Many families only have one or perhaps two cars, so they do not require a driveway that can deal with heavier vehicles such as SUV’s and trucks. However, we can produce a driveway in Kent that will handle whatever you throw at it and still come up smiling.

We always feel that not only do you need a driveway that can handle traffic, but you want one that helps with the aesthetic of your home. After all, your driveway is something that every passer-by is going to see, and so you want it to look great.

This is why many of our customers choose block paving in Kent for their driveways. However, another possibility is imprinted concrete. So, what are the pros and cons?

More Durable

Of the two, block paving is more durable and will last longer than imprinted concrete. The bricks are placed individually and locked together in a bond, so the weight of the vehicles is spread evenly. Even if some damage does occur, such as a split brick for instance, it is a very simple matter to remove it and replace it with another one.

On the other hand, imprinted concrete is simply a single layer of concrete poured on to a sub-base. It is quick and easy, and costs less than block paving. However, if you should suffer from structural damage such as a shrunken sub-base, then you cannot just repair one small area. You have to remove the entire sheet of concrete and start over again, which is expensive.

A big advantage of block paving for your driveway is that if you choose block paving that is permeable, when it rains the water will simply drain away through the blocks. So, you don’t finish up with puddles on your driveway. Imprinted concrete, however, is non-permeable, so that what happens is that water can linger on the surface. This also means that if your driveway is flat and you don’t have a drainage point, then you are going to need planning permission to build an imprinted concrete driveway.

Although block paving is more expensive initially – although not a lot more expensive – it is the best bet if you can afford it.

If your driveway is coming to the end of its’ useful life, there are several things that you can do. One is just to rip it all up and start over again, and of course that is a choice.

However, you can also give your driveway a new lease of life by using an overlay. This is, of course provided the existing driveway is in reasonable condition to support it, and not full of holes, cracks, and dents, in which case starting again from scratch may be the better option.

Resin driveways in Kent can be either resin-bound or resin bonded. Resin-bound driveways are created using a resin-bound surfacing solution. This is made by mixing aggregates with a clear resin binder, which is then applied to the surface for a smooth finish. This is different from resin-bonded surfacing. In this process, the resin is applied directly to a surface and aggregate is scattered on top. This creates a less smooth, textured finish.

There are different types of resins and if you want a light-coloured aggregate, then you need a light-coloured resin. This will need to be resistant to UV. If you opt for a darker stone, then a darker resin is required, but this is not so susceptible to UV.

Of course, you don’t have to overlay the existing drive with a resin. You might want to change things completely and go for something such as block paving. There are many different possibilities here, with paving available in different colours, and different shapes as well, which means that you can create a driveway with a patterned look.

You could also opt for imprinted concrete. This is created by pouring concrete onto the sub-base and then imprinting a pattern over the top in order to give it the finished appearance that you wish.

Whatever sort of driveway you need, at Base Driveways, we can help you. We are always happy to visit your home and discuss your needs when we can offer advice and provide you with a quote – all without obligation. 

There are different types of resins. If you are opting for a light-colored stone, then you need a light-colored resin, but also one that is UV resistant. With a darker stone and darker resin, protection from UV is less of a problem, especially if a lot of the driveway is in shade. 

Resin driveways in Kent provide a permeable surface, but this only works if the surface below is permeable as well. A small stone aggregate will not drain as easily as a larger stone, so one should only use small stone if a drainage system is in place. The best way to install a resin driveway is with a full preparation of the substrate, a new sub-base, and a resin installation using the right aggregate. If you are going for a resin overlay, the existing concrete or tarmac base needs to be in good condition and any cracks filled in order to ensure that the overlay will not crack later. 

If you are opting for a resin overlay on top of tarmac or concrete, it may be possible to drill into the surface in order to increase drainage, but this needs to be done carefully in order to avoid structural damage.   

A resin driveway will minimize puddles or ice forming and will avoid the growth of molds and weeds provided that it is kept clean. This only needs to be washed down occasionally with a power washer and a sweep using a stiff brush. 

You can use single-colored resin, or you could also use different colors to create patterns in the driveway. Whatever you choose, a resin driveway can look visually stunning. It will also be highly durable and hard-wearing, providing a smooth surface with no loose stones. It also provides a good grip for both vehicles and pedestrians and is therefore safe for disabled access, children, pushchairs, and so on.

A resin driveway can be relatively low cost when used as an overlay, but there will obviously be more involved if starting from scratch. If you think that a resin driveway would be suitable for you, at Base Driveways we are always willing to provide you with a free site survey and quotation without obligation.