Concrete Driveway Installation in Central PA
UDA Services installs concrete driveways for homes across Central PA. We grade the ground, lay a compacted gravel base, then pour and finish the concrete. A typical concrete driveway takes two to four days to build.
This concrete driveway leads up to a three-car garage.
PA Home Improvement Contractor registration PA144609Fully insuredWorkmanship covered for one yearServing Central Pennsylvania since 2018
What Makes a Concrete Driveway Last?
A concrete driveway lasts when the base is firm, water drains off and the slab cracks only where it is meant to. A concrete driveway is a slab of concrete poured on a prepared base to carry cars. UDA Services pours its driveways on a compacted gravel base and cuts control joints into the surface. Control joints are grooves that make shrinkage cracks form in straight lines, out of sight. Central PA winters freeze and thaw a driveway many times a year, so a weak base shows quickly. Driveways are one part of the hardscape design we plan around a home.
How Does UDA Services Install a Concrete Driveway?
Installing a concrete driveway runs from digging out the old surface to cutting the joints in the new one. Our crews do it in six steps, as our job photos show.
- Break out and remove any old driveway.
- Grade the ground so water runs off the drive.
- Spread and compact a gravel base.
- Set wood forms along the edges.
- Pour the concrete straight from the truck chute.
- Finish the surface with a broom and cut the control joints.
The apron, where the drive meets the street, is usually poured with the drive. A driveway onto a state road needs a PennDOT highway occupancy permit, and a township road may need a local one. We handle those permits as part of the job.
How Long Does a Concrete Driveway Take?
A concrete driveway takes days to build and longer to cure before cars drive on it. A typical UDA Services driveway takes two to four days from the first dig to the last joint. The forms come off after the concrete sets. Concrete keeps gaining strength for weeks, so the drive is kept clear of cars for the first days. Fresh concrete is kept covered from rain until it sets, because rain on a new surface weakens it, NRMCA notes. Read how long concrete takes to cure before you drive on it.
Can a Concrete Driveway Be Poured in Cold Weather?
Yes, it can, if the fresh concrete is kept from freezing while it gains strength. Cold-weather concreting means warming, covering or timing the pour so the slab never freezes early. Frozen fresh concrete loses strength and can scale at the surface. NRMCA says fresh concrete is kept from freezing until it reaches about 500 psi, about two days after the pour. In freezing weather, we cover our fresh concrete with blankets. Our page on how to pour concrete in freezing weather covers the limits.
What Sets the Price of a Concrete Driveway?
A concrete driveway is priced mostly by its area and the ground work it needs. Once we have measured the drive at a free visit, the price is set out in writing. Four factors move that price.
- The length and width set the area of concrete.
- Breaking out an old drive adds to the job.
- The grading and base the ground needs change the ground work.
- The apron and any walk or pad poured with it add to the pour.
Sourced ranges per square foot are on our concrete driveway cost page.
Should Your Driveway Be Concrete, Pavers or Gravel?
You should choose concrete for a smooth, low-upkeep surface, pavers for repairs in sections and gravel for a long rural drive. The three driveway surfaces we install differ in look, upkeep and price. Concrete gives a smooth, even surface with little upkeep.
- Paver driveway installation. Paver driveways can be lifted and relaid in sections when repairs are needed.
Gravel driveway installation. Gravel driveways suit long rural drives and cost the least to build.
A concrete drive can be edged with pavers for a border.
Which Driveway Contractor Should You Hire in Central PA?
You should hire a driveway contractor who grades and builds the base, not one who only pours. UDA Services does the digging, the base and the concrete under one estimate. Four reasons support the choice.
- Our crew grades the ground, sets the drainage and runs the heavy equipment.
- We hold PA Home Improvement Contractor registration PA144609 and full insurance on every drive we pour.
- Our workmanship is covered for one year.
- Customers rate UDA Services 4.9 out of 5 from 43 Google reviews.
Jake and his team completed the concrete upgrade for our pool in 2020 and this spring completed a project renovating our deck and turning it into an enclosed porch/sunroom, with new concrete patio and steps to our pool. From start to finish, they were dependable and meticulous. Jake took our ideas and vision and made it a reality, offering suggestions along the way. Both projects were done in a timely manner. Highly recommended and we plan to use UDA Services again soon for our next project.
We used UDA Services to build us a new two car garage. Jake and his team did an exceptional job! We could not be happier with the final product. It was a pleasure to work with them beginning with getting an estimate to finishing the job. We highly recommend their services!
Jake and Team can make it happen! I met with Jake to build a "custom" garage. From the initial visit to completion, his team never failed. He took my vision and worked with me every step of the way. His knowledge was very helpful in making suggestions to improve design. This project involved quite a bit of earth moving and Jake eased the stress of that, his crew knew exactly what they had to do. I can't say enough about Jake and his team, they are the hardest, sincere professionals I've seen. Daniel, Nate and crew are hard working talented workers. I have no problem recommending UDA services for any project you may have. If you want an honest, reliable, experienced, personal contractor, UDA services won't let you down. Would definitely use them for any future projects.
What Else Do Homeowners Ask About Concrete Driveways?
Homeowners also ask about decorative finishes, replacing an old drive and sealing. A short answer to each follows.
Does UDA Services Pour Decorative Concrete Driveways?
No, our driveways get a plain broom finish, and we do not offer stamped or colored concrete. For pattern and color, a paver driveway or a paver border does the job.
Can an Old Driveway Be Replaced With Concrete?
Yes, an old concrete or gravel driveway can be broken out and replaced. The new drive gets a fresh base, since a failed base is often why the old one cracked.
Should a New Concrete Driveway Be Sealed?
Yes, you should seal a new concrete driveway, because sealer slows water and de-icing salt from soaking into the surface. Sealer goes on only after the concrete has cured, as the label states. We seal the new driveways we pour. Our page on how long to let concrete sealer dry before rain gives the times.
How Do You Start a Concrete Driveway Project?
A driveway project starts with a free site visit to measure the drive and look at the ground. Phone (717) 497-9398 or send the quote form to book that visit.
- PA Home Improvement Contractor registration PA144609
- Fully insured
- Workmanship covered for one year
- Serving Central Pennsylvania since 2018