Driveway Installation
A professionally installed driveway can transform your home’s exterior, providing both practicality and beauty. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the installation process, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Before any installation begins, it’s crucial to assess your needs. We’ll start by discussing the type of driveway material that suits your requirements, be it tarmac or block paving. Careful planning is essential to make sure the design complements your home and meets your functional needs.
Site Inspection: Our team conducts a thorough inspection of your property, assessing the terrain, drainage, and any special requirements you may have. Proper drainage is key to preventing water pooling and ensuring long-term durability.
Design & Layout: We’ll work with you to finalise the design, considering everything from material choice to decorative touches like block paving borders or patterns.
Step 2: Groundwork
A successful driveway installation depends heavily on proper groundwork. We begin by clearing the existing surface, whether it’s an old driveway, lawn, or soil. Once cleared, we excavate to the required depth to ensure a solid foundation.
Excavation: The area is excavated to the correct depth to accommodate the sub-base and surface layers. A sturdy base is crucial to preventing future issues like subsidence or cracking.
Sub-base Installation: The sub-base is then laid, typically consisting of crushed stone or hardcore, compacted to create a stable foundation. This layer ensures the driveway can bear the weight of vehicles without sinking or shifting.
Step 3: Edging and Borders
Once the base is set, we move on to installing edging or block paving borders if your design includes them. This not only adds a decorative touch but also serves a practical purpose by keeping the driveway edges intact and preventing movement.
- Edging Stones: Installed around the perimeter of the driveway, these provide a neat, finished look and reinforce the edges to keep the surface stable.
Step 4: Surfacing
Next, we apply the surface material. Whether you’ve chosen tarmac for its durability and smooth finish or block paving for its customisable designs, this step brings your vision to life.
Tarmac Application: Hot tarmac is spread evenly across the surface, compacted to ensure a strong, seamless finish. The material cools quickly, allowing the driveway to be usable within a short time.
Block Paving: If block paving is the material of choice, we carefully place each block according to the design, ensuring precise alignment. The blocks are then compacted to lock them into place.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the surface is laid, we pay close attention to the details. We check the levels to ensure proper water runoff and finish with a final compact to secure the surface.
- Sealing & Jointing: For block paving, we’ll fill the joints with kiln-dried sand to lock the blocks in place. In some cases, a sealant is applied to protect the surface and enhance its appearance.
How Long Does Installation Take?
The time needed to install a driveway varies depending on factors like the size of the area and the material chosen. On average, tarmac driveways can be completed in a few days, while block paving may take longer due to the intricate design work.
The Importance of Professional Installation
A driveway is an investment in your home, and proper installation is critical to ensuring it lasts. At Strelley Asphalt, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality installations that not only look great but also stand the test of time. We work with precision, ensuring that every step— from groundwork to the final surface—is done to the highest standard.
Conclusion
Whether you choose tarmac for its strength and affordability or block paving for a more decorative approach, our team ensures a seamless installation process. With Strelley Asphalt, you’re guaranteed a driveway that is built to last, tailored to your needs, and installed with care.
Step-By-Step Guide to Driveway Installation
