RESIDENTIAL

30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN LAYING CONCRETE AND ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS IN CHRISTCHURCH

OVERVIEW

30 + YEARS EXPERIENCE IN LAYING CONCRETE AND ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS IN CHRISTCHURCH

Having completed nearly 1000 residential concrete projects in 2014, it is safe to say that we have a great deal of experience in providing concrete services to the residential market.

Being a preferred supplier to a large number of the project builders around Canterbury, we have a deep understanding of the building process and can provide advice to you regarding your next project.

Whether you are a builder, someone building a new home or renovating an existing one, our experienced team can no doubt, provide all of your driveway, hard landscaping or concrete crack repair needs.

EXPERT CONCRETE DRIVEWAY SEALERS

With 30 + years experience in the industry, we consider our family owned and operated business as the best paved, chip, concrete and asphalt residential driveway sealers in Christchurch.   Take a look at the types of concrete driveways we have on offer, there as a concrete finish for everyone in Rangiora, Rolleston, West Melton and the wider Christchurch area.

Here are some of the concrete services we provide to Rolleston, Rangiora, West Melton and the wider Christchurch region:

  • Paved, Chip, Concrete & Asphalt Driveways, Patios and Pathways
  • Vehicle Crossings
  • Existing concrete floor removal and replacement
  • Concrete Floors
  • Kerbing and Nib Walls
  • Excavation and Base Preparation
  • Demolition of existing surface
  • Drainage
  • Concrete Repair and Resurfacing – A GREAT OPTION FOR RENOVATIONS!! Learn More Here…
  • Decking and Exterior Timber Structures
  • Fencing, Retaining and Block Walls
  • Site Scrapes
  • Landscaping
  • Car Parks
Can my project be priced off a plan?

Yes definitely.  We recommend it.  If you have a house plan or landscape plan, we can price the works quite accurately off that.  You can upload your plans on our contact page

How long will it take to complete my job?

Every job has its own quirks. Typically by the time all of the stages are complete, the works will take around two to three weeks.
With each quotation sent out, you will receive our homeowner information booklet. In this booklet it clearly outlines the whole process from start to finish.

From the time I accept your quotation, how long before you can start work onsite?

From the time of quotation acceptance, generally around 3 weeks. Sometimes sooner if we have other projects starting sooner close by.

My neighbours concrete is bright white. Will my concrete be that bright too?

There are low cost options including adding some black oxide to the concrete the time of batching. This takes that bright glare off the concrete and tones it down to a mid grey. This is just one option.

Will my driveway need a sump or strip drain?

It is possible.  This can depend on which City Council your property is in, the size of your driveway, the slope of your section and your landscape design.

Can you do my vehicle crossing the entry of my driveway?

Yes definitely.

Will my concrete crack?
Yes. A common misconception with concrete is that your new concrete will not crack. Cracking is a very frequent cause of complaint in the concrete industry. Cracks in concrete can be the result of or a combination of a number of factors. These include, drying shrinkage (The most common), thermal contraction, subgrade settlement, applied heavy loads and Christchurch’s specialty, earthquakes!

All though we use all possible measures and best practice, cracks will occur! All steps are taken at the preparation, placing and finishing stage (excavation and base preparation) and there are a number of steps taken during and after the concrete is placed. We go into this in further detail in your homeowner booklet.

Does my concrete need to have cuts in it?

Definitely.  The cuts in the concrete helps induce a crack in the concrete along the cut.  We cover this in great depth in your homeowner booklet.

Reinforcing?
Do you add steel reinforcing to the new concrete?
Only if the client requests it. As a rule of thumb, most insurance works are like for like also. When dealing direct with the client, we will only add reinforcing if it is requested.

Should I add steel reinforcing to my new concrete?
We absolutely recommend it. Although steel mesh does not necessarily prevent cracking in concrete, it does help hold it together. Also, if cracks do develop, they will stay far finer than would otherwise if there is no steel mesh.

Should I seal my new concrete?
Why do we seal concrete? Well, it is done for a number of reasons: 

  • It seals the pores of the concrete and provides a barrier to prevent dirt, grease and mould from staining the
    concrete surface.
  • It creates a very hardwearing surface.
    Provides good UV protection for coloured concrete surfaces.
    Helps with the curing process.
  • It brings out the colours in the concrete oxides.
  • It seals off any minor cracks that may have formed preventing dirt and moisture from entering the cracks. This
    will help prevent spalling over time.
  • It gives the concrete a wet look.

The concrete sealer does unfortunately break down over time. This is due to a number of factors with traffic and the sun being the two main culprits. To prevent the surface underneath the sealer being damaged, a new coat of this sealer should be applied every one to three years depending on the amount of traffic the area receives. It is usually very noticeable when it is time to reseal the concrete, as it will start to lose its sheen. Give us a call when you feel it is time for
advice on resealing options.

Which surface finish is right for me?
There are many considerations when deciding.  Ranging from the final look, the cost through to the use of the surface. Check out the FINISHES tab on this page.
I have seen a fancy picture of a concrete area on the internet. Can you do my property the same?
More than likely.  Our large team has experience in all forms of hard surfacing. Send us a picture of what you are after and we can give you our advice.
Any more questions?

Please feel free to either email us or call us to discuss any questions you may have.

ASPHALT

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You see it everywhere, footpaths, roads, driveways.  It is commonly chosen for a finish for a driveway in residential settings as it is at the lower end of the price range in finishes and can be a lower maintenance option than some decorative concrete options and paving.  It is a dark colour so blends in to most settings.

Things to remember about Asphalt finishing:

  • Even though it is flexible, it is not as hard wearing a surface like concrete.  If you have a driveway shape that would depending on your vehicle screwing its tyres, the surface will wear prematurely. This is made even more apparent in the summer months where the asphalt can heat up and become far softer.  This is a common occurrence and should be considered when selecting your finish.
CONCRETE OVERLAYS

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A concrete overlay is a great option growing rapidly in popularity. Overlays can come I many forms but typically are a cementitious overlay used to resurface existing or new concrete.  They are a great option for an existing driveway that may have some cracking or earthquake damage but may not necessarily need the whole slab replaced.

There are many looks that can be achieved by installing these overlays from plain concrete, a tiled or paved look, add decorative borders or it can even mimic exposed aggregate.

It is also a great option for an existing property where the home may be renovated and the driveway needs a revamp too. These overlays can be used in internal applications also.

Things to remember with Coloured Concrete:

  • The concrete surface must be suitable.  Although we cannot guarantee against cracks, some cracks can be repaired and may not necessarily return, at least not to the extent where it will affect the final look of the overlay.   If the cracking is too extreme, an overlay would possibly not be suitable.
COLOURED CONCRETE

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Coloured mineral oxide powders can be added to the concrete at the batching plant and the entire mix of the concrete is coloured. This is a very long lasting concrete finish, which is growing rapidly in popularity because it is a very hardwearing surface that will last without being sealed.

Things to remember with Coloured Concrete finishes:

  •  It is a natural product. The concrete does look very mottled. We acid wash and seal the product, which does even the colour but the colour can change dramatically day by day. Due to concrete being very porous, it will change colour through moisture ingress from both on top and underneath the slab. For many people, this is what they find attractive about it.
  • The colour may not be exactly what you have chosen. Because the concrete is made from natural sand and stone. The concrete itself can change colour from day to day, even load to load of concrete. What you have seen in a photo or in a display should be used as a guide only. It is NOT paint. Please consider this carefully when making a decision on choosing your finish.
  • Decorative Saw cutting is a great upgrade to your coloured or plain concrete. It gives the look of large pavers without the hassle of weeds growing through and pavers moving up and down over time. Talk to your PM about your options. These are usually cut into 1m X 1m approx. squares.
CHIP OR CHIP SEAL

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Although these sound very similar they are quite different.

Chip

A Chip driveway is popular on rural properties.  The existing surface is excavated and hard fill is installed and thoroughly compacted.  A chip aggregate or your choice is then spread on the surface.  Leaving the natural look of stones.

Chip Seal

This is essentially what you will see on a typical rural road or highway.  It is a similar look to a chip surface and the preparation is very much the same.  The main difference is that tar is spread over the surface prior to laying of the chip aggregate.

STAMPED CONCRETE

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Stamped or imprinted concrete finishes have been a popular finish since the 1970′s. With the large selection of colours and the growing catalogue of patterns and textures to choose from, there is a look to suit all projects. Stamped concrete is the process of colouring freshly laid concrete, then when the concrete is at the appropriate stage of hardening, a powder or liquid release agent, is applied to the surface of the concrete. It is then “stamped” using a textured and or patterned mold, which is chosen by you before work has begun. In the following days, once the concrete has hardened, one of our team will return and wash off excess release agent. The concrete is then sealed to protect and also enhance the appearance of the new concrete finish.

Things to remember with Stamped Concrete finishing:

  • It does cost more than other finishes due to the extra work and products involved.
  • It does require slightly more maintenance than other finishes. Because it has the release powder on the surface, this needs to be protected by the sealer to stop the colour wearing out. On driveways, this needs to repeated every 1-3 years depending on the amount of traffic it receives
PLAIN CONCRETE

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A concrete overlay is a great option growing rapidly in popularity. Overlays can come I many forms but typically are a cementitious overlay used to resurface existing or new concrete.  Driveway sealcoating is a great option for an existing driveway that may have some cracking or earthquake damage but may not necessarily need the whole slab replaced.

There are many looks that can be achieved by installing these overlays from plain concrete, a tiled or paved look, add decorative borders or it can even mimic exposed aggregate.

It is also a great option for an existing property where the home may be renovated and the driveway needs a revamp too. These overlays can be used in internal applications also.

Things to remember with Plain Concrete:

  • Concrete is a natural product and cures over a period of a few months. This curing does not occur evenly. It is expected that your new concrete will have a very mottled look. Some jobs much more so than others. This is far more apparent with plain and coloured concrete.
  • When plain concrete is laid it does look very bright. Over time the surface does break down and fade to grey like the old driveways and paths you see around Christchurch. There are a number of options to upgrade and colour your concrete. We recommend adding a small shot of black colour to the concrete. This can be done at a very reasonable cost and really takes the brightness away from the new slab. This can be discussed with your PM or at the time of quoting.
EXPOSED AGGREGATE

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Exposed Aggregate is concrete, which has the surface of the finished concrete “exposed” to reveal the aggregates in the concrete. It is very popular throughout New Zealand for its hardwearing surface and. It is especially suited to driveways and high traffic areas.

Things to remember with Exposed Aggregate finishes: –

  • It is a natural product; therefore you always get inconsistencies within a job. The stone density, depth of exposure and colour of stones do vary even within small concrete slabs. This is to be expected and part of the reason it is so popular.
  • It is a messy job. The surface of the concrete finish is has a surface retardant sprayed on the concrete when the concrete is still in its plastic state, which stops the surface hardening. The following day, the surface is then water blasted off to reveal the aggregate. Although all care is taken, it is still a messy job. Our team do a thorough clean up but some mess is to be expected.
STENCILLED CONCRETE

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A very popular look for median strips and traffic islands.

Stencilled concrete provides a very hard wearing surface that gives the look of brick or tile.

Stencilled Concrete is the process of laying a cardboard stencil pattern into freshly poured wet concrete and trowelled the stencil into the surface.

Colour Hardener is then applied (see coloured concrete) either by way of broadcasting and trowelling into the surface.  stencil is then removed to reveal the pattern of the stencil in the concrete. The concrete is sealed (see sealing) to protect and enhance the appearance of the finished concrete work.

Things to remember with Stamped Concrete finishing:

  • Installation of Stencilled Concrete is labour intensive so therefore is at the high end of the price range of finishes.

LOOKING FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS IN CHRISTCHURCH?

While you are having paths and driveways repaired or replaced, it presents a great opportunity to enhance and add value your property with a new deck or some landscaping. Our landscape contractors in Christchurch  have completed a number of projects in this area and provide free quotes.

We have a great deal of experience in providing services to the residential market. Our experienced team can provide all of your driveway, hard landscaping or concrete crack repair needs.

Contact the professional team at  Affordable Concrete and Paving today to discuss your project!  We service Christchurch wide including the Rolleston, Rangiora and West Melton areas.

TIMBER DECKING

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Timber decking not only looks great but it extends your entertainment / living space and adds value to your property. We can plan and construct a deck to suit your house and requirements.

CHIP STONE LANDSCAPING

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Chip stone is perfect for filling in areas that are difficult to mow or maintain garden.

 

 

EXPERT CONCRETE DESIGN SPECIALISTS FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY AND HOME IN CHRISTCHURCH

We provide a comprehensive range of concrete and paving finishes to turn your driveway, paths and floors from boring to beautiful.  Our concrete decorative and design specialists will show you our portfolio of driveway designs in Rangiora, Rolleston, West Melton and the wider Christchurch region.

Contact us today about asphalt, stamped concrete, plain concrete, coloured concrete finishing options, or stamped concrete patterns.  With 30 + years experience in concrete sealing in Christchurch we will be sure to excel in your driveway design expectations.

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concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
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concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
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concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
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concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
concrete design specialists, decorative concrete specialists, driveway design Rangiora, stamped concrete patterns
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AFFORDABLE CONCRETE & PAVING

PO Box 22 077, High Street,

Christchurch 8142, New Zealand

FREEPHONE 0508 UR DRIVE

EMAIL sales@affordableconcrete.co.nz