Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. Can’t find the answer you are looking for? No problem simply drop us a line via our query form!

Block Paving FAQs

A properly laid block paving driveway should be built to last and will not sink or move in any way. To achieve this it is essential that the sub base is constructed using concrete and not the normal, loose type 1 aggregate. With this in mind the cost of block paving should be in excess of £100 + VAT per m2.

Block paving is best cleaned by a specialist company using a rotating brush and cleaning chemicals. The use and frequent overuse of a jet spray can wash out the sealing sand causing blocks to move and water to destabilise the laying surface.

A well laid block paving driveway should need little maintenance except regular leaf blowing and twice yearly weed killing.

Sealing block paving to stop weeds has varying success and although there are some products from Marshalls which have worked as long as the driveway has been constructed properly.

Permeable block paving is achievable although can prove extremely expensive the permeability is short lived. The blocks are laid onto a permeable base and then the gaps are filled with a very fine grit to allow the water to drain between the gaps in the blocks. If these gaps are not kept clean and free from seasonal detritus they will block up and essentially seal the driveway. It is also very important that no type of permeable driveway is laid in an area with heavy clay soil.

Dropped Kerb FAQs

A dropped kerb (also referred to as a vehicle crossover) is a process that involves the existing kerb stones being lowered whilst the pavement is strengthened and made into a ramp to provide easy vehicle access to a driveway.

A dropped kerb or VCO (vehicle cross over) can vary in cost depending on the area size, complexity of the build due to manholes, BT covers etc and the location. There is also a fee to be paid to the relevant highways department. A standard VCO ranges from £1700 – £3000 plus vat.

A dropped kerb or VCO must have permission granted by the local highways department. This is normally done through their website and takes around 10 days.

To apply for a dropped kerb you must contact your local council to submit your application. We work closely with the West Sussex County Council Highways Department to install legally constructed dropped kerbs.

Resin Driveway FAQs

A resin bound driveway is a popular surfacing solution that is a result from mixing resin and aggregates together, to form a smooth, flat and modern finish, often referred to as a ‘stone carper’.

Resin Bound Gravel installation can range from £40 – £200 per m2 depending on the complexity of the install and existing surface.

Resin Bound Gravel must always be laid onto a well constructed, tarmac base. Laying on top of concrete has long term implications due to cracking.

Resin bound gravel if properly installed can last around 20 + years. This will be influenced by maintenance, usage and the dynamics of the driveway itself.

The best way to clean Resin Bound Gravel driveways is to use a leaf blower regularly in dry weather to blow the dust and dirt from the weave of the stone. Twice yearly application of weed and moss killer will also help keep small surface growth at bay.

A properly installed Resin Bound Gravel driveway should never have weeds coming up through the base. In some cases there may be small weeds growing within the weave of the stone, however this is rare and very easily treated with a decent weedkiller and regular leaf blowing in dry weather.

Resin Bound Gravel can be installed using a fully permeable, SUDS compliant method as long as the soil underneath the sub base is free draining and does not contain clay.

The curing time after a Resin Bound Gravel driveway is installed can range from 1 – 8 hours depending on the temperature. In cold weather curing times are greatly increased.

Tarmac FAQs

Tarmac or Asphalt is certainly the most cost effective way to surface an area. Prices can range from £20 – £100 per m2 depending on access, complexity of project and existing base. Coloured and commercial tarmac can be significantly more.

Tarmac is short for tarmacadam, a road surfacing material made by combining macadam surfaces, tar, and sand. The mixture is then laid and compacted using a vibrating roller to form a smooth and neat finish.

Moss on tarmac is fairly common and is best treated twice yearly using a specialist moss killer.

Most tarmac is not permeable although there are specialised, permeable tarmac systems available. They can be expensive and not suitable for a long term approach.

Tarmac is best cleaned using a specialised brush system that gently scrubs the surface with warm water and cleaning chemicals.

Tarmac pertly cures in 24 hours although can take significantly longer in the warmer months. In most cases it is best after a full season on weather changes.

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