Driveway Surfacing Master Guide
Did you know that a new driveway can increase your property value from between 5-10%? Well, it’s no surprise why so many people are deciding to go ahead and get their driveway done. A relatively small investment today can help improve your property for many years to come. If you’re looking for a relatively cheap way to increase property value and improve the appearance of your property, a new driveway will be the perfect option for you.
Replacing your driveway may just require a lot more research than you would expect. It’s more than simply choosing a driveway contractor and giving them the green light. It’s crucial that you take the time to make sure every aspect of your new driveway is thought through and meets the need of your home.
Choosing The Right Surfacing Material
Something that might come as a surprise to many is that driveways are available in a whole range of material options. Whilst tarmac is the most common, other options such as resin and asphalt are also available to you. We have created a brief breakdown of each surfacing material to help ensure you know the key benefits of each option
Tarmac Driveways – The are three main reasons why tarmac is the most common option when it comes to driveway surfacing. First, the material is very cost-effective when compared to other options. Secondly, tarmac is also very durable to you are looking to get years of life out of your driveway with next to no maintenance costs. Finally, the material is very flexible. Regardless of the shape and size of your driveway, tarmac should be reliable should be able to provide a predictable solution every time.
Asphalt Driveways – Another very popular option for driveway surfacing. Asphalt creates a very similar looking end result with a life span of between 12 – 20 years depending on the quality of the installation and the climate in your area. Asphalt is a petroleum product, it is more flexible and less susceptible to cracking than concrete. However, there is a fair amount of maintenance involved with an asphalt driveway.
Resin Driveways – The driveway option if you’re looking to stand out. Resin driveways are available in a range of colour options. It is another low-cost option which can last for over 20 years of age but only if it has been maintained properly. If you have the time on your hands to treat it every couple of years, we are sure that this driveway solution will suit the needs of your home easily.
Working Out The Size of Your Driveway
Now you have established which material you’re going to use for your new driveway, its time to work out the dimensions. If you already have a driveway and you’re simply resurfacing it, its a simple job of measuring the perimeter and passing the information onto your local driveway contractor for a quote. In other circumstances, you may need to have part of the front garden dug up to make way for the driveway if this is the case we advise you speak to a driveway specialist to get someone to come out and investigate the dimensions for you.
Finding A Trustworthy Surfacing Contractor
The most important part of having driveway work completed on your home is that surfacing contractor you decide to go with. If you were to rush this step you may find that the end result may look damaged and not how you’re expected. Take the time and do the research. Finding a reputable surfacing contractor isn’t difficult, just make sure you do the relevant checks to ensure they are trustworthy.
If possible, chose a local company that friends and family members have used in the past. For example, if you’re looking for a driveway surfacing in Brighton, make sure you find a Sussex based contractor which have the skills and expertise to get the job done properly.