Dear Suzy,
My driveway has a four-inch drop between my carport and the driveway. I’m getting tired of slowly driving my car over that little cliff every time I enter or exit my carport and would like to pour some more concrete to make a gradual slope. I can find books that cover pouring concrete for a new driveway, but I was wondering if there is any special trick to pouring concrete on top of existing concrete. Do I need to use some adhesive to ensure the new layer of concrete bonds to the existing driveway? — Thanks, John
Dear John,
I don’t suppose I could convince you to consider that little cliff as one of life’s speed bumps, whose purpose is to make us slow the hell down. Perhaps you should plant some climbing roses up the side of your carport and then when you’re forced to ease into it, you can roll down your window and take the time to smell the flowers, too.
If, however, you will not be happy unless you are entering and exiting the carport at a speed appropriate to the fast-paced lives we lead as we hurtle towards the end of the century, then by all means pour a little hump-breaker. (It would probably be better for your tires in the long run. I learned recently that some tires — mine in particular — simply can’t take bumps. I was going down North Lamar on my way to get my car inspected when I chunked into a colossal pothole. Five seconds later the car inspector informs me he can’t pass my car because my tire has a big welt on it. Sixty-nine dollars and one tire later, I got my inspection sticker. What timing.)
I wouldn’t fret about the little ramp adhering to the existing drive. Think of your project more like a free-floating wedge, independent both structurally and emotionally. I mean, who needs a co-dependent slope of cement? You’ll want to make sure you provide it with the support it needs to remain autonomous, which amounts to sticking little scraps of steel rebar or lots of wire coat hangers or smashed hamster cages into the form you make before you pour the cement. Two things you must do, however, if you plow ahead with this plan are 1) drink at least one darkly-colored microbrew during the process and 2) write your initials in the cement just before it cures. It’s the law. Also, if you have any cement left over, will you pour it in that pothole on Lamar?
(A more mobile idea might be to buy some of those heavy duty plastic wedges that no geriatric Gypsy with a travel trailer can do without. They drive up on to them to make sure their toilets sit level and their Scrabble games don’t list. They’re about 10 bucks each and are available at recreational vehicle stores.)
This article appears in December 5 • 1997 and December 5 • 1997 (Cover).