I want to widen my drive to double width,i'll get a contractor to apply top coat but how should I create base?
Question:I know that the 'top' layer will need to be @40mm thk over my existing driveway but how deep do I dig the new area and what do I then infill it with?
Answers:
As a home builder, we always go down at least 6 inches. Then fill with coarse aggate and compact it. bring it up to grade with granular B fill and compact it again. It will never move and you're well below the frost line in most areas.
Good luck
3"-4" of hardcore under.
Simple enough job, if hard work. You will need a heavy roller / Vibrating machine to compact the hardcore. I have just used broken up bricks before now (lots of hard work with a sledge-hammer).
you can use the original base of soil rubble etc, but need to put down some ballast and have it compacted witha a special vibrating t machine that you can hire from any hire shop, then put down a base of concrete at least 18 inches in depth, do not rush the vibrating before though thats needs to be done 4-5 times to make sure the concrete doesnt move or split when it is dry , then apply your top coat of tarmac or whatever you want.
you need to get a reconized contracter ... there are a lot of cowboys out there
Your best bet is to allow the contractor to do the whole job. It's a-lot of digging and compacting to do as a homeowner. But if you are attempting to save a-lot of money you should dig about 4-6 inches below the existing driveway and the least expensive fill would be to use what is called "bankrun" basically a clay mixture that compacts very tight and with little effort, once completed you have a hard base for an asphalt driveway... Hope this helps, good luck!
let the contractor do it.
If you live in the midlands then you can have the hardcore free off me! - we have loads going for free due to a bit of demolition - adamoninternet [at] yahoo.co.uk
scalpins
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