Creating effective driveways Stockton on Tees
There are a number of reasons why people in the local Stockton on Tees area would want to install driveways on their property. It can be difficult to park on the street and there is always the risk that someone may use the area near your property, something they are less likely to do if it is clearly your driveway. During some busy times, it may mean not being able to find a space near your home. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get the best driveway to suit your home.
An affordable option
Some people may be lucky enough to have a garage on their property. However, this is not always possible or you may not have the budget available to build your own garage. A driveway made from a material such as cement is sturdy and an affordable alternative.
As with any building work, it is recommended that you check if you require planning permission in your local area and if there are any issues regarding boundaries or access around your property (and it is generally advisable to discuss this with your neighbours first as this will mean they are ready for any possible noise or disruption during the construction process).
The process
During the installation the driveway area is marked (typically with string or wooden stakes). Topsoil is then excavated, usually around 250mm from the ground level.
After this a filler like sand is used to firm up the base while additional gravel further adds to the base thickness. The gravel and soil is then compacted before the foundation is reinforced with mesh.
Concrete is then poured around the project area, before being smoothed and levelled out. Sweeping afterwards helps to reduce the risk of the driveway becoming too slippery when it rains. After this the concrete is set and cured (this may be done with a sealant or by watering the surface for a few days).
The setting period will be a few days but it is recommended that you take between one to three and half a weeks to complete the curing process. It is very important that this process isn’t rushed or there is a very real risk that the surface could degrade a lot quicker (and would then mean having to do the process again).
Can I do it myself?
It is possible to do this kind of process for yourself. However, there are a number of elements that can go wrong, such as not properly excavating topsoil, not using the correct filler or not properly curing the surface.
At Early Bird Garden Maintenance, we are here to give you the service that you need in order to get the most from your driveway. As experienced contractors in the local Stockton on Tees area, you can be rest assured that you will get a surface that is best suited to your needs. To find out more and to discuss your requirements in more detail please contact us via enquiries@ebgardeningmaintenance.co.uk and 01642 633103.
We also provide driveways in Ingleby Barwick, Norton
