Is Tarmac a Good Option for a Driveway?

When it comes to laying a new driveway, you have to think about the size, durability, and, most importantly, material. There are some great options for laying a drive, from resin to block paving. But what about tarmac? In this post, we’ll answer all your questions about tarmac and answer the burning question: is tarmac a good option for a drive?

Is tarmac ideal for a driveway?

The short answer is yes! Tarmac is strong, durable, and incredibly resilient to heavy use. Tarmac has been a chosen material for driveways for years, and it’s usually the popular choice in commercial areas where heavy goods vehicles are frequently used.

If you’re looking for a material that lasts the test of time, tarmac can be a great option.

Is tarmac easy to maintain?

It’s relatively easy to maintain a tarmac driveway. We usually recommend a bi-annual jetwash to keep it looking its best. In between, just regular sweeping is all you need to keep your drive dust and debris-free.

Block paving is more susceptible to weeds and moss growing through the cracks, but this isn’t such an issue with tarmac.

What is the lifespan of a tarmac driveway?

On average, a tarmac driveway will last between ten and fifteen years before it will need repair work or a full replacement. However, with some regular maintenance, it can last much longer.

Over the years, tarmac can begin to crack, especially with extremely cold or hot weather conditions. It’s usually pretty easy and affordable to repair these small cracks, so you won’t need to replace your tarmac driveway for some time.

Is tarmac environmentally friendly?

Contrary to popular belief, tarmac is a recyclable material, and since it is so long-lasting, it’s an environmentally friendly option. There are some great asphalt options that reduce carbon emissions, which means your new driveway won’t have a negative impact on the environment.

What are the alternatives to tarmac for driveways?

If you’re looking to get a new driveway laid, you’re not limited to tarmac. At J Davies Building, we have a range of driveway options for your property, including:

• Block paving
• Modern resin
• Tarmac
• Thermoplastic lining

The right option for your property will depend on the look you’re going for and your budget. But we’ll be happy to walk you through all your options to help you make the best choice.

Get a quote for a new driveway today

Our team of driveway specialists installs tarmac driveways throughout Brighton, Burgess Hill the Brighton and Sussex areas. Whether you’re looking for a new tarmac driveway or you’re interested in a different material, we can help.

Call our team today to arrange a free consultation, and we’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote for a stunning new driveway: 01444 873 080

Affordable Paving Options for Your Patio

Many people believe that to have a quality patio, it needs to be expensive. In reality, you can have cheap paving without compromising on quality. In fact, many of the most popular options for garden patios are also some of the cheapest materials available. If you’re looking for affordable paving options for your patio, this post will show you some of the best materials to use.

Most affordable patio paving materials

There are three materials that are popular for paving and cheap options for those on a budget.

Limestone

Limestone is one of the cheapest paving materials on the market and the perfect choice for a bold finish. Limestone comes in various colours, with deep tones looking stunning in the sun and rain.

Black limestone, in particular, is rising in popularity and is great for disguising spills and marks.

Sandstone

Another affordable option is sandstone. Perfect for a classic look, sandstone looks modern but won’t break the bank. Sandstone has all the charm of a natural stone, with beautiful colour variations. You can get tones of brown and grey and really brighten up a space in the summer.

Brick

For a rustic but timeless option, brick is incredibly affordable. It takes more time to lay than slabs but has more variety when it comes to patterns. Brick is very affordable (especially if you get it salvaged) and will last for years.

Brick is porous, and since there are more grout lines, it does take more upkeep than other options, but it’s great if you’re looking for a stylish patio on a budget.

Cheap paving to avoid

It’s great to find affordable paving for a budget garden makeover, but there are a few red flags you should look out for when choosing paving slabs.

Uncalibrated paving

Uncalibrated paving has variations in the thickness of each slab, making it very difficult to lay flat. A good landscaper will be able to get a level finish, but it will take longer and bump up the price of the installation.

Thin paving slabs

Very cheap paving slabs are usually thin, which is how the price is kept low. Although you’ll pay less upfront, thin slabs are much more likely to crack over time, which means costly repairs in the future. Look for slabs above 15mm for the best finish.

Used paving slabs

Salvaged brick can be a great option for a patio but used paving slabs can have issues. Often referred to as “seconds”, these slabs have already been used and likely have some damage. Hairline cracks and chips can be difficult to spot but will almost certainly lead to bigger problems in the future.

Get a quote for a new patio in Brighton

If you’re looking to get a new patio for your garden, we’d be happy to give you a quote. At J Davies Building, we are experts at patio paving and have a range of options to suit all budgets.

No matter the size, shape, or customisations you’re looking for, we guarantee you’ll be happy with the work. Call us today to get a free quote: 01444 873 080

How Do You Look After a New Driveway?

Having a new driveway installed always looks fantastic, but without proper maintenance, it can start looking old and tired fast. Keeping your new drive looking its best only takes minimal maintenance and will ensure your drive looks good and functions well for years to come. In this post, our driveway experts in Brighton will share their best tips for looking after a new driveway after it’s installed.

Initial cleaning tips for your new driveway

For the first month, don’t do any vigorous cleaning on your driveway. Jet washing or scrubbing could remove the jointing material and impact the performance of the new paving. Instead, stick to sweeping for the first month to give the materials ample time to settle and harden.

If you have block paving, you may need to top up the jointing with sand since it can settle and drop. All you need to do is sweep some sand across the pavers. Make sure you’ve removed any debris first, so it doesn’t get lodged with the sand.

General cleaning and maintenance

No matter the quality of your driveway, you’ll always get weeds, moss, and algae build-up over time. But with a simple cleaning routine for your new driveway, it’s much easier to keep these at bay.

• On a dry day, brush your driveway with a stiff-bristled brush to remove dust, dirt, and loose debris.
• Pull out and scrape away weeds and moss that have grown in the gaps or around the edges.
• Use soapy water and your brush to scrub the driveway.
• Hose it down with clean water.

You don’t need to regularly jet wash your driveway unless it’s stained or the dirt won’t lift with soapy water and a brush.

Don’t use acid-based cleaning solutions, as these can erode away the materials of your new drive and cause premature cracking.

Removing weeds from your driveway

Weeds usually establish in the joints of block paving and are less common on tarmac or resin driveways. Pull out weeds regularly to keep them at bay and replace and jointing sand that’s removed with the weeds.

If you have a significant weed problem, weedkillers are usually safe to use on driveways. However, use sparingly and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Removing oil and grease stains

Oil leaks will quickly penetrate a driveway and become difficult to remove, so it’s best to act quickly.

• Blot the stain with kitchen roll or old cloths to absorb as much of the stain as possible.
• Scrub the area with soapy water and rinse with hot water. The soap will bind to the oil and lift it away if it’s soaked into the driveway.
• Repeat this step a number of times if the stain is stubborn.

For stubborn oil and grease stains that won’t budge, you can use a degreaser. However, do a patch test first to make sure it doesn’t remove the colour from your new driveway.

In need of a new driveway?

If your driveway is old and past the point of saving, it might be time to replace it with a modern alternative. At J Davies Building, we specialise in resin, tarmac, and block paving driveways and serve clients throughout Sussex and beyond. To get some free, no-obligation advice about your driveway, call our team today: 01444 873 080

How to Choose a Commercial Tarmacking Company

Tarmac is an extremely popular choice for surfaces that see a lot of use. Its strength and durability make it the ideal choice for our roads, pathways, and motorways. But the results you get will heavily depend on the quality of the commercial tarmacking company you choose. A poor-quality pour will lead to cracks and potholes quickly, so it’s important to choose the right contractor for the job. Here are five factors to check when choosing a commercial tarmacking company in Sussex.

Flexibility

When it comes to commercial road laying, a flexible approach is required. Commercial jobs often run over schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, and contractors will sometimes be required to work at late or early hours to accommodate local residents, etc.

The commercial tarmacking firm you hire should have a flexible, personalised approach that caters to your requirements. Each project is slightly different, so choose a firm that looks at the finer details.

Experience

In such a competitive industry, experience is key. Trusted firms are around for the long run because they provide quality materials and an excellent service. Safety and reliability are never compromised when a firm has a track record of great results. Not to mention that expertise usually means quicker completion times, saving you time and money on your project.

Commercial capabilities

Domestic tarmacking has totally different requirements from commercial tarmacking. So, make sure the contractors you work with have the capabilities to handle larger, commercial projects.

At J Davies Driveways, we work with both domestic and commercial clients throughout Sussex. We have the team, materials, and equipment to take on large commercial projects and focus on delivering quality no matter the size.

A friendly team

Large commercial contracts can take time to complete, so it’s important you have the right chemistry with the team you choose. During your initial consultation, make sure you gel with the contractor and the team are easy to speak to. Gauge how open the contractors are by asking questions; openness and a willingness to communicate are important on any commercial project.

Pricing

It’s important to keep costs down on commercial projects without compromising on quality. We aim to provide a stellar service for an affordable price, which is why we are the chosen contractor for countless commercial tarmacking projects throughout Sussex.

Your local, professional commercial tarmac company

At J Davies Building, we specialise in commercial tarmacking. We have an outstanding reputation in Sussex for our services and regularly work with businesses and local authorities. We take a personalised approach to each commercial contract and will tailor our services to your needs, no matter how large or small the project.

To arrange a free consultation and to talk to someone about your commercial tarmacking needs, call our team today: 01444 873 080

Affordable Paving Options for Your Patio

Many people believe that to have a quality patio, it needs to be expensive. In reality, you can have cheap paving without compromising on quality. In fact, many of the most popular options for garden patios are also some of the cheapest materials available. If you’re looking for affordable paving options for your patio, this post will show you some of the best materials to use.

Most affordable patio paving materials

There are three materials that are popular for paving and cheap options for those on a budget.

Limestone

Limestone is one of the cheapest paving materials on the market and the perfect choice for a bold finish. Limestone comes in various colours, with deep tones looking stunning in the sun and rain.

Black limestone, in particular, is rising in popularity and is great for disguising spills and marks.

Sandstone

Another affordable option is sandstone. Perfect for a classic look, sandstone looks modern but won’t break the bank. Sandstone has all the charm of a natural stone, with beautiful colour variations. You can get tones of brown and grey and really brighten up a space in the summer.

Brick

For a rustic but timeless option, brick is incredibly affordable. It takes more time to lay than slabs but has more variety when it comes to patterns. Brick is very affordable (especially if you get it salvaged) and will last for years.

Brick is porous, and since there are more grout lines, it does take more upkeep than other options, but it’s great if you’re looking for a stylish patio on a budget.

Cheap paving to avoid

It’s great to find affordable paving for a budget garden makeover, but there are a few red flags you should look out for when choosing paving slabs.

Uncalibrated paving

Uncalibrated paving has variations in the thickness of each slab, making it very difficult to lay flat. A good landscaper will be able to get a level finish, but it will take longer and bump up the price of the installation.

Thin paving slabs

Very cheap paving slabs are usually thin, which is how the price is kept low. Although you’ll pay less upfront, thin slabs are much more likely to crack over time, which means costly repairs in the future. Look for slabs above 15mm for the best finish.

Used paving slabs

Salvaged brick can be a great option for a patio but used paving slabs can have issues. Often referred to as “seconds”, these slabs have already been used and likely have some damage. Hairline cracks and chips can be difficult to spot but will almost certainly lead to bigger problems in the future.

Get a quote for a new patio in Brighton

If you’re looking to get a new patio for your garden, we’d be happy to give you a quote. At J Davies Building, we are experts at patio paving and have a range of options to suit all budgets.

No matter the size, shape, or customisations you’re looking for, we guarantee you’ll be happy with the work. Call us today to get a free quote: 01444 873 080

How Much Does a New Driveway Cost?

Whether you’re looking to add value to your home or you’re sick of on-street parking, you’ve probably wondered, how much does a new driveway cost? Adding a driveway to a property is a well-known way of adding value to a home, and it’s a great investment, but several factors affect how much it will cost to install. In this post, we’ll take you through the average costs of installing a driveway in Sussex, so you have a better idea.

What affects the cost of a new driveway?

Before you can begin your driveway installation project, there are two key factors you need to consider that will dramatically affect the price.

DIY vs professional

If you have a front garden you want to turn into a driveway, you’re going to need professional help excavating the ground, ensuring there’s adequate drainage, and creating a level surface.

However, if you have a driveway already in place that you’d like to update, you might decide to do some of the grunt work yourself by removing block paving or digging up the old tarmac.

If you want a professional finish that adds value to your home, it’s best to leave the project to the professionals. But be aware that more groundwork means a higher price for your new driveway.

Driveway materials

This is the other main factor that will affect the cost. You have a few options, including resin, block paving, and tarmac.

In general, tarmac is the most affordable option, and block paving tends to cost more. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, so we’ll walk you through the pricing and best options to help you make the best decision for your property and budget.

How much does the average driveway cost?

Around 80% of the cost of a new driveway goes towards the groundwork you don’t actually see. This includes the garden conversion, removal of materials, drainage, and the sub-base. The other 20% of the price is the materials you decide to go with.

For materials, the price starts at around £30 per square metre but can jump up to over £100, depending on the material you go with.

Since it’s difficult to give an accurate idea of the average price, we provide free consultations to our clients in Sussex. We’ll assess your property and give you a no-obligation quote for a new driveway based on the size and materials.

This is the best way to know how much you need to budget and breaks down the differences in the price of different driveway materials.

Get a price for a driveway today

If you’re curious about how much a new driveway would cost you, we’re here to give you a free quote. We’ll arrange a convenient time to visit your property, assess the space, and walk you through your options.

We try our best to stick to our clients’ budgets, so we’ll go over the prices for different materials with you, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Call us today to arrange your free quote: 01444 873 080

What Are the Disadvantages of Resin Driveways?

Resin driveways have exploded in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They are durable, easy to maintain, and look modern. But what are the disadvantages of resin driveways? And are they the right choice for every property in Sussex? In this post, we’ll look at the drawbacks and alternatives of resin driveways.

Disadvantages of Resin Driveways

Resin driveways are made using resin-bound surfacing, which is a layering process that mixes aggregates with a clear polyurethane resin.

The mixture is smoothed down to create a level surface, leaving you with a low-maintenance, smart-looking driveway.

But what are the drawbacks?

Not great for heavy usage

If you have a driveway that regularly endures heavy traffic, resin probably isn’t the best option. Although it’s a robust option, heavy wear and tear can lead to cracking over time. Cracked resin can be pricey to repair, so we sometimes recommend something heavier duty for clients with well-used driveways.

Weed and Moss Growth

Resin is a low-maintenance option for driveways, and you’ll have significantly fewer weeds than a block paving alternative. Having said that, you will inevitably get some moss and weed growth, which can make the surface slippery.

However, with light, regular cleaning, you can easily keep moss and weeds at bay. Many local window cleaners now provide resin driveway cleaning as an additional service if you want to keep up with regular maintenance.

Advantages of resin driveways

Of course, resin driveways come with some great benefits, which is why they are becoming one of the most popular choices for new driveways in Brighton.

Visually appealing

We can pour resin driveways in various colours, giving you a great choice when customising your new drive. There is also the option for customisations such as house number, which looks fantastic and adds kerb appeal.

Low cost

Compared to other solutions, resin-based driveways are relatively affordable. It’ll cost around £50 per square metre, which is reasonable for a standard driveway. For a block paving alternative, you’re looking at around £80 per square metre.  

Fast installation

Compared to other driveway solutions, resin is also relatively fast to install. Most installations only take a few days, depending on the level of groundwork needed for preparation. Rain and bad weather will delay resin driveway installation since the rain can affect the glue needed for the aggregate.

Want to know your options for a new driveway in Sussex?

Overall, resin driveways are a great option for homeowners in Sussex. At J Davies Building, we regularly install professional resin drives for customers in Brighton and throughout the region.

But if you’re unsure whether resin is the right choice for your home, our experts can help. We provide free, no-obligation visits to assess your current drive and walk you through all the options available for a new driveway.

To book a free consultation with one of our driveway experts today, call us on 01444 873 080

All About Resin Surfaces – Your Questions Answered

Resin bound paving has been used for quite a number of years for public footpaths, car parks and public squares, for instance. Increasingly, it is now also being used by residential and commercial property owners for driveways and private footpaths on properties, in part because it’s become more affordable. But what are resin surfaces, and what advantages do they have over paving, tarmacking or other types of materials used for driveways? Here, we look at the composition of resin surfaces and what makes them beneficial.

The Difference Between Resin Bound and Resin Bonded

The first thing to note is that you will see the terms ‘bound’ and ‘bonded’ used in relation to resin surfaces, and there is a difference. Resin bound paving is created by mixing aggregate stones with resin to form a flexible surface. In resin bonded surfacing, on the other hand, the resin is applied in a thin layer and then aggregate is scattered on top, ‘bonding’ with the resin.

The advantage of the bound process over the bonded one is that in the former, the aggregate is thoroughly mixed in with the resin, so the small stones are firmly kept in place. With resin bonding, the stones can become loose over time, creating unsightly bald patches in the surface, as well as detritus that needs to be brushed away.

Another benefit of bound over bonded resin surfaces is that the former is permeable, allowing rain and other water to soak through to the ground below. Resin bonded surfaces form an impermeable membrane on which, without suitable drainage solutions, water can stand and pool, eventually creating flood risk if left unresolved.

Further Advantages of Resin Bound Surfaces

• Because the aggregate is thoroughly mixed with the resin before being laid, it provides a completely bound, level surface. With no loose stones, this is ideal for accessibility for wheelchairs, pushchairs and so on. The process also means the surface is pretty low maintenance. It only needs sweeping clean of debris like leaves and dirt, and pressure washing once or twice a year to keep it looking as good as new.
• Driveways and pathways that are resin bound also have another benefit: the surface must meet British safety standards in terms of slip resistance, so there are less chances of slips, trips and falls where this is underfoot.
• Good quality resin bound surfaces also use resins that offer resistance to UV rays, ensuring the colour will not fade over time in direct sunlight. And speaking of colour, the resin can come in a wide range, meaning there’s plenty of choice for the client. Resin bound surfaces also resist other extremes of weather, so they won’t warp in warm temperatures or freeze in sub-zero ones either.

Looking for experts in driveways in Brighton, Burgess Hill, Hassocks or more generally across Sussex? At J Davies Building Ltd, we can tell you more about the benefits of resin bound driveways. We also carry out a range of groundworks services, including installation of cross overs and line painting for road or car park markings. Contact us today.

What Are the Best Surfaces for Driveways?

Whether you are considering a new drive for your home or you’re a developer looking at options for driveways for a large scale building project, many of the considerations will be the same. You will want a surface that is hard wearing, long lasting, looks good and comes in within your budget. It’s quite an ask! Luckily, there is plenty of choice when it comes to drive surfaces and all of them have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Which you choose for your project will tend to come down to two main factors: how it looks and how much you can afford to spend. So that you can make a more informed decision, here, we look at a few of the features of each of the surfaces we commonly lay at J Davies Building Ltd.

Tarmacking

Tarmac, or asphalt as it’s also known, is probably the most affordable option on the market, which is great if you have large areas to cover or you’re on a tight budget. It’s also well known as being a pretty tough material – there’s a good reason why it’s the surface chosen for many UK roads and motorways! It offers a pretty smooth finish, but provides more skid resistance than, say, concrete alternatives, and this type of surface also helps reduce splashback. Laid by experts who conduct the proper preparation in terms of groundworks (ie excavating the ground, protecting it with a weed-resistant membrane and layering crushed and compacted concrete to provide a solid base), it will last a long time without cracks or potholes developing. It may not look the prettiest surface, but suitable kerbing can go a long way to making it look neat and tidy.

Resin Surfaces

A little more money to spend? A bound resin surface may be the way to go. This covers up any existing concrete or tarmac surface, utilising this as a firm base. The resin binds aggregate, small stones, to form an attractive yet firm surface. With a range of coloured resins and different sizes and types of aggregates available, resin bound driveways can be customised to complement the look of your home or neighbourhood. It also gives something of the appearance of a gravel driveway without the nuisance of having to endlessly sweep stones back into place! Although the surface is firm and unyielding, it is porous, meaning rainwater drains effortlessly through to the soil below. Resin surfaces are highly durable, UV resistant so they won’t fade and they’re quick and easy to lay too.

Paving

Paving can be done relatively inexpensively if you’re opting for very plain, uniform blocks. Alternatively, designs can be as elaborate as you wish and types of stones are available at most price points. Edging can also add to the cost, to keep the blocks in place and prevent unsightly gaps. And drainage solutions will be required if the blocks you have chosen aren’t permeable. But there is certainly plenty of choice if you want a driveway that’s more visually appealing than tarmac or resin bound alternatives. Again, you want a highly experienced contractor to lay a paved driveway – failure to prepare the ground properly can lead to sinking in high-use areas. But if damage does occur to one or more blocks, it’s much easier to replace these than the whole surface, ensuring a longer life for your driveway.

For expert advice on driveways in Brighton, Burgess Hill, Hassocks or across East Sussex and West Sussex, call on J Davies Building Ltd. With around thirty years’ experience in the industry, we can professionally and properly lay driveways of all types and are local authority approved to construct cross overs (or dropped kerbs) where necessary.

Can the Front of a Property Be Converted to a Driveway?

If you own a property with a front garden and on-street parking is becoming a problem, you may wonder whether it’s viable to create a driveway on your premises instead. It makes a certain amount of sense – insurers often regard vehicles as being less vulnerable if they’re on driveways rather than the public road, so if you have the space, it may well be an option. But what do you need to think about before you take the plunge?

Cross Overs and Surface Materials

First of all, you need a dropped kerb – these are also known as cross overs – to ensure you neither damage your vehicle nor the public access pavement when driving into your property. For permission for this, you will need to apply to the local council. They will have their own approved contractors to carry out the work, and provided they can be sure that you can enter or leave the property safely – without causing danger to yourself, other traffic or pedestrians, they will arrange for the work to be carried out.

Then, check you have permitted development rights – and indeed space to park a car or other vehicle on your land! For the standard car, you’ll need at least 2.4m by 4.8m of free land, and the car when parked must not overhang the pavement.

Your next decision comes in your choice of materials. There are various surfaces available when it comes to driveways, the most common being block paving, tarmacking and resin surfaces. Which you select very often comes down to personal choice, but it’s best to spend as much as you can afford to ensure you don’t end up with an unsightly surface that damages your property’s kerb appeal. This could devalue your home if you come to try and sell it in future.

Take SuDS Into Account to Protect Your Local Environment

One major consideration will be the sustainable drainage systems regulations, often known as SuDS. These seek to avoid the increasingly common problem of flooding. Natural surfaces absorb rainwater into the soil where it harmlessly diverts away from properties and ultimately ends up in streams and rivers. But impermeable surfaces allow water to pool and stand, which can eventually cause flooding. SuDS regulations therefore state that new driveways must be constructed of porous materials to avert that risk. Your options include porous block paving, permeable tarmacking, gravel or porous resin surfaces.

Provided you choose a suitable surface that allows rainwater to drain away naturally, planning permission for a driveway is not usually required. If, however, you intend to cover more than five square metres of your front garden with a non-permeable driveway, you will need to seek planning permission, which will specify drainage requirements – and this will cost extra money, not to mention time.

If you’re considering driveways in Brighton, Burgess Hill or Hassocks, or beyond in wider East or West Sussex, it’s a good idea to take advice from a reputable driveways expert, like J Davies Building Ltd. Do this before you invest time and money in the project and we’ll ensure you make the right decisions. Also contact us for general building work including groundworks, line painting and more.