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Your next step, if you do elect to forge ahead with installing a driveway will be make a choice about what type of driveway is going to be most suitable for your circumstances. There are many different types of driveway available, as I'm sure you will be aware, but these may not all be right for you. If you're on a tight spending budget you could be to some degree limited in your choices. The configuration and dimensions of your property's garden may also affect your final decision.

You might say "a driveway is just a driveway", however that simply isn't true, given that there are many different designs and types of driveway, and if you were to take a walk around your town, you will see what I mean. You should see shingle driveways, grass driveways, block paved driveways, tarmac driveways, resin bound driveways, asphalt driveways, concrete driveways, cobbled driveways, patterned concrete driveways and natural stone driveways, in various forms, however this will give you a perception of all the potential alternatives.

What Type of Driveway is Best? Before deciding what type of driveway is right for your property, there are a few things that you will have to take into account. A few details that you would be sensible to think about - 1. Local authority planning permission - is planning permission needed for your driveway? 2. How the land lies - is the area level or sloped? 3. How successfully does your garden drain - does water collect where you're wanting to build your driveway?

Although you may think that you can just stick a driveway anywhere you like on your land, this is not automatically true. The legislation that pertain to driveways aren't just laid down by the local authority, but are in reality enforced by government law. However, at this moment in time, these laws only affect driveways being laid in front gardens. This legislation, which is known as the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) has been in force since October 2008, when it was first brought in.

If you are aiming to build a driveway having an area of more than 5m² and it's in your front garden, you are going to be affected by these SuDS legislation. You won't have to stress about this if you build your driveway from a porous (permeable) substance like shingle, permeable concrete block, porous asphalt, monoblock (grass) or resin, which will allow the water to pass through and naturally drain away. If you believe that the SuDS legislation will affect your planned driveway in the UK, you can see detailed information here - Sustainable Drainage Systems

Naturally it is quite feasible for you to build your own driveway in the UK, if you are fairly good at do-it-yourself and are not fazed by a touch of hard work. However no-one should think of this as an easy process, as there is a great deal of preparation work involved apart from actually laying the driveway, including doing waste removal, lugging materials and excavating. If you've got any concerns about whether you would be able to tackle a project such as this, it might be a good idea to hire an experienced driveway specialist.

With this kind of project, you've got to be wary about exactly who you pick, seeing as you clearly need somebody who knows precisely what they are up to. There are plenty of cowboys and rogue traders out there who will soon pocket your cash and do a lousy job. It's worth shelling out a bit more money to get a proper job done, instead of taking a risk with a substandard worker just to save yourself a couple of quid. Driveway and patio contractors who have been offering their services in and around the UK for a number of years would be the smartest choice.

When assessing these paving contractors, you should at the very least ask for some references from satisfied clientele, ask what warranties they offer on their workmanship, ascertain how long they've been in business, check that they have got insurance protection, ask if they are a member of a trade association such as ANTSCA (the surfacing trade association) and ask to look at a portfolio of past projects.

This doesn't have to be an inquisition, but asking these germane questions should give you an inkling of the sort of individual that you are going to be dealing with. If they are relaxed about answering all of these questions, you can assume that they are fairly genuine. You can deem that they're hiding something or being less than honest if they're confrontational or hesitant when asked such questions. If that occurs you would be wise to avoid them like the plague and try another tradesman.

If you are wary and pick a really good driveway paver, they will help you make all the most important decisions with regards to your project, including the recommended driveway technique, the favoured location and the best materials. And that is not the end of it, because they'll also take care of all the design, preparation and planning that's required for your new driveway installation to go like clockwork.

Gravel Driveways

Of all the available styles, the gravel driveway is the most economical and easiest. Gravel driveways are especially popular in rural settings, and despite their inherent simplicity they can be exceptionally attractive. Given that there's such a wide range of gravel colours and sizes, you shouldn't have any trouble locating one that you are satisfied with. A efficient gravel driveway will need a substantial and well-defined edging, and a good solid layer of hardcore. If you apply three or four separate layers of stones, each individual one rolled and left to settle down, you'll get the best quality gravel driveway. You won't need to apply for planning permission with a gravel driveway, seeing as it will be SuDS compliant no matter how big it is, or whether it is in your back or front garden.

Asphalt Driveways

An asphalt driveway, with its smooth, consistent appearance gives instantaneous curb appeal to any property or home in. A competent driveway contractor in will provide you with an asphalt driveway that will give you years of satisfaction, with minimal maintenance required. If your local council has restrictions that prevent non-porous materials being used, in order to preclude local flooding, a special porous asphalt substrate enables rainwater to soak into a sub-base.

Asphalt driveways offer extremely good value for money and asphalt is a strong, durable material that is perfect for withstanding freezing and thawing effects of a typical British winter. It is also the easiest driveway substance to remove or repair due to its manufacturing process. If you are concerned about the ecological impact of your driveway installation, it's good to know that asphalt can be removed and recycled for re-use elsewhere.

Block Paved Driveways

Dozens of driveways have appeared in in recent times, created using the block-paving process, which can be very successful when done correctly. Forming attractive and sometimes intricate designs, many hundreds of purpose-made block paving bricks are butted together to create a robust, hard-wearing driveway. The gaps that are left between the blocks are filled with kiln-dried sand which is brushed into the exposed joints, producing a tidy finish. It is recommended to have your block paving driveway sealed after 5 or 6 months with Rycal sealant or something like that. This is vital to stop weed growth. There are many different designs in which block paving is laid, including basketweave, fan, herringbone and stretcher bond.

SuDS Compliant Block Paving Driveways: It's even possible to install a Compliant with SuDS block paving driveway in, if that is what you require. By simply leaving wider spaces between the blockwork and packing them with fine shingle instead of the usual kiln-dried sand, you can achieve a porous paved surface that doesn't need planning permission.

Natural Stone Driveways

The features of natural stone means it continually improves with age. This compact, dense material looks awesome on any driveway and will give a whole lifetime of serviceable use for any motor vehicles you may own throughout the years. The natural colouring and depth of tone gives a unique appearance to every stone driveway, and provides a bespoke look to any garden. When installed by an expert, a natural stone driveway has that all important WOW factor that will complement any house.

A natural stone driveway is also a lot easier to maintain, and is less prone to cracking and damage from weather than concrete based materials. They are a lot easier to clean, and with smaller gaps in between the stones there's less likelihood of weed and seed germination in your driveway. A properly prepared and laid natural stone driveway is a sound investment that will add to the value of your home.

Driveway Cleaning

If you don't have a driveway at this point in time, then clearly cleaning won't be needed, but this is certainly an issue you'll have to plan for at some point. For many householders, maintaining the cleanliness of their driveway is not normally considered a priority. Nevertheless, cleaning your driveway is something that should be done on a fairly regular basis, and is essential from both a maintenance and cosmetic perspective. Weeds and unwanted plant growth can damage your driveway's structure over the years. Existing crevices or cracks can be widened which might eventually trigger structural complications in your driveway.

When you discover that your drive has stains, weed growth or dirt, it's advisable to remove them before things get worse. However, the spring and summer is when you are most likely to notice the growth of moss and weeds, you should not wait till them to power wash your driveway. The look of your driveway can really be blighted by oil, petrol and brake fluid spots from your vehicle. You must get these removed immediately, so that any unattractive discolouration of your driveway's surface is avoided.

You'll need some tools and equipment such as a bucket, a scraper, a broom, a wire brush and detergent, together with a jet washing device, in order to get your driveway suitably clean. If you haven't got the right equipment, or aren't confident in doing it yourself, you can call in a specialist driveway cleaning service, or ask your local driveway installers if they're prepared to do it.

Tarmac Driveways

Because of its durability and strength, tarmac is an ideal choice for surfacing driveways. When installed by a competent driveway company, tarmac doesn't need much maintenance, offers superb weather resistant properties and looks terrific. A tarmac driveway will be able to cope with larger vehicles, like motor-homes and lorries, without damage to the surface or dimpling, and should look pristine for many years to come.

It offers excellent value for money, and tarmac can be coloured to match the surroundings or your requirements. You don't have to have a dreary, conventional looking drive; you can customise your driveway to a colour of your choice. It's entirely possible for a skilled driveway company to put in a new tarmac drive in a single day. This straightforward installation, in conjunction with its simple maintenance and high durability makes a tarmac driveway a perfect choice for just about any property or home.

Resin-Bound Driveways

One of the most frequently seen types of driveway nowadays, resin driveways (or resin-bound driveways) are permeable (porous) and SuDS compliant. Resin driveways can be customized to your specifications and come in a whole host of different designs and patterns. For quicker, and easier installation resin-bound driveways can be laid on top of an existing concrete or tarmac base with less hassle and mess. Resin driveways are easy to clean, maintenance free, durable, permeable, and an awesome alternative to gravel, block paving, tarmac or concrete. When installed by a reputable company, a resin-bound driveway should come with a long guarantee and give many years of excellent service.

Concrete Driveways

Durable, strong and requiring very little maintenance, concrete is an ideal material for driveways. An automatic choice for many folks, concrete is cheaper than block paving or resin, but if installed correctly is stronger and more durable. Most would acknowledge that concrete driveways in general are rather drab and uninspiring. However this doesn't have to be the case, seeing as it's perfectly possible to finish off the surface with a stamped or patterned design.

Driveway Tasks

If you pick your driveway company carefully they will have the skills necessary to help with painted driveways, tar driveways, the maintenance of gravel driveways, coloured tarmac driveways, monoblock driveway installations in the UK, the design of asphalt driveways, permeable driveway installations, the repair of aggregate driveways, bonded gravel driveways, resin driveway installations, driveways with pavers, paving a driveway, cheap driveway ideas, commercial driveway installation, driveway resurfacing, asphalt driveway recycling, driveway cleaning, driveway installation estimates, driveway drainage, driveway replacement, grass driveway installation, driveway culverts, the construction of flagstone driveways, the repair of concrete driveways, driveway markers, gated driveways, granite block driveways, pebble driveways, domestic driveway installations, stone resin driveways and any one of innumerable additional driveway related services in the UK. Listed are just a handful of the duties that are conducted by people specialising in driveways. Driveway providers will be happy to inform you of their whole range of services

More Advice and Guidance

By taking a look at YouTube videos you are able to discover how to put in a resin bound driveway. Social media is clearly the place where the majority of homeowners in the UK head these days when they are searching for ideas and images for products and services. If that is what you love to do and you're presently searching for information on driveway installation check this out. You should pay a visit to Rated People or the government backed Trustmark website, if you want to conduct a search for licensed local driveway contractors in the UK. The dedicated Wikipedia "driveways" page is the place to head over to for details of the purposes of driveways, the different sorts of driveways, the local legislation regarding driveways and the materials used for driveways. To read a useful article about how to choose a driveway check this out.

Driveway Questions

Over the last few weeks I have been looking through the questions homeowners in the UK ask regarding driveways. A number of our visitors have submitted justifiable questions that are relevant to this article. The ones I picked out were, "Where can I buy driveway gravel?" "When should you seal your driveway?" "Should a concrete driveway have rebar?" "How do driveway drains work?" "What happens if driveway sealer freezes?" "How much does the average driveway cost?" I hope nearly all of those questions have been dealt with on this page, and if some remain unanswered a driveway "Q&A" feature will be introduced in the near future. My gratitude goes out to the following homeowners in the UK for making the effort to pose their excellent questions; Kaiden Clarkson, Sarah Crawford, Tony Mcdonald and Jane Mcgrady. It was also fantastic to get offerings from Noah Weston in Newlands, Aaliyah Cowell in Hadleigh and Isaac Friend in Fobbing.

Skip Hire for Driveways

When you're carrying out a driveway installation project in the UK, or any other kind of home or garden revamp, it's likely that a certain volume of rubbish and waste will be generated that can't be disposed of in your regular household wheelie bins. Actually, in most regions, construction or garden materials must be disposed of in a controlled and eco-friendly way, in accordance with local authority legislation. Consequently if you are to stay safely within the law, you'll have to transport your waste materials to a recognised disposal and recycling site, generally a council tip. If you do not want to be carting waste materials back and forth to your nearby Domestic Recycling Centre, it may be better to look for skip hire in your area.

By using an established skip hire contractor, you'll be given assurances that all of your waste will be driven to an authorised site, and will be disposed of correctly and safely. Even so, it's crucial to establish the form of waste materials that will be generated by the driveway project, and you can go through this with your chosen contractor and the skip hire provider concerned. If there's a chance that asbestos containing materials might be involved, the skip hire company will need to divide the dangerous waste into a totally separate disposal system for health and safety reasons. Hazardous waste is best left to the professionals, and strict regulations cover it's safe disposal. To make sure all guidelines and regulations are addressed appropriately, both your driveway installer and the skip hire firm will work together.

The perfect solution is if you happen to have a space when a skip can be sited on your garden or drive. On the reverse side of the coin, if you do not have a suitable area, and you park your vehicle on the main road, you might need to seek the help of your neighbours, and see whether they can leave a space for your skip someplace close to the work area. A skip which is placed on a driveway or private land doesn't need a permit, but if it has to go on a public highway in the UK it will definitely need a temporary local authority skip permit, get hold of them to see whether you need one. This will guarantee there are no problems with regards to siting your skip.

Skip hire providers offer skips of all shapes and sizes, and you can rent anything from skip bags and mini-skips right up to builders skips and gigantic roll-on roll-off monstrosities. To hire a skip for your project in the UK, CLICK HERE for a quote.

Great Techniques for a Great Curb Appearance for Your Home

How your home looks, and it's perceived market value, can skyrocket if you have the proper curb appeal. People that go into your home, or see it from the street, this perception is what curb appeal is all about. Curb appeal is something that may be important to you, or something that you simply want to do so that people passing by will look at your home and be impressed with what they see.

Contributing to the appeal of your homes curb, are how your windows appear. By all means, cleanliness of the windows is the first thing to make sure of. Very little can lessen the way a home appears to people than windows that are unclean. The above mentioned is crucial for the exterior and interior home alike. If there are any broken panes anywhere, even in the basement, these should be replaced as soon as possible. Without a doubt, windows are vital for the insulation of the house on top of how it looks. If your windows aren't very energy efficient, it may be time to replace them. Consider getting shutters, provided you do not own them, since this is one thing that could truly add character to the way your home looks, particularly if you paint them the color that is perfect.

People that drive by should see a home that is joyful and cozy, something that you should make a priority as you improve your curb appeal. How you do this will depend on your tastes, but there's no need to spend a lot of money or go to extremes. Potted plants, perhaps with colorful flowers can spruce up just about any area outside your home, from the front to the back porch. Choose a few specific locations (windowsills, front porch, etc.) that you think would benefit from adding foliage to the front of your home. As for furniture, you should put some on the lawn - you might want to add wicker furniture which is very friendly. Lawn decorations are another option, but you shouldn't go too far with this.

Curb appeal does not stop when the sun goes down; night time is just as crucial. Lighting can set the tone for your home, giving it character. Your porch needs to be properly lit with lights that will emanate enough light to look appealing. Your can enhance your flower beds by installing showy lights that will give it a nice glow during the night. Your will find a huge assortment of outdoor lights to fit just about any need; from the antique lantern to fancy solar lights. When it is gloomy and the weather is wet, daytime or nighttime, lights like these will send out a message exuding safe shelter to your friends and impending home buyers.

An appealing curb could be affected by numerous aspects, hence there is wisdom in examining your home from all areas. Construct a list of all things that need your attention, provided there are many, and then put them in order of greatest importance. Afterward, make a time frame of working on these problems, regardless of whether you hire someone or do the work yourself. Perhaps you can come up with some ideas by yourself, but the above tips can get you off to a great start.

Doing a Search Online

It is considerably simpler to look for a tradesman or service right now than it was in the past, given that we've got the advantage of technology and can just do a search on the web. Immediate and pertinent results are the reward of searching with Bing, Google or Yahoo, which were created for this exact role. One drawback can be that the first page results displayed by the major search engines might not be exactly the ones you were after. Typing in "UK driveways", "driveways in the UK", "driveway installers near me" or "driveways" will normally be the process to use when looking for a driveway specialist in the UK. You need to know that the 4 top results are often PPC advertisements (which may or may not be on-topic), and lots of the remaining page one listings will likely be from large trade portals like Checkatrade, My Hammer, Rated People, My Builder, TrustaTrader or Bark or web directories such as Gumtree, Yelp, Scoot or Yell. Odd job men usually don't have substantial budgets to push their websites to the uppermost rankings, so you're liable to find these out-of-the-way lower down the listings perhaps on the second or third pages. Approved tradesmen websites like Rated People or Checkatrade are still handy though, and you will be able to make full use of their informative services to examine customers appraisals, obtain free quotes and read through reviews, since there are local driveway pavers on there who do not even have a website.

Driveway Installer Services

Find Driveway Pavers in the UK Here

• Block Paving Driveways
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More Tradespeople: Whilst you may just be looking for someone who can do driveway installation in the UK, you can also find garden clearance in the UK, a builder in the UK, a landscape gardener in the UK, a bricklayer in the UK, SKIP HIRE in the UK, a decking specialist in the UK, a garden designer in the UK, pressure washing in the UK, a fencing contractor in the UK, a gardener in the UK, an electrician in the UK, a carpenter in the UK, driveway cleaning in the UK, a tiler in the UK, a lawn care specialist in the UK, patio laying in the UK, waste removal in the UK, property extension in the UK.

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