Concrete Driveways

Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway?

Your driveway is one of the first things people notice about your home. It needs to handle daily traffic, weather changes, and the weight of your vehicles without cracking or settling. That is where concrete shines. When installed properly, a concrete driveway can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance.

Here in Bloomington, IL, we deal with freeze-thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on poorly installed driveways. Our team understands local soil conditions and knows exactly how to prepare your site for long-term success. We start with proper grading and a solid base, ensuring water drains away from your foundation and the concrete stays level year after year.

Whether you need a new driveway for a newly built home or want to replace an old, cracked surface, we provide quality concrete work that stands the test of time.

Our Driveway Installation Process

Getting a concrete driveway right requires more than just pouring concrete. Here is how we make sure your driveway lasts:

• Site Preparation: We excavate to the proper depth, removing old material and ensuring stable soil underneath. This prevents settling and cracking down the road.
• Proper Grading: We grade your driveway so water flows away from your home and garage. This protects your foundation and keeps water from pooling.
• Strong Base Layer: We install a compacted gravel base that provides support and drainage. This is critical for Illinois weather conditions.
• Steel Reinforcement: We use rebar or wire mesh to strengthen the concrete and prevent cracking from temperature changes and heavy loads.
• Quality Concrete Mix: We use the right concrete mix for your climate, with proper air entrainment to handle freeze-thaw cycles.
• Professional Finishing: We finish the surface with the right texture for traction and appearance, then add control joints to manage natural cracking.
• Proper Curing: We protect the concrete while it cures, ensuring it reaches full strength before you drive on it.

Every step matters. Skip one, and you risk premature failure. That is why we never cut corners on preparation or materials.

Driveway Options and Customization

Concrete driveways do not have to be plain gray slabs. We offer several options to match your home and budget:

• Standard Broom Finish: Affordable, durable, and provides good traction. Perfect for most homes.
• Exposed Aggregate: Reveals decorative stones in the concrete for a textured, high-end look.
• Stamped Concrete: Mimics the look of brick, stone, or pavers at a fraction of the cost. Check out our stamped concrete services for more details.
• Colored Concrete: Add integral color or stain to match your home's exterior.
• Custom Borders: Frame your driveway with decorative edges or contrasting colors.

We will walk you through all your options and help you choose what works best for your property and budget. Our goal is to give you a driveway you will be proud of for years to come.

When to Replace Your Existing Driveway

Not every crack means you need a new driveway, but some signs indicate replacement is your best option. You should consider replacement if:

• Your driveway has multiple large cracks wider than a quarter inch
• Sections have settled or heaved, creating trip hazards or drainage problems
• The surface is crumbling or flaking badly (called spalling)
• Previous repairs have failed or look patchy
• The driveway is over 25 years old and showing its age

We can assess your current driveway and give you an honest recommendation. Sometimes repair makes sense, but other times starting fresh saves you money in the long run. Our concrete repair services can handle minor issues if replacement is not necessary yet.

If you do need replacement, we handle the entire process from removing your old driveway to installing a brand new one. You get a clean, professional result without the hassle.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Bloomington, IL has specific soil and weather conditions that affect concrete work. Clay-heavy soil expands and contracts with moisture changes. Winter freeze-thaw cycles put stress on concrete. Summer heat can cause rapid drying if not managed properly.

We have installed hundreds of driveways in this area and know exactly what works. We adjust our techniques based on your specific property conditions. We know which concrete mixes perform best here. We understand local building codes and permit requirements.

When you hire a local concrete contractor with real experience in your area, you get a driveway that performs the way it should. We stand behind our work because we live and work in this community. Your satisfaction is our reputation.

Common Questions About Concrete Driveways