Driveways

Driveway surfaces can be created from a wide variety of materials, depending on the requirements of the customer. Driveways can be subject to planning permission following new Government legislation introduced in 2008. 

One of the most popular options for UK homeowners is block and brick paving. Available in a wide range of designs and colours with a variety of kerbs, edges and drainage systems included, it’s for these reasons that block and brick paving is such a popular option and is widely favoured by homeowners as a means of vastly improving the aesthetics of their property.

Advantages and disadvantages of block and brick paving

Aside from its aesthetic value, block and brick paving is known for its lifelong cost effectiveness, durability, strength, non-slip surface and minimal maintenance. However, despite its many advantages and benefits, block and brick paving does have its disadvantages. For example, individual blocks or bricks can come loose or break. Block paving can also suffer from weeds pushing up through the surface and when that happens it is very difficult to deal with without resorting to toxic herbicides which can run off into the garden.

Other types of surface material worth considering

• Imprinted concrete – has the advantage of being relatively weed free and stain resistant. It doesn’t require much maintenance and can last a lifetime. It is formed from a single sheet of concrete and has a specially hardened surface which is very resilient. A permanent imprinted pattern gives it a non-slip surface and a colourant embedded into the concrete means the colour will never fade.

• Tarmac – this can be the cheapest option available and it is also the easiest surface to apply, but it can also melt in hot weather and therefore requires a lot of maintenance. It can also bubble up and crack and every four years the tarmac surface needs to be resealed. During this process the surface needs to dry out for a few days before you can use it again.

• Shingle – can move all over the place and so a better idea is Resin Bonded Gravel which can be applied in a number of ways. Resin Bound Surfacing embeds gravel within a layer of resin which is applied to a depth of between 15mm to 18mm. It is permeable and prevents the problem of loose aggregate. Resin Bonded Surfacing involves the laying down of a cold resin screed, dressing it with aggregate and removing the excess. This type of surface is not permeable. It can be confused with ‘Tar & Chip’ which will fail within six months according to one Resin Bonded Gravel company, so it is important to ascertain whether the surface offered by the company you approach really is a bonded gravel surface or not.

• AquaPave Permeable Substrate – this consists of honeycomb plastic panels bedded on sharp sand and overlaid with resin bound gravel. This is water permeable and has been described as being very environmentally friendly.

Eco-friendly alternatives

The most eco-friendly surface however is a Bioverse surface which consists of interlocking bioverse modules which allow water to drain away with grass growing up between each module from seed sown beneath the surface.

Benefits of an attractive driveway

• Increases the attractiveness of your home.

• Makes it look more welcoming and inviting – enhancing its curb appeal.

• Adds value to your property.