If you’re thinking of doing some property renovations or you want to add some appeal and value to your property, then a concrete driveway is a great choice. A concrete driveway is a relatively versatile and durable choice. Apart from this, concrete also doesn’t normally require much maintenance even though it lasts really long.
Although concrete is a really great material option, there could be certain requirements that you may need while constructing your concrete driveway, one of these is the thickness of the driveway. If you’re not so sure, then let’s answer the question of how thick a Detroit concrete driveway really needs to be.
How Thick Should These Concrete Driveways Be?
As for most concrete driveways in Detroit, no matter how wide the concrete driveway may be, the usually recommended thickness is 4 inches. There’s no real good reason to go for a thinner concrete slab, there are some states that may allow a concrete driveway to only have a thickness of 3 inches. Additionally, if you’re planning on using the driveway for heavier vehicles, then it may be best to go for a 5 inches driveway.
In fact, the thicker the slab is, the stronger the slab would be. Although that is the case, it may also not be a great idea to go with an overly thick concrete driveway. After all, you would also have to keep in mind that the costs would increase as the thickness of concrete also increases from 4 to 5 inches by about 20%. If its performance also increases by around 50%.
Even with that said, you may also want to consider thickening the edges of the driveway by 1 or 2 inches in order to provide some more proper and additional structural support in the areas that are most likely to be subject to heavy loading. If you want your concrete driveway to be completely structurally stable even when taking in heavy vehicles, then the thickened sections should extend in from the slab edge 4 to 8 inches.
What Is The Maximum Thickness Of A Concrete Driveway
When it comes to concrete, there are typically no completely identified maximum thicknesses for concrete driveways. This is because it is only natural to the thickness by the use, space available, and budget.
Just keep in mind that residential concrete driveways are usually between 4 inches and 6 inches, while commercial drives are usually poured between 6 and 8 inches. Aside from that, concrete highways are naturally way thicker, normally between 11 and 12 inches of concrete on a prepared base. Any additional thickness would be unnecessary.
What Is The Minimum Thickness For A Concrete Driveway
Concrete typically requires a minimum of 4 inches thick at least for residential concrete, but do keep in mind that the thicker the concrete is, the greater its strength is, so it is pretty useful to keep it relatively thick. A 3 inches thick driveway may be allowed in some places and areas although it isn’t really advisable since it doesn’t provide the necessary strength to support most passenger vehicles.
Additional Thickness For Rebar
Rebar wires could be vital, especially if the slab will be exposed to heavy traffic. These reinforcements usually don’t really completely fend off cracks, but instead, hold them together in the case of a crack. You can use some wire mesh for driveways 4 to 5 inches thick, but rebar is recommended for those 5 inches or more.
Professional Concrete Repair Contractors
Detroit Concrete Co. are experts that can provide you with only the best concrete services. We are the premier commercial concrete contractors in Detroit Michigan for the last few years & have provided great quality work as well as great customer service, we’re trustworthy professionals that can efficiently work with concrete. You can contact us through email or call us at (313) 513-6840.