The choices of driveway surfaces available have dramatically increased over recent years, not only that but the colours, patterns and designs of each surface has really accelerated too. Here we take a look at the advantages and disadvantages are of some of the most common surfaces on the market.
Resin Driveways
If you are looking for a versatile driveway that really adds kerb appeal to your property, then resin could be the choice for you. Advantages include an abundance of colours to choose from, fully porous, low maintenance and hard-wearing meaning if installed correctly, so you’ll not only have a beautiful driveway but one that will last for many years to come.
Some of the disadvantages are if a patch needs to be replaced it can be tough to replace; this is because the aggregates used are natural stones and colours can change over time. In comparison to other driveway surfaces, resin is expensive.
Tarmac Driveways
A very cost-effective surface, so if you’re looking to cover a large area or working within a budget this could be the surface for you, tarmac will provide you with a durable, practical driveway that should last for many years if maintained throughout.
Tarmac won’t give your driveway the wow factor; it’s black in colour that may fade to grey over time, so doesn’t offer much choice in terms of colour.
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveways
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveways (PIC) are a relatively new driveway surface that will certainly add kerb appeal to any property, a surface type that comes with a wide variety of colours and designs. This extremely hard-wearing surface will also provide you with excellent value for money.
You could find once installed that this surface may be slippery on the foot when wet, even with the very best installation company it can be unavoidable for small hairline cracks to appear.
Indian Flagstone Driveways
Another surface choice that can look visually stunning. It is also a low maintenance and cost-effective driveway choice. You will be sure to have installed a driveway that will get the neighbours talking, providing a great outdoor area.
You may find yourself having to keep up to lichen, and other unwanted contamination as Indian Flagstone is susceptible to this kind of growth, making it a potentially a bit of hazard on the foot when wet.
Gravel Driveways
If you’re looking for a driveway that can provide an impact with colour then gravel could be the option for you with many available and growing, it’s a very quick driveway to install should you be under a time restraint for the installation.
The gravel may loosen over time so you will need to keep topping this up, it’s not ideal for the elderly or the disabled as it can provide an unsteady surface. It isn’t great for keeping clean as it can hold dirt and grime, so it will need to be looked after all year round.
Block Paved Driveways
A driveway that will last the test of time, designs and colours in abundance, so you can be assured to have a driveway that will fit right in with any property type. Block paving provides you with an excellent value for money driveway.
Although the driveway itself will provide great value, the cost of the maintenance could be extremely high as it’s prone to weeds, lichen and moss that could occur all year round.
Driveway Installation Companies
Whoever you choose to install your new driveway be sure to do your research, read some testimonials and look through their reviews, most installation companies will welcome you asking questions and wanting to see previous work.
Installation companies should be fully insured, thoroughly trained and hold industry approved accreditations. In this instance, they should be able to offer you a lengthy guarantee and the driveway and the installation itself.
