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Block
Paving
Block paving is by far the most popular surface for a
driveway or patio. The wide range of blocks colours and
laying patterns allows you to create a unique design to
enhance your home.
There are both 'antique' and 'modern' blocks available
to suit your property. Clay paving offers vibrant long-lasting
colour; whilst concrete gives a more subtle shade. Various
kerbs and edgings along with circular patterns provide
the finishing touches and endless design possibilities.
It is vital that block paving is constructed and laid
correctly. Many problems arise with incorrect installation.
Permeable paving is also available. All types of block
paving can be viewed on our portfolio
page. |
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Excavation and preparation
The base must be at least 100-150mm deep, consisting of MOT
'Type 1' granular material (laid on a 'terram' membrane to stabilise
ground and suppress weeds). The sub-base must then be consolidated
with a heavy vibrating roller to prevent sinkage. A firm edge
restraint is to be laid and haunched with concrete, to prevent
movement of blocks and loss of sand. It is vital that the preparation
work is carried out to a high standard.
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Drainage
Drainage is very important and is often ignored because
it can be difficult to install and adds cost. As a professional
driveway installer we will take this into account and
advise you accordingly. You do not want to be left with
puddles or flooding when it rains! Newdrives hold a certificate
in 'Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems'. |
Permeable
paving/Legislation
Following the introduction of new legislation in October 2008,
you can no longer pave over your garden or existing driveway
without considering where the surface water may drain to.Newdrives
can offer guidance on this in relation to your property.
Laying
of paving
Paving is laid on a compacted laying course of sharp sand
(screed as it is known in the trade) approximately 25-30mm
deep. This is levelled out using screeding rails and lines.
Depending on the choice of paving, the pavers are laid
either randomly using different sizes, or as is most commonly
seen, a herringbone pattern with a soldier course or stretcher
bond around the perimeter edge.
Blocks are cut precisely using a disc cutter with a diamond
tipped blade to infill where necessary. Where a recessed
manhole cover and tray has been installed, blocks are
then laid and cut to match the existing pattern. |
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Kiln dried sand is swept onto the paving and vibrated into the
joints with a compaction plate. This process ensures paving
is levelled and the filling of the joints assists with the locking
effect created by the paving pattern, thus allowing for vehicle
and pedestrian traffic.
After removing all surplus sand, a stabilising solution is applied
to the entire area of paving. This will ensure the sand is not
washed or blown away during the early stages following completion.
Macadam
(Tarmac) driveways
A correctly laid sub-base with edge restraint is needed
prior to the laying of the macadam. Macadam is laid in
two layers:-
A binder course (base coat) with a surface course (wearing
course) laid on top. The thickness of each layer is determined
by its application, whether it be a road or domestic driveway. |
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Each layer is mechanically rolled and compacted to ensure a
smooth and even surface finish. Available in a wide range of
colours, grades and textures. If macadam is laid correctly,
few problems arise. However, hot weather may cause the material
to soften, which is one disadvantage that you may wish to consider.
A poorly laid macadam driveway is reflected in the subsequent
rapid deterioration and should be avoided at all costs, (purchase
of left over macadam sold at the door by unscrupulous workmen
is unwise!)
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Shingle/Gravel
This offers a low cost alternative but with limitations.
Various sizes of aggregate and a wide range of colours
and textures are available. This is an economical, quick
and easy option to use, once you have constructed a sub-base
with an edge restraint. One of the disadvantages is that
it seems to end up in the house, in the car and just about
everywhere else (and is very noisy in the morning when
the milkman delivers your daily pinta!). |
Associated
landscaping
We offer a wide range of services to suit our clients,
including slab laying, fencing, brick wall construction,
lighting and turf laying. This will enable you to employ
one contractor to carry out the whole project with total
piece of mind. |
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Patios
Newdrives offers a wide range of stylish patios to suit
your requirements. A patio in the front or rear of your
property can be seen as an 'extension' to your living
space and can be constructed using a wide range of materials
and in numerous stunning designs.Natural stone, granite
and blockpaving are to name but a few.Please view our
portfolio for ideas. |
Where do I go from here?
Once you are ready to contact us it couldn't be easier. From
your initial phone call to our office, we will make an appointment
that suits you, to survey the site and discuss your requirements.
With our experience and expertise we will guide you through
the purchase of your new drive or landscaped area. We will then
send you a written quotation. (Not an estimate – there
is a difference!) This will consist of a full specification
with costings, along with site addresses of work completed in
your area. This is a free, no obligation service. We will also
send you certificates with the quote. Certificate of employers
liability insurance, Marshalls register approved contractor
certificate, Buy with confidence approval certificate
On confirmation of your order (which we would prefer in writing)
commencement dates will then be discussed. The schedule may
be delayed due to weather conditions or difficulty arising with
availability of materials. In these unusual circumstances we
aim to inform you as soon as we can.
No deposit or interim payments
are required!
Once the work is completed and you are totally satisfied, we
will ask for payment in full on receipt of the written invoice
(this also acts as your guarantee). The work will be carried
out to the highest standards and the site will be left clean
and tidy with all rubbish removed. The driveway or patio will
exceed your expectations. In the unlikely event of an accident,
Newdrives has a minimum £5 million pound policy
to cover every eventuality.
Maintenance & cleaning
A small amount of cleaning is necessary to keep your new driveway/patio
in 'tipp topp' condition. Sweeping up any dirt/soil/weeds/moss/leaves
and spillages will help keep the area clean and tidy. The use
of weedkiller 2-3 times a year will also help. If a more thorough
clean is required Newdrives offers a service enabling your driveway
to be proffessionally 'jet washed' using a high pressure washer
and any sand lost during this procedure replaced. Stabilizing
solution is then applied. Various sealants are on the market
and advice can be given as to where and when to use them.
Trading Standards / Marshalls
Trading Standards has been set up to ensure people are made
aware of ‘cowboy’ builders and to stress the fact
that all building work (including driveways and patios ) should
include an insurance-backed guarantee. Newdrives can provide
this guarantee in conjunction with Marshalls, delivering assurances
and peace of mind. This guarantee covers both products and our
quality workmanship. (Materials are guaranteed for ten years
and labour for five years)
For further peace of mind, Newdrives has also been vetted by
Hampshire County Council to ensure we offer a high standard
of workmanship with continual attention to detail. The ‘Buy
with Confidence Scheme’ can be seen
in more detail by visiting their website. We have also carried
out work for local schools and colleges. Examples of our work
can be viewed in our portfolio, or enclosed with your quotation.
As a Buy With Confidence member, we have been independently assessed and approved by Hampshire Trading Standards. Membership of the Buy With Confidence scheme gives our customers great peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that we are committed to trading legally and fairly. We are Brett and Marshalls Approved Installers so you can be reassured by the quality of the products we use, as supported by their respective 10 year guarantees. What is more, should you have any reason to complain about the quality of the work we have undertaken, please contact us at the earliest opportunity and we will endeavour to assist you with a view to maintaining the excellent customer satisfaction we pride ourselves on, as well as fulfilling all our obligations under The Consumer Rights Act 2015. Last but by no means least, our Buy With Confidence membership means that, like us, our customers can receive free legal advice and support from Trading Standards experts, in the unlikely event of any dispute. |
