Frenchville Concreters

Slopes and runoff

Frenchville sits on Rockhampton’s north side, about seven kilometres from the centre, running up towards the foot of Mount Archer. That gives a lot of Frenchville blocks something most of Rockhampton does not have: a real slope. Slope is good for drainage, but only if the concrete is set to use it. When a summer storm comes off the mountain, water runs fast, and a driveway or path in the wrong place becomes a channel.

Driveways on sloping blocks need the water directed somewhere sensible at the bottom, either to the street or to a drain, and never down the side of the house or into the neighbour’s yard. A dish drain or a grated drain across the bottom of a steep drive is often part of the job.

Older concrete

Frenchville is an established suburb, and plenty of homes still have their original driveways and paths. Cracks, lifted edges near trees, and slabs that have dropped where the ground has washed out underneath are all common. Starting fresh gives the concreter a chance to sort out the ground underneath and put in the falls many older drives were built without.

Grip on a slope

A steep path or driveway needs a finish that holds when wet. A broomed finish gives grip and costs least. Exposed aggregate grips well and hides the red dust that washes down in a storm. Smooth or glossy sealed finishes are a poor choice on a slope.

Usual jobs on this side

Mostly replacement driveways with proper drainage, side paths and patios on stepped blocks, and retaining-wall footings where a cut has been made into the slope.

Ring 0489 908 651 with the job and a photo taken from the street. It goes to a single licensed concreter for the Frenchville side, who rings you to book a measure-up.