surface
Upgrading your backyard with a decorative concrete patio is also an investment that will provide many years of enjoyment while improving the look of your landscape. Concrete is easy to maintain and can stand up to the harshest of weather conditions. Unlike paving stones, you won’t have joints between units where grass and weeds can sprout. And unlike wood, concrete won’t warp, rot or require periodic staining.
PATIOS, WALKS, POOL DECKS, & DRIVEWAY CONTRACTORS IN FORT WORTH-ARLINGTON TEXAS
PROS & CONS OF A CONCRETE PATIO
Until wood decks became so trendy a decade or so ago, most patios were made of hard materials like concrete, brick or stone. Today, many homeowners who installed those wood decks need to replace them because of rotting or warped wood, or because they are simply fed up with the hassle of staining and sealing them every few years. Patios made of concrete or concrete pavers are making a big comeback as homeowners now realize all the benefits they were missing out on by installing wood or wood-composite decking. Here are some of the reasons why people are making the switch:
Versatility
Thanks to the design versatility of concrete, your patio will never look just like your neighbor’s. And with recent advances in coloring techniques and stamping tools, patios made of poured-in-place concrete are more versatile than ever before. Concrete is easily formed into any shape, allowing you to accommodate backyard space restrictions or incorporate attractive curves. With the use of stains and other coloring methods, you can also achieve just about any hue imaginable, whether you want to match the stone facade of your house or blend in with the natural landscape.
You can also choose from a vast array of pattern and design options, including stamped patterns, stenciling, engraving, exposed aggregate and more (see Concrete Patio Finishes). While many concrete patios are designed to complement the outdoor landscape, some homeowners choose a concrete patio style that complements their indoor living space to create a surface that blends in seamlessly with the interior decor. Concrete can also be made to resemble other popular patio materials, including brick, natural stone and even wood.
Concreations, LLC in Millersburg, IN
Durability
In addition to concrete’s versatility, concrete is highly durable and can stand up to the wide range of weather conditions found across the country. In fact, many concrete contractors in colder climates take special measures to ensure the durability of the concrete patios they produce.
Bill Guthro of Distinctive Concrete in Rowley, Mass., says stamped concrete will last longer than any other type of masonry installation. “We use a lot of steel and rebar in a 2-foot grid that controls cracking. We also apply many coats of sealer,” he says. In addition, they use a proprietary high-strength concrete mix that reaches compressive strengths of 4000 psi and includes reinforcing fibers.
Easier Maintenance
When compared with individual masonry paving units and natural stone, concrete is easier to maintain because it’s a solid surface. Unlike paving stones, you won’t have sand-filled joints between units where grass and weeds can sprout. In addition, individual pavers can settle unevenly, creating dangerous tripping hazards.
When compared with wood, a concrete patio saves you the labor of staining and resealing year after year, and it’s invulnerable to termite infestation, wood rot and splintering. (See Concrete Patio Maintenance Is a Breeze).
Environmentally Friendly
Installing a concrete patio rather than a wood deck saves lumber and eliminates the need for regular maintenance with solvent-based wood stains and sealers (see Green Building With Concrete).
Better Value
Concrete can be stamped, engraved, stenciled or textured to resemble pricier stone or brick pavers, and often at a fraction of the cost, especially when you factor in the labor savings. The aesthetic appeal and durability of decorative concrete will also boost the resale value of your home. (See Concrete Patio Costs).
MAKE YOUR PATIO A BACKYARD DESTINATION
In addition to being a great patio material, concrete can also be used to maximize your entire backyard space. The goal is to create destinations in the garden and connect them with welcoming pathways. Use focal points, seat walls, fountains, ponds, arbors, fireplaces, fire pits, and fragrant plantings to create interest at different locations and draw guests out into the yard space.
We are a reliable local business that have acquired numerous awards. We don’t want our clients to be intimidated by our exceptional track record and award-winning designs and innovative expertise. We promise you that we know precisely what you expect to see once you get our solutions.
