How to Create the Perfect Driveway

When it comes to driveways, they don’t just look great, they can also add value to your property. They are also the first thing that people see when they come to your home, so it’s important that it’s not just long-lasting but that it looks great too.

Having a quality driveway installed means that it won’t need to undergo the frequent repairs that you may have had previously. Some people may be changing their garden into a new driveway, it’s still important that it looks attractive, so we’ve put together some things to take into consideration, ensuring that you create the perfect drive.

What to Consider When Deciding on your New Driveway

Choosing the Surface

The driveway that you choose will need to be able to withstand both pedestrian and vehicle weights, but there’s no reason for it not to be attractive. Today, more and more affordable surfacing solutions including concrete and tarmac can be designed in a way where they also look attractive.

Make sure that you make your new drive look inviting and give the exterior of your home a great visual appearance. There’s a number of options to choose from, this includes block paving, imprint concrete and resin driveways, these will both give your driveway a modern look and ensure that your home stands out from the crowd. At Pavemaster, we offer a range of driveway surfaces that you can choose from.

Consider Landscaping

Should you be thinking of giving up your front garden which is full of plants so you have space to park your car, you can have the best of both worlds. Having a garden and driveway at the front of your home will help to keep your home’s appeal, so should you ever decide to put your home on the market, more people will find it appealing and be interested in buying the property.

Popular additions to your driveway can be bright flowers, shrubs and trees; they’re all great ways of brightening up the front of your home, meaning you can benefit from having both a garden and a place to park your car.

Think about the Durability

One of the most important things about your driveway is how durable it is. Most drives can take heavy usage so it’s likely that more than one car will park on it. So, it’s important to consider this when selecting your driveway.

Driveway surfacing like block paving, Indian sandstone and concrete have all been used for a number of years, this is due to their hardwearing qualities. When it comes to a new driveway, it’s a big investment, so it’s important that you choose the right material for the amount of usage you require.

Driveway Maintenance

Should you be getting rid of your garden, it’s likely that you may want a driveway that’s low maintenance, if you’re someone who lives a busy life, you’ll want a driveway that’s easy to care for and look after. Another thing to consider is to ensure that weed protection is laid before the driveway is installed.

The majority of driveways will need sweeping and hosing down regularly to ensure they continue to look great. Depending on the type of driveway that you have, it’s a good idea to have it power washed to restore the colour to the bricks or concrete.

• Gaps – If your block paving is older, then the sand between the bricks may have worn away, pressure washers are a common cause of this, as they’re very powerful. This is an easy fix all you need to do is get some kiln dried sand and a soft bristle brush to sweep the sand in between the gaps, its worth doing your research and finding the best products to suit your driveway.
• Weeds – Any weeds that are growing between the gaps will need to be removed, you’ll need to prise them out using your hands or with a sharp-edged tool but be careful not to scratch the bricks as this can detract from the overall appearance that you’re trying to achieve.
• Treatment – Once any weeds have been removed, a fungicidal wash should be used to prevent weeds from growing back. You can also use slip-resistant products which can be purchased to help protect the surface from the outdoor elements. These treatments will also help to make sure that your bricks don’t become slippery when wet. A driveway sealant is a solid option if you want to make sure that your driveway looks fresher for longer.
• Time – If your driveway hasn’t had any cleaning or maintenance for a long time, this may mean that it’s in quite a state. To make life easier you should think about treating it every two years or so to make sure that it looks good and lasts for a long time.

Thinking about having a driveway installed? Contact our team today!