Concrete driveways in Boise

Boise gets real winters, so a driveway has to handle freezing and thawing year after year. Most early driveway failures trace back to the base, the mix or the joints, not bad luck.

The base

Under the concrete sits a layer of gravel that must be packed firm. Soft spots there turn into cracks and sunken corners later. Ask how deep the gravel goes and how it gets compacted. On a replacement, ask whether the old base will be reused or dug out.

The mix

• Air entrainment. Tiny air bubbles in the mix give freezing water room to expand. It holds up better to freeze and thaw. source
• Thickness. Often 4 inches for cars, and more where a truck, trailer or RV parks.
• Reinforcement. Rebar or wire mesh does not stop cracks, but helps hold cracked pieces together.

Joints and finish

Concrete shrinks as it cures, and some cracking is normal. Control joints are the cut lines that make those cracks fall in straight, planned spots. Ask how far apart they will be. A broom finish gives grip on icy mornings; a slick trowel finish can get slippery.

The part by the street

In Ada County, the Ada County Highway District oversees public streets, so work on the driveway approach and curb can need its permit. source Ask if your quote includes it. In Canyon County, ask the city or the local highway district.

Before any digging

Idaho law has you call 811 before digging. A good crew does this, but it is worth asking. source

Care in the first year

• Keep cars off for the time the crew gives you, often about a week.
• Skip deicing salt the first winter; sand gives traction without the damage.
• Ask about a sealer and how often to reapply it.

Repair or replace

Small cracks can be sealed, and a sunken panel can sometimes be lifted. When most of the slab is broken, heaved or flaking, a full tear-out usually lasts longer than patches.

What to get in writing

• Square footage, thickness and the mix
• Base depth and compaction
• Joint spacing and finish
• Tear-out and haul-away of old concrete
• Permit costs for the approach, if any

Before you hire, check that the contractor is registered with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Idaho requires contractor registration for most jobs over $2,000. source