Driveway Installations Done Properly!
Do You Know What You're Paying For?
If The Price Seems Cheap The Driveway Will Sink!
All driveways will look great at first but how do you know that your beautifull new driveway will stand the test of time?
We have found over the years that most driveway companies are more than happy to come out and give you a quote for your new driveway however most fail to explain the process and specifications that they follow to provide you with a driveway that not only looks good but one that stays looking good and more impotantly won't sink and will actually last for years to come!
We all have the same costs when it comes to the surface materials so the only way a company can slash thier prices is to reduce the quality of the groundworks!
It's All About The Base
How The Groundwork Should Be Done!
The most important part of any driveway is the groundworks. Whether you are considering a block paved driveway, a resin driveway or any kind of finish for that matter, the quality of the groundworks will ultimatly dictate how long the driveway will last and whether it will sink or not!
We pride ourselves at Inspired Driveways on the fact that non of the driveways we have installed have ever sunk or moved so you can be confident that your new driveway will last for year to come!
As you don't see whats underneath your driveway, it's the best way for bad driveway companies to cut costs and make it seem like you are getting a great deal however we have repaired many driveways over the years that have sunk and have seen first hand how poor groundworks quickly ruins your beautifull new driveway.
1. The Digout
Ground Should Be Dug To Approx 250mm
The most important part of any driveway is the groundworks. Whether you are considering a block paved driveway, a resin driveway or any kind of finish for that matter, the quality of the groundworks will ultimatly dictate how long the driveway will last and whether it will sink or not!
If the gound isn't dugout deep enough then you can't get enough supporting material (hardcore) in to create the right stability! Likewise, if the ground is still soft when 250mm has been removed then more will need to come out until solid ground is reached.
2. Geo-Textile Membrain
For Added Stability & Support
Another way that we create even more stability to your new driveway is by adding a Geo-Textile membrain between the sub-grade and the sub-base. Some people call it a weed-barrier however this material is much stronger than landscaping weed-barrier materials and is actually used to stop 'pumping' where the hardcore layer could potentially mix with the sub-grade over time.
Ultimatly, by using this Geo-Textile we are once again making sure that your driveway lasts and won't sink!
3. The Sub-Base
Approx 150mm Of Type 1, MOT Hardcore
Sub-bases are the load-bearing layer of your driveway, the part that provides strength and resilience. Using the correct type of aggregate is essential in providing that firm, stable and reliable foundation for the prettier parts of the driveway.
Some companies can cut costs by using recycled, crushed brick which can leave voids and cause settlement/sinkage over time however we only ever use the right materials and make sure it has the right compaction!
Block Paving
Thicker 60mm Blocks
Once the groundworks have been completed we screed a layer of grit sand at approx 25mm to give a completely flat surface to then lay a thicker, 60mm block paver on. This thicker block again adds to the stability and longevity of your driveway. We then fill the gaps with kiln dried sand and give the whole surface a final compaction with a smaller whacker plate.
There are lots of different colours, styles and finishes to choose from so please take a look at our block paving page for more info.
Resin Bound
Approx 18mm Thick & UV Resistant
After the main groundworks are complete we install a 80mm layer of permiable concrete wich is much stronger than an open texture tarmac, this again adds to the overall stability of your driveway!
Our BBA approved, UV resistant resin is then laid at approx 18mm thick aross the whole surface to create that beautifull, long lasting finish all of which is fully permiable.
