How to Improve a Large Concrete Driveway Post your questions and get answers regarding all areas of drives, pathways and patios

[XPC465]

Hello there again to all you forum subscribers. I would now appreciate your assistance with the following task:
Many years ago, when I was a lot younger, and with the help of my son, we concreted the large driveway, along the side, and round the back of our bungalow. It was all completely dug out by hand, before we put about 2 feet of solid rubble in the base. We then layed the concrete to a depth of about 9 inches.
As that was many years ago, I have since had to patch up a few places where the rainwater used to sit, as the concrete proved to be rather uneven in places.
I would now like to tidy up the driveway, and make it more even in colour etc. but I am unsure on how to do this. As I am getting a bit long in the tooth, I do not want anything that is too heavy etc., but wondered whether it was possible to buy some kind of paint, or sealant etc., which I could apply to the top of the concrete, to make it more tidy. I would like something that is obviously not too thick, so it does not raise the hight of the driveway at all.
I would very much appreciate anyones advice on this subject, to enable me to carry out the task.
Thanks to all who offer advice.

[elwood]

Hi

Have you thought of just topping it off with 20mm depth of 6mm wearing(tar mac).

Best to use a specialist and make sure they quote for any regulating to the low areas, cleaning and tack coat.

Bye

[XPC465]

Many thanks for trying to help elwood. Obviously I do not know the first thing about tasks like this, other than laying the concrete initially.
If you are experienced in such things as tarmac, concrete etc., can you tell me if it is the normal thing to lay tarmac directly on top of concrete, and that it would adhere to it correctly. Also how much of an increase in the height of the concrete would this cause. The bungalow weatherproof is about 2 bricks depths above the concrete.

[elwood]

Hi,

Yes its fine to overlay your concrete drive as long as its "sound"

But it is very important that you use reputable firm.

Your drive needs to be clean off.

A good tack coat needs to be applied so the tarmac sticks to the concrete.

Depth of the new tar mac will finish 20mm to 30mm above your existing
levels.

Again get a fixed quote that includes all the above and regulating which means making up any low areas prior to topping off with 6mm wearing course.
Also DONT pay cash,DONT offer any money up front, a small deposit of 10%
but only if ask,ONLY pay in full when you have the invoice and happy with the job and if your charge VAT there will be VAT no on the invoice so check its legitimate.

Bye

[youasked]

Elwood is right, no upfront (10% OK), and watch watch watch.

There are a few good resin bonded systems out there, but for life of me can't think of names, I found one at last years Cheshire Show, small stones in variouys coours are coated in epoxy resin (i think), and look pretty good.

[freccle]

I'm thinking of having this done also but don't know if there is the room above the concrete and steps doors etc. What thickness would it have to be? How do I go about finding someone reputable? Can anyone recommend anyone in Manchester?