GOOD DESIGN AND FINISH

Your driveway is going to be the first area that people coming to your home will see, and it will tell them a lot about the people living inside the house. If it complements the property and has been well constructed and maintained, then it says a lot about the thought and care that you, as a householder, put into your everyday life and living space. Poorly maintained or shoddy workmanship is not the first impression you want to give, so a high quality driveway is a must.

EASY MAINTENANCE

Properly constructed driveways made with high quality materials are far easier to maintain and much more durable in the long run. So no matter what the outside elements throw at your driveway, or the everyday wear and tear it will receive, a high quality product looks good for longer. Getting in a reputable company to build the driveway means they will have experienced staff working on tricky slopes or any levelling that needs to be done. They will also ensure that the correct substrate is laid before adding the top materials, as well as check for areas where access to drains or utilities are required.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

If the incorrect materials are used, then cracking and subsidence can arise and this will mean expensive repair bills in the long run. Once the surface of the driveway is compromised, dirt, water or mould and moss can impact the look of the driveway and compromise the safety and integrity of the top materials. Slips, trips and falls could occur, resulting in people potentially getting hurt, and sometimes there could even be damage to vehicles travelling on the driveway. It will also need regular cleaning and maintenance, all of which takes up your time and money.

With these factors in mind, it is easy to see why making sure that you get a high quality driveway installed the first time is so important. Be sure to choose a reputable company for the work – you will certainly be glad for it in the long term.

DURABLE AND HARDWEARING

The weather will soon take its toll on less robust materials, and a patio floor needs to stand up to not only outdoor conditions, but also a lot of wear and tear from use. Concrete will not rot or buckle in the same way that lengths of timber might, and will remain looking as good as the day it was poured with minimum maintenance. It doesn’t fade, and, provided you get an experienced builder or driveway installation team to prepare the substrate and install the patio, you will get many years of use out of it.

EASY TO MAINTAIN

Rather than having to sand down the decking and re-stain the timbers every other year or sooner, concrete, by comparison, is relatively maintenance free. Sweeping away any debris and then once in a while using a pressure washer to hose down any dirt will keep the surface looking in pristine condition. Due to the solid surface of concrete, there won’t be a need to clear out grass and weeds that could get into the sand-filled cracks between pavers, for example. Concrete also won’t offer up any uneven edges or tilt, as brick pavers sometimes do as they settle, thus reducing the risk of trips and falls.

VERSATILE AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING

Thanks to the innovation of coloured concrete, as well as techniques in brushing or stamping the surface to make it look like pavers, concrete is a very versatile product. And if you happen to design and install a new driveway at the same time, the installers will even be able to match the patio to your driveway.

Looking to get a new patio floor? Instead of timber decking, do consider concrete for a low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing option that will boost the value of your property and give your home instant “kerb appeal”.

BOUNDARY DISPUTES AND PLANNING RESTRICTIONS

Usually, disputes that occur between the owners of adjacent properties tend to occur in the residential sector rather than with agricultural or commercial land. If you are planning to install a new driveway that runs along the boundary of your property and there is a recorded history of dispute as to the ownership or definition of where the boundary lies, then you need to ensure that you take legal advice before going ahead and commissioning a new driveway.

You also need to consider local planning and council regulations prior to settling on the type and design of the driveway. This includes any changes or alterations to access to your property that crosses council land, which means the strip of land from the road onto your property that is known as the “crossover” and the flattened kerb or “invert” that allows the vehicle to smoothly drive up onto the driveway. Professional driveway installation companies will be familiar with local council regulations and requirements but you might want to check with your council planning department as well.

DESIGN OF PARKING AND MANOEUVRING SPACES

This links in with any specific planning restrictions and permissions, but depending on the type of property you live in, there could be a requirement that any new driveway, or alteration to the old one, conform to the surrounding environment in terms of visual impact. You might need to check this against the type of materials you want and the design you are looking at, and some council regulations for new builds will specify the size of parking and manoeuvring spaces. Manoeuvring areas do have to be designed with safety factors in mind, so you will need to review this when looking at your design.

TOPOGRAPHY OF THE SITE

As well as ensuring that you minimise any impact that your new driveway will have on the public “streetscape”, there are the practicalities to consider. If your site is on an incline or has limited access, then you need to review the additional workload placed on any driveway installation. Getting materials on site, and removing and installing a new substrate along with the driveway surface will need to be considered and discussed with your installation team to allow for the time factor and the cost.

Allowing for good surface drainage might be another consideration on a sloping site. If you had poor drainage before, then you might need to allow for some grading to be carried out to improve the drainage of the new driveway. Some councils have guidance on storm water management, and encourage infiltration systems that you might have to consider as well. You also need to be aware of any utilities underneath the site of the new driveway, because these might have to be moved or their access points factored into your design.

All these factors will be familiar to an experienced driveway installation team who will be happy to spend time reviewing your site and requirements, so make sure you choose a reputable driveway expert when looking to install a new driveway.

REVITALISE THE LOOK OF YOUR PROPERTY

Your home is probably the most expensive item you will ever own, so if you have spent time and money improving the house, possibly remodelling the outside or repainting external walls, windows and door trims, then don’t be let down by a tired looking or sub-standard driveway. If you have redesigned the look of your residence to give it an updated look, then you may need to reconsider the materials and the design of your original drive, so it complements your overall scheme. If you are planning to sell your home, money spent on a new driveway will enhance its kerb appeal and add to the overall value of the property. Potential buyers will be attracted to a new, beautifully designed and well-maintained driveway (and home), which will put you ahead of other sellers.

CHANGES IN PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

The New Year brings in other changes, and you need to ensure that you have a suitable drive and hard standing area that works for you and your growing family. As your children get to the age of learning to drive and getting a car of their own, you will need more vehicle space and access to the property. Reviewing the hard standing area around the house gives you the opportunity to maximise the amount of space you have, and a well-designed new driveway will prove to be invaluable in the years to come.

SAFETY FIRST

Crumbling asphalt or cracked pavers not only look unsightly but are also a health and safety hazard that increases the risk of trips, slips and falls. No one wants to start the New Year with a personal injury claim hanging over their head, or with lengthy and expensive medical bills and care. Holes appearing in the drive can also be a sign of problems with your substrate so it is worth investigating and investing in a new driveway if this is the case.

Overall, you can save yourself a lot of time and money if you take some time to plan ahead and go for a new driveway in 2015. In addition to all the benefits, it will also make your life a lot easier in the long run.

CHILD SAFETY

The above statistic relates to children being backed over by vehicles belonging to their parents, close relative or visitors to the home, and out of the 50 children this happens to on a weekly basis, 48 of them have to be treated in hospital, with 2 suffering fatal injuries. If you have children, you need to follow a few simple steps to avoid this happening to your child. First of all, know where they are whenever a vehicle is leaving or arriving at your property. Secondly, when your children are young, make sure you fit child safety locks or gates to doors leading out onto the driveway so they cannot run out unsupervised.

Thirdly, remember that, once in the driving seat, particularly if you drive a large vehicle such as a 4WD or truck, you will not be able to see smaller children that are below the height of the car if they are behind you. Before reversing out of the drive, drivers must double check that children (as well as the family pet) are not in the direct path of the car. Fourthly, if you do have a lot of visitors, then you could perhaps encourage them to park on the roadway, and teach your children to be “car aware” on the drive at the same time you are teaching them road safety skills.

DESIGNING THE DRIVEWAY

If you are in the position of being able to design a new driveway, or you are revamping and maintaining your existing one, there are a few areas to start thinking about. If you have a long driveway leading to a garage at the rear of the property, know that people do have a tendency to drive or reverse up quicker on those than on a shorter drive with a parking area at the front. Consider having a short driveway along with separate pedestrian access up to the house, so that there is a safe path away from moving vehicles for those people who are walking or cycling up to the home. If you have large trees or bushes that obscure the vision of the driver, prune them back regularly or redesign and move planting and shrubs to minimise the risk of drivers not seeing a pedestrian.

If your property is on a hill, then review the gradient leading up or down to the house, because in slippery conditions this could cause a problem for people on foot or in a vehicle. You may also want to review the use of fenced off areas where the children can play or the family dog is kept, so they avoid contact with moving cars. Consider the surface of the drive, and review the use of anti-slip materials to minimise trips and falls.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Finally, if you keep your driveway clean and clear of debris such as slippery oil spills, mould and algae, and rotting leaves and vegetation, you will reduce the risk of accidents. Replacing cracked concrete or pavers that could be a trip hazard will also ensure the safety of those using your driveway, and make your home a safer place to be.

INCREASING VALUE TO THE PROPERTY

Real estate agents, designers and property developers often talk about “curb appeal” when it comes to selling property, and there is no doubt that a stained and dirty driveway will do nothing to appeal to a potential buyer. Patches of oil from parked vehicles or tracking marks from tyres, along with debris from overhead trees and bushes, give the impression that your property is not well maintained. First impressions do count, so pressure washing the drive to restore it to its former pristine condition will give you the edge when it comes time to sell your home.

SAVING TIME AND EFFORT

As our lives get busier, we want to focus on the important aspects of family and social life rather than spend hours on cleaning and maintaining our property. The beauty of using pressure washers is that they are ideal for cleaning large areas very quickly. Not only that, but you can also use them to clean patios, decking, garages and concrete floors all in a minimum amount of time, particularly when compared to using other non-mechanical cleaning methods such as scrubbing, mopping and sweeping.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Carrying out a regularly scheduled programme of pressure washing your driveway is a really good way of saving money on what could become expensive property exterior repairs. Washing away the grime and dirty marks can actually extend the life of your driveway. Keeping your driveway clean will prevent and hinder mould and damp, which could contribute to rot and decay, and therefore contribute to the premature ageing of the driveway.

Pressure washing the surface of the drive will also remove the dirt and stains that could cover up cracks or damage to concrete or pavers. You are then able to inspect the condition of the drive, and keep an eye out for any damage that needs to be repaired before it gets any worse. It could also highlight other potential problems, as cracks could appear if there is problem with the underpinning or substrate in the driveway, which, if not clean and clearly visible, could get a lot worse before you notice it.

REDUCING SAFETY RISKS

There are two aspects to reducing the safety risks to you and your family – risks linked to slips, trips and falls, and risks relating to harmful contaminants. If your driveway is covered with leaves, algae, mud or oil, then it is a hazard to pedestrians. Keeping it clean makes it a safe surface to walk upon, thereby reducing the risk of people falling over. Secondly, pressure washing the drive prevents harmful bacteria from growing, e.g. mildew and mould that could have an adverse effect on your family’s health, particularly if you have very young children.

A clean driveway is essential from a safety perspective, and it also brings along with it a number of other benefits as well. The most efficient way of achieving that is with regular pressure washing, so do invest in a high pressure hose or cleaning unit, as it will save you time, and possibly money, in the long run.

TEXTURED CONCRETE

Textured or stamped concrete is a very popular choice for homeowners, as it comes in a range of colours and designs to suit all types of homes and businesses. Not only does it look good, but it also has the strength and durability that people have come to expect from a concrete driveway. It will last for decades if properly maintained, because in some cases it is even harder than standard concrete, due to the finish applied to its surface.

Textured concrete that is coloured has had a colour hardener applied to its surface layer. The beauty of this substance is not just the fact that it gives colour to the textured concrete, but at the same time it also strengthens the surface. The textured concrete becomes even more impervious to scratches and abrasions, as well as penetration of water and other liquids.

In order to keep the colour looking good and to maintain this additional protective barrier, the textured concrete will need to have the sealer reapplied over time. Generally maintenance is relatively easy because the sealant inhibits stains, but you should still occasionally wash down the surface of the textured concrete, and sweep it so that you avoid build-up of dirt. Use a high pressure washer or a scrubbing brush with a mild detergent to keep the surface clean. Once dry, if the surface is starting to lose its sheen, then make sure you reapply a transparent sealant.

CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS

If your concrete driveway is purely for residential use and not heavy industry use, for example, the concrete drive will need to be resealed around every two years. If it is part of a business access road or you live in areas subject to extreme weather conditions, then you will need to reseal more often than that.

Again, sweeping the concrete and hosing it down with detergent and water will keep dirt build-up at bay, and you should also inspect it during the cleaning process for any cracks or fissures. Cracks have to be mended straightaway, otherwise moisture or chemicals from spills could penetrate the surface of the concrete, get down to the substrate, and start to break it up.

CONCRETE AGGREGATE DRIVEWAYS

There is an enormous range of different coloured aggregate chips available on the market that can make a real design statement when used on your driveway. Keeping this looking good involves cleaning and resealing, and making sure your driveway is free from stains, abrasions and any forms of chemicals or oils that are used to maintain your car.

Wash down your aggregate driveway, again using water and a mild cleaning detergent, and when the drive starts to lose its lustre, it is time to reseal. The sealants are film-forming resins that protect the aggregate against general wear and tear, repelling moisture and bringing out the colour of the aggregate chips. Before resealing with a clear sealant, make sure that your aggregate driveway is free from dust, or else you will end up with a milky looking surface. Then, using an airless sprayer, brush or roller, apply the sealant to restore the good looks of your driveway.

SITUATION

If you have a long, narrow drive, or the property is subject to sunshine all day long, you need to think about getting plants that won’t make the driveway seem even thinner when they grow very tall, and also plants that can withstand heat. If you have a light coloured concrete driveway and you want to soften the edges, bear in mind that the lighter surface of the concrete will reflect heat, so don’t choose delicate plants that scorch easily. Similarly, if you live in a temperate climate, consider plants that won’t wilt at the first sign of colder weather. Test your soil to see if it is acidic or alkaline – neutral is best – with a soil sample kit, as this will also determine which plants will grow and flourish next to your driveway.

DESIGN

If you have a modern geometric home with a textured finish driveway, then consider choosing bold, modern plants and shrubs to complement your overall look. Box hedging or eucalypts such as Dwarf Leucoxylons, under planted with rosemary, give a clean, modern look. If you have more of a tropical design in mind, then cannas are very hardy plants. They can be very striking when interplanted with a variety of bold bulbs such as dwarf tulips, particularly if you also invest in one or two palms or yucca plants. The softer, cooler colours of the tobacco plant, rosemary and lavender give more of a country garden feel, and the fragrances of these plants will also cancel out any diesel or fumes from passing cars.

ACCESS

If you are considering planting trees or larger shrubs, then they will certainly offer up shade for both people and vehicles. However, the aim is to not block your driveway or hinder access to the property, and once your car is parked, you will need to be able to open the doors without branches or flowers getting in the way. Avoid planting large shrubs such as buddleia, which has long, arching sprays of flowers, but instead, choose more compact plants such as dwarf hebes. Ornamental grasses are very popular at the moment and come in a range of different types – these will give you movement and colour as the wind rustles through without blocking the path or restricting access.

GROWING HABITS

Finally, when planting next to a driveway, think about putting in plants that are low growing and relatively hardy, and that don’t have a spreading habit. Plants that have a compact, bushy habit will not sprawl across the drive and become damaged by pedestrian traffic and tyres. Avoid vines, weeping shrubs or the fast growing periwinkles; rather, ornamental heathers can be a good option. If you are going to plant trees, ensure you get a variety that doesn’t drop a lot of leaf litter, and plant it far enough away from the edge of the driveway that the roots cannot disturb the concrete surface.

Keep in mind these important guidelines when choosing plants for your driveway, and whatever your preference, as long as you ensure that the plants enhance your concrete driveway, your driveway (and property) will look better than ever.

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Make sure you have a list of questions to ask your shortlist of driveway contractors to help you narrow down the selection of firms or individuals which you are deciding between. A professional contractor will expect an astute customer to want to know the answers to a few pertinent questions; if you get the feeling they don’t want you to probe too deeply, then avoid using them. You will also be able to get a feel for how they will behave on the job as contractors in terms of their communication and timeliness. If they start off being a little gruff and difficult to track down to get answers, then they should not go on your shortlist.

The best way to get a feel for a firm’s professionalism is by asking them to provide a list of references for work they have undertaken. Think about what you want to know from their referees, including questions about the trustworthiness of the driveway contractor, whether they were happy with the work the contractor carried out, whether the contractor kept to the contract, and if it is possible for you to visit their premises to look at the job they completed. Finally, you will also want to know if the customer would use the contractor again, and whether the job has stood the test of time.

BACKGROUND CHECKS
If you do manage to visit a site that the contractor has previously worked on, look at how the job was finished off, whether it is showing signs of cracks or damage, and whether or not the contractor made the appropriate allowance for drainage through site grading. Check to see if there is written proof of the driveway contractor’s appropriate liability insurance. If the contractor claims to be a member of a professional trade body, contact the trade organisation to check that it is the case. A professional trade body will require a certain level of quality assurance before new members are admitted, so you can also go on their website or email them to ask what this is.

CLARIFY THE CONTRACT
If you have satisfied yourself through questioning and background checks that the driveway contractor you have chosen is the right one for your home or business, the third step is to double check the contract before signing. A professional driveway contractor will be happy to provide written quotations and a contract. Make sure you have clarified pertinent points, such as the responsibilities of the driveway contractor versus your responsibilities. This means ensuring that you are both clear on who will be the responsible party for bringing in any other tradesmen or professionals to work on the job; for example, drainage or plumbing experts, if required. The contract should include the overall cost and a payment schedule, and there should be a guarantee in place to cover the work carried out. Other contractual obligations should include the compaction of the sub grade, and the base and thickness of the pavement.