Resin Driveways Hampshire

When you look at your existing driveway, you are probably thinking you would have done it differently to make it more practical, or to make it look more attractive. You wouldn’t say your drive had to put up with heavy traffic but it was enough to leave those unsightly cracks. Car tire marks, oil drips, dirt build up, moss growth and other signs of everyday use shows on your driveway. This makes your whole property look old and neglected. Have you started contemplating a refurbishment project yet? Great decision but you need to be sure you select a material that will be able to perform better than the old one, that can withstand the wear and tear.

A general rule of thumb is to avoid the cheapest materials on the market. The result will be a lot more money spent on renovation and a driveway with a very short lifespan, so you definitely want to avoid that.

The size of your brand new driveway is another factor to consider. A long driveway will require a lot more material. The cost is determined by the size of your driveway, the material you chose, as well as the design you go for.

Last, but not least, think about the weather conditions. Living in the UK means you need to face the harsh elements on a daily basis. Rains are a huge part of the climate, and that means you need something that will protect the safety of your driveway. That being said, what are your options? Here are the classic ones.

Concrete

Considered the most popular residential driveway option, concrete can recreate the look of natural stone, bricks, or pavers. Custom designs are available, giving your home a unique entrance. Concrete is versatile, and cheap compared to some options like bricks. Depending on the size and decorative additions you choose, the cost will go up or down. The more specialised the design is, the higher the price will be.

Advantages of concrete

• Relatively easy to maintain throughout the year,
• Used for massive building projects due to its strength
• With additional work, can be transformed into different patterns

Disadvantages of concrete

• Concrete may crack over time. Some of the reasons for cracking include lack of control joints, improper strength poured, excess water, and much more
• Cars can leave oil stains or tire marks on concrete
• Pouring a concrete driveway is challenging, as it requires a skilled installer to avoid problems

Here we explore in greater depth some frequently mentioned problems with concrete driveways.

Gravel

On first glance, gravel driveways appear simple. However, there is more than it meets the eye. There are many things you need to pay attention to when using gravel as a driveway surfacing option. You need to spend money up front for proper installation. Laying affordable gravel driveways often  results in improper instalment.

With regular maintenance, gravel can have a lifetime durability. The type of gravel you chose depends on the area you live in, but angular shapes are generally better than round. Maintenance includes weed control and top-dressing, as well as grading as needed and keeping the rocks out of the yard.

Advantages

• Suitable for large driveways that require a lot of material,
• Easier to maintain than asphalt or concrete as it doesn’t need machinery or special tools,
• Gravel can bring out the natural beauty of your house easily,
• It is permeable when installed properly. This means rainwater will penetrate directly into the earth, replenishing groundwater

Disadvantages

•  Snow removal from a bumpy surface is a hassle. And removing the rocks that get pushed into the yard after shovelling is even bigger challenge,
• Weeds creep up through the rocks, meaning you need to pull frequently or use a weed killer to keep your driveway looking nice,
• Gravel shifts over time, which leaves grooves where water can puddle. While they can be levelled out with more gravel, it means you need to add gravel constantly,
• Driving over gravel produces more dust than any other type of driveway material,
• To prevent shifting, you will need to install stabilisers to keep the gravel in place. That will bump up the price cost

If you opt for gravel, always use local stone for a colour that looks more natural and in harmony with the surroundings of your area. Find more about common problems with gravel driveways.

Asphalt

Made with stone aggregates, asphalt is a popular choice for residential driveways. The main benefit of asphalt is its price. Because it has a low-cost price, and offers durability, asphalt is a nice budget option. However, in recent years, with rise of popularity of concrete, asphalt has dropped down. The technology of asphalt has advanced to a point there is more than the boring black surface. One popular option is recycled asphalt. Some techniques allow for creating of coloured and stamped asphalt driveway. The colours tend to fade quickly though.

Maintenance requires cleaning at least twice per year using a stiff broom and strong hose spray. With ongoing commitment to proper maintenance, your asphalt driveway can last anywhere between 5 and 20 years, and it all depends on the quality of installation, usage, and climate.

Advantages of asphalt

• Economical and affordable option,
• Flexible in extreme climate conditions,
• Long lifespan

Disadvantages of asphalt

• Style limitations. There are colouring techniques, but unless , asphalt is black,
• Requires high maintenance. In addition to cleaning, you need to reseal and resurface regularly,
• Prone to damage during extreme heat or frost. Surfaces in very hot or very cold climates are susceptible to harsh weather

What sets resin driveways Hampshire above the rest?

With all the talk about options for your driveway, we are finally at the product that is superior to the above surfaces. A relatively new product on the UK market, resin has been used in Australia for years.

The reason is simple, resin bound surfacing methods is very resistant to adverse climate conditions.

From a myriad choices of aggregates, and an ability to withstand all weather, resin is a multi-purpose material. We provide a huge range of resin bound driveways, which give your hard-wearing surface best value for the money you spend.

Resin will improve the kerb appeal, but most importantly, it will allow water to drain naturally through the finished surface. Resin can be installed in 48 hours, giving your home a completely new look. Here are some advantages of resin bound driveways.

In need of a specific type of surfacing?

Did you know our services do not only cover residential driveways alone? We pride ourselves in laying fully customised patios, garden pathways and walkways, pool surrounds, fantastic kids play areas that can be designed to any requirement of your little ones.

We also specialise in sports surfacing for different purposes with tennis courts resurfacing as our ultimate favourite. If there is something we didn’t mention, we probably can do that too.

We source our aggregates from reliable and experienced manufacturer and our work turnover is swift yet thorough.

That’s because we know what we are doing, every step of your project. Contact us today to let us know what’s on your mind. Use any button below to take you to a relevant website or call us on 0800 1700 636 today.