http://www.drivewayexpert.co.ukCreating or Replacing a Driveway or Patio .en-usThu, 28 Jul 2011 09:54:18 GMT Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:54:18 GMTDrivewayExpert Content Managerjanem@drivewayexpert.co.ukjanem@drivewayexpert.co.ukhttp://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/tools-for-laying-concrete.htmlWhether it's for foundations or the whole driveway, concrete is bound to be needed at some point in the construction phase and these are the basic tools required.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/would-soakaway-prevent-garage-flooding.htmlA contractor who has caused a flooding problem after laying a driveway by rights should be re-doing the job rather than offering to bodge it with a soakaway.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/rejuvenating-gravel-for-use-garden-case-study.htmlIs it madness to give your garden gravel a wash and brush up rather than replacing it with new? Not it you want to save money, it isn't.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/why-we-didnt-concrete-over-front-garden-case-study.htmlWhen an elderly couple needed to replace their front garden with a hardstanding for their car, it was the little girls down the lane that put them onto the ecologically friendly path.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/ten-ways-create-great-driveway.htmlWe give 10 top tips to make your driveway stand out from the others with its attention to detail.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/whats-best-driveway-material.htmlAnswering these 10 questions will help you make sense of the different types of driveway materials and styles out there, so you can choose the right one for you.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/sawtooth-edging-for-driveway.htmlSawtooth edging, laying of rows of bricks at an angle, is an easy way to edge a driveway, and if you have unwanted bricks it's cheap, too.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/timber-edging-for-driveways.htmlTimber driveway edging is cheap, good looking and quick and easy to lay, but wont last anywhere near as long as any other edging material.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/mowing-strips-with-driveways.htmlA mowing strip separates a lawn from a driveway or flower bed but allows a lawnmower over it, so you can cut the whole lawn, including the edges.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/putting-expansion-joints-concrete-drives.htmlIf you have a very long or wide driveway, then expansion joints are critical for preventing cracks.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/repair-maintenance-drives-paths.htmlConcrete driveways are said to be maintenance-free, but regular inspection and washing can keep them looking good and nip problems in the bud.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/automatic-block-paving-machine.htmlA Dutch firm has invented the Tiger-Stone, an innovative machine that takes the back breaking out of road laying.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/using-bark-loose-driveway-materials.htmlBark chippings are an unusual choice for driveways, but in eco-friendly projects they may well be more appropriate than other materials, as long as the drives wont be too heavily trafficked.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/resin-based-surfacing-driveway.htmlResin bonded or resin bound drive surfaces are quick to set and allow all sorts of colours and designs to be incorporated into the project.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/using-gravel-garden.htmlGravel is now very popular for low-maintenance gardens. There's a huge choice available and it's easy to lay.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/choosing-surface-childrens-areas-garden.htmlThere are a quite a few options for child-friendly playing surfaces in a garden, but they all have their pros and cons and it's important to understand them before you buy.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/when-where-fit-decking.htmlDecking has come from nowhere to being one of the most popular additions to a garden in the last 15 years, but how do you go about installing it?Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/stepping-stones-for-your-patio.htmlStepping stones have been a popular garden feature for a long time, but they are a simple way of laying a path across a lawn to get from one side to the other without damaging the grass or getting dirt all over your shoes.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/slate-for-driveways.htmlSlate has traditionally tended to be used for paving and driveways in areas where there's a good local supply, but increasingly it is being used throughout the country in a variety of different ways.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/tactile-driveway-surfaces.htmlTactile paving is the name for the paving slabs with blisters and ridges that are used at road crossings and other areas to mark them out to visually impaired people, but they can be useful to mark out your territory in a domestic setting.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/sloping-driveway-do-i-need-surface-drainage-permission.htmlYou will need planning permission for a driveway constructed in England after October 2008 but you won't necessarily need a soakaway.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/planning-permission-restrictions-driveways.htmlFollowing a change in legislation, planning permission is now required if you wish to pave a front garden with impermeable material.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/driveway-professional-should-you-use.htmlDriveway contractors have unfortunately appeared to take over the reputation of the double-glazing companies for dodgy sales tactics and poor quality jobs. However, there are good professionals out there, and we'll show you how to find them.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/clay-block-paving-where-when-how.htmlClay blocks used to be the standard for block paving, but in the last 30 years or so they've been almost completely squeezed out by concrete alternatives. However, if you want the best look and long-lasting quality, clay should be your choice.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/concrete-block-paving-where-when-how.htmlConcrete block paving stones have become amazingly popular in the last 20 years. Find out what materials are available and what to look out for when laying this type of pavement.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/tarmac-driveway-patio.htmlTarmac is a good choice for drives if there are plenty of other similar drives in the street, or you have a long drive. But the economics are unlikely to work for a shorter driveway, so it needs some consideration.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/stone-block-paving-where-when-how.htmlDespite the cost, stone is considered to be the best looking and most lasting surface for your driveway, and if you are planning to stay in a property long term, it's a great option.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/waste-disposal-making-driveway.htmlMaking or refurbishing a driveway will create a waste problem, but with a little thought it can be spirited away for next to nothing.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/reclaimed-or-new-stone-for-driveway.htmlDriveway Expert takes a look at the pros and cons of using reclaimed stone for a driveway, rather than buying new from a supplier.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/what-counts-permeable-driveway-surface.htmlRegulations in England now require the installation of permeable driveways when they are replacing front gardens, but what constitutes a permeable driveway material?Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/laying-tarmac-job-done-well.htmlTarmac laying should really be left to the professionals, but how do you find good craftsmen, and what are the hallmarks of a good job as opposed to a shoddy one?Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/removing-stains-from-concrete.htmlStains can make concrete drives unsightly but cleaning them off can be a bit of a chore, and may not always work well. Here are our top tips for removing stains from a concrete drive.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/weeds-moss-algae-paving.htmlAlgae, moss and weeds can quickly get out of control on a drive or path, so regular cleaning is the key to preventing this.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/replacing-blocks-paving.htmlReplacing individual blocks in paving is possible, but it needs care and attention to avoid damaging blocks that you will want to reuse.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/different-concrete-driveways-patios.htmlPlain old concrete is cheap as chips but it doesn't exactly look good either. Help is at hand, with patterned and textured finishes that can do a pretty good job of imitating virtually any classy stone or brick surface.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/safety-driveway-laying.htmlSafety is of paramount importance when laying driveways or paving and the right protective gear is vital.Wed, 08 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/landscaping-around-driveways.htmlOnce your new driveway is finished, it will be time to clear up and turn your attention to landscaping around the area to make it look good again.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/laying-concrete-drive-patio.htmlLaying a concrete driveway is a job that homeowners often tackle themselves and, as long as the preparation is done well, a quality, long-lasting job should be the result.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/fitting-bike-racks-storage-racks-tarmac-drive.htmlWe present two ways of securing bike racks or storage racks to a tarmac driveway, although neither will be as secure as setting a specialist security fitting into concrete.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/joint-block-paving-gun.htmlJointing paving slabs using a mastic gun to apply mortar between the gaps is economical but can be tricky.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/loose-jointing-block-driveways.htmlBrushing sand or grit into the gaps between newly laid paving slabs or blocks is known as loose jointing, and is the easiest choice for a domestic driveway.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/excavating-for-driveway.htmlProper driveway foundations will give you a good-looking, long-lasting job, and excavating is necessary to give the foundations a solid foothold.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/patching-concrete-drives.htmlPatching concrete isn't very likely to end up with an invisible repair, but care and forethought can help to make the patch as unnoticeable as possible.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/tarmac-patching.htmlTarmac can be patched, either using pre-mixed tarmac in bags or getting the heavy guns in. But it's almost impossible to achieve a seamless repair and the drive will always look as though it has been patched.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/mortar-techniques-for-block-paving.htmlJointing block paving is important if a driveway is to look good and resist rain and frost. In this article we look at jointing with mortar applied directly to the gaps in the paving.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/new-regulations-for-paving-front-gardens.htmlWhat do the new regulations, introduced in the England in October 2008, mean for people who want to replace their front gardens with driveways?Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/new-resins-slurry-jointing-driveways.htmlResin-based grouts that can be applied in a slurry over a newly constructed paved driveway are now within reach of the knowledgeable and skilled amateur.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/planning-driveway-construction.htmlLaying a new drive can be a very simple job but if you want it to go well, think carefully about the layout. Make sure you plan it properly to ensure a smooth, trouble-free project.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/edging-for-concrete-drives.htmlA concrete driveway doesn't necessarily need edging, but it will look better and last longer if it has a solid kerb or edge of blocks.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/laying-paving-instructions.htmlHere you'll find an overview to laying paving for a driveway, the dos and don'ts, and what else to look for.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/ecological-environmental-driveway.htmlPaving gardens over to provide driveways in suburban areas has suddenly become a big issue. Studies have identified it as making flooding worse, causing subsidence and having a detrimental affect on us as well as plant and animal life.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/our-driveway-contractor-misery.htmlWe tell the story of a couple who thought they'd done all the right things when selecting a driveway contractor, but still ended up with bad quality work.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/how-i-avoided-cowboy-tarmac-companies-case-study.htmlRead about one man who's twice managed to thwart cowboys on his doorstep who wanted to tarmac his driveway for cash.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/jointing-block-driveways-with-slurry.htmlJointing block driveways with a runny mortar mix, known as slurry, and sweeping it into place is a common practice on commercial projects. Find out how this technique is beginning to encroach on the domestic driveway market.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/the-options-paths-steps-driveway.htmlIf you're considering a driveway project, it might make more sense to incorporate the paths into it, rather than do them as a separate job later on.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/advantages-disadvantages-gravel-driveways.htmlGravel driveways are a popular choice as gravel is cheap and easy to lay, but it's not as long-lasting as a hard surface, and there's many to choose from, so careful consideration is needed before you spend your time and money.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/getting-levels-right-your-patio.htmlLevelling a patio is a tricky job but it can be done with care and without special equipment. It's a job that's worth doing properly so that you end up with a smooth surface that sheds water easily when it rains.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/floodlights-for-your-driveway.htmlInstalling floodlights to illuminate your driveway is a great idea, all you have to do is get an electrical supply outside and fit the lights of your choice.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/advice-hoggin-cinders-ash-driveways.htmlGraded hoggin, crag, cinder and ash are examples of the gravel-like products available on the market that arent made from stone. We assess each one in this article.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/formwork-for-concrete-drives.htmlFormwork is the term for the metal or wooden temporary structures that support the sides of a concrete driveway while it sets.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/pitch-for-flexible-jointing.htmlPitch fell out of favour as heavy traffic began to build up, but it's a traditional jointing method that works well with the lighter load of a domestic driveway.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/edging-for-tarmac-drives.htmlProper edging is vital for a long-lasting tarmac drive and, although timber can be used, concrete foundations with edging blocks and haunching will last longer.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/looking-after-gravel-drives.htmlGravel drives are easy to lay but do need regular light-weight maintenance to keep them looking their best.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/gravel-suitable-slopping-driveway.htmlGravel is impractical on a sloping drive and can be dangerous, but there are other options that can give you the look without the hazard.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/edging-for-gravel-drives.htmlGravel drives need edging to contain the spread of gravel into surrounding areas, and there are plenty of different materials to choose from.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/how-repair-petrol-damaged-driveway.htmlUnless you can mop up a petrol spill on a tarmac driveway within seconds, the only way to repair it is to cut out the affected section and patch it.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/how-spot-cowboy-driveway-companies.htmlFollowing the process outlined in our article on using professional driveway contractors will go a long way to weeding out the cowboys, and in this article we focus on particular signs to look out for to identify those rogue traders.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/finding-levels-driveway-site.htmlTo get the gradients and cambers right on a driveway you first need to mark off a level, which you then use as a reference point for measuring everything else.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/marker-lights-for-driveway.htmlMarker lights can show where a driveway is, and can also show where paths and steps go, without flooding the area with light.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/patterned-textured-concrete.htmlPattern imprinted concrete (PIC) can be used to recreate the look of an expensive driveway, but this is not a DIY job.Tue, 07 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/avoiding-dpc-when-laying-driveway.htmlIf it looks like the level of a driveway will be too close to or above the damp-proof course of the house, the design should include a drainage channel.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/calculating-falls-for-driveways.htmlIt's important for the surface of most driveways to have a gradient or fall to encourage good drainage. Here's why.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/driveway-materials.htmlThere's a bewildering amount of choice on the driveway market, including all shapes and sizes, textures, colours and prices. We help you find a path through the maze by laying all the main categories out clearly.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/what-consider-cobblestone-driveway.htmlCobblestones have been out of favour for home driveways for a long time, but they are easy to lay for the DIY builder, and have a deterrent value towards privacy and home security.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/choosing-grass-paving-driveway.htmlWith growing concerns over the effect of driveways on flooding and wildlife, there are more products coming onto the market that allow us to have drives and a clean green conscience.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/cellular-paving-systems-driveway.htmlCellular paving systems such as grasscrete offer a solution to the concerns of ecologists, the fears that paving over our gardens for driveways is exacerbating flooding and removing places where insects and other invertebrates live.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/constructing-temporary-driveway.htmlThere is a wide variety of temporary driveways available for domestic use, or to provide parking for one-off events, either to hire or buy.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/what-choosing-hard-patio-materials.htmlPatios can be built in all shapes and sizes and the choice of materials, colours and textures is almost unlimited. So it's important to know what you want to use the patio for and choose the right finish for you.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/brushin-jointing-polymeric-resin-mortars.htmlPolymeric resin-based brush-in mortars are easy and quick to use. But the real work is in the preparation, so make sure you have exactly the right product.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/driveway-quotes-estimates.htmlQuotes and estimates are not the same thing. A quote is legally binding and an estimate is not, so make sure both you and your contractor know the score.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/can-gravel-be-laid-top-tarmac.htmlLaying gravel over a tarmac driveway sounds like a quick and easy route to a neat, good-looking drive, but there are hidden dangers for the unwary.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/considering-drainage-driveway.htmlGetting the drainage right is essential for a quality drive that will last a long time, both on the top surface and in the foundations below. Its no longer considered acceptable to send the water straight down the drain in today's ecologically sensitive environment.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/choosing-fitting-edging-paving.htmlMaking a border for your driveway with a contrasting pattern or different blocks is an essential part of the overall appeal of a drive. And if you want your driveway to look good for many years, it's not a place to cut corners.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/choosing-right-driveway-for-your-home.htmlTen questions to help you through the maze of different driveway surfaces, balancing cost, looks and resilience so that you buy the right product in the end.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/creative-ideas-for-your-driveway.htmlThings you can do to be creative with your driveway design, and how businesses have sprung up to provide appealing solutions to an area of the home that was often overlooked.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/ecological-driveway-materials.htmlFrom recycled aggregates supplied from suppliers or reclamation yards to free materials obtainable locally, there are a number of different options for ecological driveway materials.Mon, 06 Jun 2011http://www.drivewayexpert.co.uk/efflorescence-concrete-driveways.htmlDiscover the tips and tricks of dealing with discolouration on concrete driveways and paths caused by blooming salt deposits.Mon, 06 Jun 2011