10

Mar

5 Driveway Ideas in Dorset

Driveway Ideas in Dorset

Are you looking to revamp or update your driveway in Dorset? At Dares Surfacing, we understand how to spruce up a drab and dreary driveway, which is why we have put together 5 fantastic ideas below to transform your home!

 

Did you know?

The most popular types of driveways are:

 

1 – Block paving driveways

Block paving can allow for an array of different designs and applications when it comes to your driveway. Just take a look at this beautiful circular, two tone design highlighting the central point of the tree that takes pride of place in this driveway.

5 Driveway Ideas in Dorset

They tend to come in three categories of colour:

  • Red – This will incorporate your bronzes, terracotta, brindle and brick red
  • Yellow – This will incorporate your sandstone, biscuit and sand
  • Grey – this will incorporate your charcoal

 

Pros:

  • Block paving are hard wearing
  • Damaged blocks can be easily removed and changed when necessary
  • Lots of opportunity for different patterns and designs
  • Considered more fade resistant

 

Cons:

  • Blocks may shift as they settle
  • Weeds could grow in the cracks and crevices
  • May take longer to lay
  • Dependent on the size of the area there may need to be additional drainage

 

2- Resin bonded driveways

Resin bonded driveways are very modern in look and feel and can help you establish a minimalist look for your home. Resin-bound paving is a mixture of aggregate stones and resin, a permeable solution and flexible surfacing material.

5 Driveway Ideas in Dorset

There is a beautiful array of colours when it comes to resin driveways such as autumn gold, chocolate and terracotta! It’s easy to maintain and is an aesthetically pleasing surface that gives the appearance of natural gravel without the associated disadvantages.

Pros:

  • Colour will not fade
  • Smooth finish
  • No joins or loose stones
  • Non slip
  • No weed growth
  • Permeable/porous
  • Resistant to petrol, diesel and oil spills

 

Cons:

  • Not best choice for heavy usage
  • quality of installation and material used can vary
  • To ensure the colour will not fade you need to ensure the resin has UV protection
  • Moss growth can cause driveway to become slippery

 

3 – Tarmac Driveways

Simplicity at its finest a tarmac driveway is the perfect way to showcase a minimalist aesthetic. Highly practical and weather resistant, there’s no wonder tarmac is one of the most popular options for driveways!

5 Driveway Ideas in Dorset

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • affordable
  • High weather resistant
  • Highly durable
  • Skid resistant

 

Cons:

  • Light can cause tarmac degradation, becoming brittle
  • Oil can weaken the binder in tarmac and cause cracks
  • Weeds can grow in cracks

 

4 – Gravel Driveways

Popular for their great look and low maintenance, gravel driveways can add that rustic and rural charm to your home. The gravel used for driveways is usually a processed product consisting of rocks, sand and clay. It’s coarse nature is designed for good drainage, allowing water to permeate through. If your property has large tree roots to deal with, or if you’re looking for a cost effective solution for a large area, gravel may just be what you’re looking for!

5 Driveway Ideas in Dorset

Pros:

  • Low cost
  • Easy to maintain
  • Gravel can easily be replenished
  • Great drainage

 

Cons:

  • Gravel could be prone to washing away
  • Weeds can grow more easily
  • Difficult to remove snow
  • Harder to clean

 

5 – Concrete driveways

Known for its strength and durability, a concrete driveway can give your home a modern look with very little maintenance. Although it may be a more expensive option, the benefits of having concrete for your driveway may outweigh the cons. It’s sleek appearance can also be coloured and stamped in order to make interesting designs!

5 Driveway Ideas in Dorset

Pros:

  • Strong and durable
  • Sleek and modern style
  • Low maintenance

 

Cons:

  • May look too plain to some
  • Costly for large areas
  • Can show tyre marks and oil stains
15

Feb

How to Clean Moss off Tarmac Driveways

Cleaning Moss off Tarmac Driveways

For many years, tarmac has been a popular choice for driveways. Tarmac is an enticing choice because the installation cost is often affordable when compared to other materials. While it is aesthetically beautiful and provides an excellent surface for parking automobiles, it may also be a breeding ground for moss. You may be all too familiar with this situation if you own a private tarmac driveway in Dorset.

The rough texture of tarmac makes it an easy breeding ground for moss, which thrives on damp surfaces that hold water. Its uneven surface provides the perfect environment for moss to thrive in tarmac driveways, in that car tyres cannot destroy them as they remain in the gaps.

To clean moss off tarmac driveways in Dorset, it is important to know the right cleaning agents and cleaning tools to use, and the ones to avoid, to prevent damage on the surface. Also, you will want to use a cleaning method that gets rid of it and prevents a comeback in the future.

Treating your driveway with chemical solutions, using washing powder, or removing sunlight blockers can be ways of killing or preventing moss on tarmac driveways in Dorset. Getting rid of them is easy, keep reading, while we give you detailed steps on how to achieve this on tarmac driveways in Dorset. 

Step 1

Prepare the surface of your driveway by using a brush or gardening rake to remove any surface growth and loosen its formation to enable an easier cleaning process.

Step 2

While working in small sections with a hard-bristled brush, to enable you to reach the gaps. Pour some water on the tarmac surface and use either baking soda or sodium per-carbonate to scrub the surface. These options are best for your tarmac driveways in Dorset, as they are brilliant at breaking down moss without causing damage to the tarmac surface or environment.

Step 3

Allow the cleaning agent to stay on the surface for about 20 – 40 minutes before rinsing. Use a hose to thoroughly rinse out your tarmac driveway surface. Repeat the steps as required to ensure total removal.

To prevent a future comeback, you will have to consider the following:

  • Do a pH level test of the soil on which your driveway is made. If it is between 6 and 7, it means it is not ideal for the growth of moss, if not consider using agricultural lime to control its acidity. 
  • Consider allowing direct sunlight on your driveway, to enable heat to dry the dampness of the area, as most tarmac driveways in Dorset are often close to lawns. This is a sustainable way to completely get rid of moss, as they thrive on wet surfaces as earlier stated. Look to trim trees and bushes to stop the blockage of sunlight, making sure that your driveway is void of any shade.
  • Avoid flooding your driveway when cleaning. You would want to consider washing it only when the sun is out during the day. This will keep it from being damp and allow for it to get fully dried.

 At Dares Surfacing, we are experts when it comes to building or maintaining tarmac driveways, especially in the Dorset area. Get in contact with one of our team today and let us help you create the driveway of your dreams! Call us now on 07970 027 614.

11

May

Tarmac vs Block Paving

Tarmac vs Block Paving

With time to ponder and think about certain cosmetics your home may need, you may be looking into getting a new driveway. This begs the question, which driveway is best for you? This article will provide some insight on the pros of each paving method to aid you in your choice.

Before continuing to the article, be sure to contact Dares Surfacing for any enquiries on surfacing services. We design, supply and install all of our services, from tarmac driveways to paving slabs. Our friendly team can provide you with a quote, based on your scenario, budget and cosmetic requirements. Our expert team will aid you in coming to a solution on the best paving method for you.

Block Paving

Block paving has become very popular over the last few years, and a stunning driveway can be created whilst getting value for money. Ideal for driveways, patios and pathways, this product can also be sealed to protect its surface. The downsides are that it is prone to moss and weeds growing up through it and requires maintenance.

Block Paving benefits:

  • Highly durable and attractive
  • Many different colours, styles and textures available
  • Can be used almost anywhere
  • Blocks can be used to provide a very smooth finish

Tarmac

Tarmac will provide the ideal surface for most driveways, if it is going to have heavy usage, this product is best suitable as it is required for most road surfaces. It will provide a flat surface with enough grip in most weather conditions. Consisting of tar and broken stone, it is naturally dark coloured, but you can have the option of having a coloured tarmac driveway.

Tarmac benefits:

  • Very hard-wearing and long-lasting
  • Fast curing
  • Ideal for driveways and paths
  • Can be mixed with block paving
  • Flat surface, ideal for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Can be cheaper than other surfaces

 The Verdict – Tarmac or Block Paving?

Ultimately there are three factors which usually determine whether a block paving or tarmacadam driveway is installed. The first is the look of the finished driveway and whether it will fit in with the house and the neighbours. The second is the time it will take to do the installation and the third is the cost. If speed and cost are the main issues for you then tarmacadam is nearly always the best way to go. If you are more interested in the overall look then block paving will give you more options in terms of colour and pattern. Contact us !

09

Apr

How To Maintain Tarmac Driveway

Maintaining Tarmac Driveway

As time goes by, your tarmac driveway may begin looking worse for wear. Or maybe you have recently moved into a house with a less-than-peak condition driveway. The good news is that this article will aid you in restoring your driveway to its former glory, as well as maintaining its new look in the future.

Before continuing to the article, be sure to contact Dares Surfacing for any enquiries on surfacing services. We design, supply and install all of our services, from tarmac driveways to paving slabs.

Maintenance, Cleaning & Repairs

One of the simple signs to look out for with driveways is it becoming cracked and the material getting loose. There are a variety of things that may cause this and you can do things to prevent it. If you start to notice cracks, make sure you clean them regularly and pull up any plant life. The roots may get deeper into the driveway and cause more issues in the future. If you have loose gravel like material, you may need to think about resurfacing or sanding and resealing.

You should always keep your drive as clear as possible and avoid the build up of things like leaves and standing water. If you get your hands on a good sealant you should find you don’t need to perform as much maintenance. A new coat of sealant can make your drive look refreshed again.

Protect Tarmac With Sealant

To extend the life of your tarmac driveway, you can apply a sealant to its surface. Most professionals will apply it after a year of its installation. The sealant works as a barrier to the elements that can cause damage to the surface and allow the driveway to stay fresh and clean.

By maintaining your tarmac driveway properly, you are protecting your investment. You are also allowing your property to look good and not have to think about replacing the driveway entirely for a long time to come. If you do not have time to do everything on your own, it is best to bring in a professional who can come in and check your driveway from time to time. They have knowledge and expertise to maintain your driveway in a way that it looks good all the time.

Different Forms Of Tarmac Damage

Tarmac scuffs

As tarmac driveway ages, the black part of the material will fade away. One of the reasons for tarmac scuffing is the turning of vehicle wheels while it is standing on the driveway. You can reduce the amount of beating that the driveway takes by simply avoiding turning wheels when it is stationary.

Spillage on tarmac driveway

Even though a small amount of spillage of gasoline or oil will not adversely affect your driveway, a large amount will greatly weaken the base and also cause cracks on the surface which then has to be repaired by a professional. It is best to remove any oil spillage using sand or sawdust that can soak it from the surface. If there is a gasoline spillage, it is best to use water to wash it.

Tarmac indentation and spot damage

A newly laid tarmac driveway will be prone to dents if heavy items are administered over it before it sets. Even after that, constant use of weighty products such as ladders, caravans, trailers, car jacks, and others can cause depression on the driveway. You can avoid it by using a piece of plywood before using heavy items so that the weight is more evenly distributed. Contact us for more detail .