Driveway Company
What is a driveway?
A driveway is a type of private road that provides local access to one or a small group of households/dwellings/buildings. It is owned and maintained by an individual or group that owns the plot.
Driveways are commonly used as paths to private garages, carports or houses. On large estates, a driveway may be the road that leads to the house from the public road.
Driveways may be decorative in ways that public roads cannot, because of their lighter traffic and the willingness of owners to invest in their construction.
Some of the materials that can be used for driveways include, concrete, decorative brick, cobblestone, block paving, tarmac, gravel, and resin bound.
Tarmac Driveway
A tarmac driveway is aa type of surface that's made from a blend of tar, crushed aggregate and sand. It's laid while its still in a got liquid form.
The tarmac is laid in two layers. The first is called the base layer which is delivered in a heated vehicle and poured out onto the surface before being spread. The second layer, or wearing course, is composed of finer stones so that the end result looks smooth as well as being incredibly durable.
Once the liquid is laid and left to cool, the finished product is a hardwearing and durable surface.
Gravel Driveway
A gravel driveway is composed of loose aggregate with borders of concrete, wood, or another material to keep the driveway contained.
When it comes to selecting your gravel, it’s recommended that you use a 20mm sized gravel as this is easy to walk on, stand the weight of car tyres and will not scatter about.
Gravel driveways are constructed by building up a number of coatings. They typically have three layers of differently sized rocks: a sub-base layer, a base layer, and a surfacing layer.
As a layer is put down, it is set with a mechanical tamper before another level is put down. The different levels of gravel serve different purposes such as providing drainage, strength, and degree of compaction
Gravel driveways are ideal as they significantly reduce the risk of flooding unlike standard block paved or slab driveways. The water is able to filter through your gravel and into the ground therefore creating a clear surface that is safe to use all year round.
Block Paving Driveway
A block paving driveway is made by laying individual blocks in a specific pattern to create a smooth and durable surface. These blocks can be made from various materials, including concrete, clay, or natural stone.
The blocks are usually interlocked, which provides stability and strength to the driveway. They are also resistant to heavy loads, making them an ideal choice for driveways where vehicles will be parked.
One of the main advantages of block paving driveways is their versatility. They come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, allowing for a variety of design possibilities. Additionally, if a block becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced without disturbing the rest of the driveway.
Block paving driveways also offer good drainage, as water can seep through the gaps between the blocks, reducing the risk of water pooling on the surface.
However, they do require some maintenance to keep them looking their best. This typically involves regular cleaning and occasional re-sanding of the joints to maintain the interlock between the blocks.
Cobblestone Driveway
A cobblestone driveway is made by laying individual cobblestones in a specific pattern to create a smooth and durable surface.
They are typically bound together and set in a sand and cement mortar.
Cobblestone driveways offer an attractive, hand-crafted, and traditional look. They are durable, resistant to stains, and easy to maintain.
Concrete Driveway
A concrete driveway is made by laying a mixture of cement, aggregate, and sharp sand (typically known as ballast). When these ingredients are mixed with water, they bind into a solid, hard material.
Concrete driveways are very popular because they are extremely strong and durable. They tend to last for a very long time and require little maintenance, making them a good investment.
Concrete driveways can also be enhanced with patterns and colours.
Resin Bound Driveway
A resin bound driveway is made from a mixture of small aggregate stones and resin, creating a smooth, hardened surface once cured.
Resin bound driveways are resilient, durable, and look fantastic when finished. They are also highly versatile and require very little maintenance. It has a pleasing natural appearance while offering some benefits compared to other driveway materials such as, loose gravel, tarmac or flagstones.
One of the key features of a resin bound driveway is its permeability. There are tiny holes between each stone, allowing water to effectively drain through to the ground below. This reduces the risk of water settling on the surface.
