Various types of Driveway Surfaces

A well maintained and beautiful driveway definitely adds to the curb appeal, aesthetic value as well as the monetary value of any house. It constitutes a vital component of any house’s landscape. Today the driveways are made from a number of materials each of which has their own benefits and limitations. One can select the materials that best meet their needs. Some of the common types of driveway surfaces are:-

Concrete Driveways
 

Not the cheapest but still affordable, these are long lasting and visually appealing. Plenty of options are available with this material. It can even be dyed or stamped to exude a more expensive look. They do not require much maintenance and can be easily cleaned with a pressure washer. Repairing of cracks is also easy. On the flip side, these are easily affected by extreme cold conditions and generally develop cracks over time. The cracks need to be filled in time to arrest the erosion of soil beneath the slab.

Brick Driveways
 

Though expensive to install, they compensate by being extremely durable. Available in variety of colours, they have high aesthetic appeal. They also require a low maintenance, which is an added advantage.

Asphalt Driveways
 

Asphalt or tarmac driveways Kent, they are cheaper than concrete and provide quite a solid, smooth and durable surface. Compared to concrete they are easier to install as well. The drawback is that it comes only is black colour, thereby limiting the colour choice. However, the black colour can really retain heat and facilitates faster melting of snow. They require a trifle higher maintenance as they develop cracks and holes with the passage of time. It requires resealing every 3-5 years for an enhanced longetivity.

Gravel Driveways
 

It is the cheapest driveway material available. It is so easy to install that it is often taken as a DIY venture. A popular choice for long driveways and large parking areas, they are available in a wide selection of colours and sizes. They are quite permeable and facilitate plenty of water absorption into the ground, thereby eliminating formation of puddles. They require an ongoing maintenance as these have a surface of loose stones layered over a solid base. They are thus rough and uneven and allow easy growth of weeds. They can also shift to the lawn. Layering or edging gives them enhanced life. These are not suitable for snowy regions.

Besides this, many other types of driveways are also available. One can select any to suit their budget and requirements.

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Few Things You Need to Know while Paving a Tarmac Driveway

The concept of tarmac driveways was first invented by John MacAdam. It is he who first mixed tar with small stone chips to pave the road and this led the foundation of the word tarmac (tar + MacAdam).

What exactly is the chemistry behind tarmac?

Tarmac is an amalgamation of broken stones and tar, mixed and shaped during the process of laying it out on an area such as a driveway. During paving process, it is thoroughly brushed then pressed down heavily by a steam roller or a similar machine, under heat to get an even surface.

Advantage of drafting these driveways:

• Smooth and even
• Comparatively inexpensive
• Flexible
• Requires very few techniques

Customizing the tarmac

Though tarmac is monotonous, there are still some variations in colours among which you can choose. This may transform the entire utilitarian area a bit more attractive. The differences in the types are usually on the basics of size and colour of the aggregates or stones to be used in the binding process. You can easily choose an aggregate that will look distinctly different from the one used on the road, or an aggregate that will blend in to your property as much as possible.

Get Tarmac along with your neighbours, kind of joint venture

Although tarmac is comparatively affordable for surfacing driveways, the overall estimate may get a whole cheaper if used on a bigger area. This is because, bringing down and operating the entire machinery is costly. So, ask your neighbours if they are also interested in getting their driveways re-surfaced to get a reasonable quotation from the contractor. This can be a smart move to get an exclusive look for your drive way in cheap rate. You can also approach to a branded company as they may offer some amazing discounts and get the work done with perfection.

Consider the desired area of your home. If your driveway is the only one place paved out of tarmac in that area and it doesn't blend in, it might possibly reduce the aesthetic value of your home. So, have a look around first, before jumping into a tarmac conclusion. You can also search for tarmac driveways Kent for more information. Find the best suitable design to get the ultimate look for your lawn. Do visit various websites and check out their rates and services before you hire a suitable agency.

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Install Tarmac Driveways for Your Homes

Generally thought to be the least expensive of hard surface laying methods, tarmac is in essence time-consuming and requires special machinery, tools and of course the skills of a technician. For tarmac driveways, Kent is brimmed with superior contractors and professionals who are adept at performing perfect installation at affordable rates. Here are some vital details about the same that you must want to know. Have a look and get enlightened about the same:

Origin of tarmac

Tarmac was originally named by John MacAdam, who used this process extensively in the Occident. Since tar can be found easily in nature, he would use it to maintain adherence between small stones. Thus tarmac is actually a contraction of 'tar' and 'Macadam'. Nowadays, since the cohesive agent for aggregates is not tar, but bitumen, the by-product of oil refineries, the same process is known as bitmac, a shortened version of bitumen macadam.

Consider the site of Tarmac

Before deciding on a tarmac driveway for your home, you must take several factors in account, especially if you are someone who spends maximum time outdoors, working on vehicles or motorcycles. Splashes of petrol, diesel or penetrating oil can shatter the outer hardened surface and penetrate into the lower layers, to cause further damage. This process, once triggered is irreversible and may lead to formation of gaping holes that really look unsightly. Tarmac driveways are best seen as spaces where recreational activities like playing can be done. Also their ease of installation and low cost make them a win-win choice for most home refurbishment projects.

Choice of colours & sizes

Tarmac for driveways comes in a wide variety of colours and styles. Being the standard driveway choice that it is, tarmac in unique colour combinations can make it even more palatable when installed for nursery gardens or outside residential property. The major differences lie in the size as well as type of the aggregate used and also the binding agent type. Aggregates of size different than the one commonly used for the roads, can completely set your individual driveway apart. Aggregates of various colours are available for a striking look or to merge driveways with the surroundings.

Although the binding agent used is best chosen by professional on practical grounds, coloured binders are available which can be matched with the aggregates in various ways to lend a very pleasing tone to your driveway.

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