We at Drive-Cote Ltd are aware of the bad reputations some driveway companies have developed.

In a very basic and manual industry, it is all to easy for a  business  to not realise they are only as good as their worst workman.  If your  worst is workman is exemplorary  then your  recommendations and work should be exemplorary!

We have obtained a job this week that we very nearly did not get.

We had  quoted on this concrete driveway in Nottingham back in October.  This fairly large area had a block paved edge and the client was looking to resurfacing the area excluding the edge.  This was to be cleaned prior to the installation.  Our client tells us that they liked our product and were quite happy with Simon’s approach, however they chose to go with the competitor – may be price and/ or availablity  i.e our  waiting list – we did not ask. As they say competition is good and you can’t win them all.  However 2 months down the line the client has decided to give us the job to complete.  As a matter of interest and as we pride ourselves on our driveway customer service, we asked why they did not follow through with the other company.  (See our previous post for a really bad example)

They explained that the other company actually started the works.  However after starting to clean the edgings, they then started to push to have the existing concrete removed and actually got quite aggressive about it.  Our client was not swayed by the pushiness of the contractor.  The reason he had chosen resin bonded stone was because

• it was less disruptive
• could be completed in a day
• was anti slip and inhibited weed growth
• did not affect existing levels
• and used the existing surface

We at Drive-Cote like to pride ourselves on driveway customer service.

• we always try to be on time
• we never knowingly over price
• we like to think we are clean and tidy in our work
• and offer value for money.
• civility and politeness cost nothing.

Customer service is key in our business and should be for any business.  We have an added advantage that with over 15 years experience in the trade and in dealing with people ( not just customers).

If you want honest and friendly advice (free) fair and competitive pricing then call us for a chat. 01623 623986  Derbyshire, Mansfield, Shirebrook, Okeaskey, Glapwell, Bramley Vale,  Mansfield Woodhouse free no obligation quotes.  Concrete, tarmac imprinted concrete. Path patio or driveway we can help.

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in abundance this week!  Well two in the same week.  Both resin driveway path patio recommendations came without prompting and via email.

resin driveway path patio recommendations No 1

“Dear Simon and Faith and “the lads” thankyou very much for our new drive, we are over the moon with it, for the first few days we kept opening the door and looking at it, !!!  as if it was going to disappear ! we have had lots of passers by  commenting on how good it looks, it is certainly the first one of it’s kind in our village,  thanks once again, hope you like the photos of the finished look, once again thankyou, Joyce and Eric  Washingborough Lincoln”

“Good morning Simon,  I trust you received the cheque for final payment.  We both wanted to say how pleased we are with our new drive.

It really does look fantastic.  Several of our neighbours enquired so you may have some more work to do around here in the future.

 Also, your workmen were superb being both pleasant and efficient.  Best regards,   Matthew ”  is  resin driveway path patio recommendations No 2.

We pride ourselves on offering a quality and value for money service and when we  receive letters such as this it makes our job even more worthwhile.

Concrete, imprinted concrete or tarmac we can resurface.  Anti slip and virtually weed free results. Ideal to help with those slips trips and falls.  Already we have received enquiries as a result of this particular project, so if you want a stand out resin driveway path  or patio, call for a chat.

Based in Nottinghamshire we are in  easy reach of Bakersfield, Arnold, Church Warsop, Sutton in Ashfield, Ilkeston, Kilburn, Belper, Chesterfield, Dronfield, Ravenshead, Kirkby in Ashfield,  Create kerb appeal.  For  a cost effective solution call us now 01623 623986.Paths, patios, driveways – tarmac or concrete new extensions we can cater for it all.  Remember our resin bonded Drive-Cote works will prolong the life of your existing surface.

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This is a question we get asked a lot.  Resin driveway – relatively new option?  the simple answer is no.  I found this thread on the internet whilst researching our competitors (as you do).  Just from the discussions online and  comments it is clear to see how confusing information is available.

Resin is a highly versatile product  and has been in use for a number of years.  If you look at the dates on this forum you will be able to answer the question resin driveways – relatively new option – as these alone date back to 2010.

Some of the points raised and  answered (not always correctly we will add) are as follows:

“We’ve got an ugly concrete driveway in front of our house, and for various reasons it isn’t practical at the moment to dig it all up and lay a new one.

I was looking around for any cheaper options, and I came across the idea of a resin bonded gravel layer on top of the concrete. It looks great in the pictures – does anyone have any real life experience?”

and

“Most applicators will want to start a fresh and pull up old concrete making it a bit expensive. They will want to give a warranty”

also

“You can DIY this. If the existing concrete is sound, then its just a matter of scrapping off any loose stuff, filling any dips or holes and then coating.

You can get the resin, binder and top coats from various online suppliers and the gravel or whatever can be sourced locally if you like. You may need to buy some special rakes or squeegees or mixing paddles for the application, but it will still be all cheaper than getting a firm in. It really is not that hard or “specialist”

“You may get at least 10-15 years out of it, may be much more, as it depends on the prevalent weather that the drive gets, and the sun breaking down the resin bond. Good drainage is a must.

Another problem for drives, is that cars tend to be driven in the same place, and wheels turned in the same spot, and so particular areas may get more wear and degrade sooner. But that’s not to say that as a whole, the surface wont last long.

Prepare the base well, apply it properly and it can be one of the best looking drives you can get – especially if you incorporate some other paving, and think about the design a little”

Some true facts but also some misconceptions.  How do you distinguish?  Can you be confident that a resin driveway – relatively new option – is installed correctly?

Have a look around our website, lots of information for you to peruse and even more important it is free to talk!

Whatever your thoughts it is a more cost effective option than block paving. It it a lot speedier to install than block paving.  A resin driveway path or patio has anti slip properties not offered with imprinted concrete.

Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire,  Leicestershire and Yorkshire all within easy distance.  Free quotes and honest answers.  Chesterfield, Ollerton, Southwell,  Clipstone – we can show you resin bonded gravel and resin bonded stone works we have completed in these areas.  Resin bonded paths and resin bonded patios .  Concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete we can resurface and complete in most cases within a day.

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concrete patio requiring resin bonded aggregate

Received an enquiry today from a local customer.  The lady in question had been on our website and whilst it was informative and gave the lady a good basis of information  it still made the client query whether concrete resin bonded aggregate or  concrete resin bound aggregate should be the option for her patio area.

The current concrete patio area is only accessible via through the actual property.  This is quite familiar in some of the older properties we quote for and particular in the Derbyshire countryside.

The existing falls to this concrete surface are correct, and the surface is only for foot traffic.  So by rights the choice of either concrete patio requiring resin bonded aggregate or resin bound,  are options.

However, as with all our projects, there are still dictates of the circumstances  that can affect the options.  In this particular case the existing surface is already at a correct level.  To install a resin bonded aggregate would provide no problem as one of the key aspects is the fact that it does not affect existing levels, but it does protect the surface and extend the life of the concrete.  However, this particular client was looking at a smooth surface which is where resin bound aggregate comes in.

Without having a look at this concrete patio requiring resin bonded aggregate it would be difficult to say, but on the conversation and information provided, it would seem unlikely that we would offer resin bound purely on the fact that it is trowelled on and needs to be a reasonable depth (10mm and more) in order to provide the correct finish.  This would then really affect the existing levels of this concrete patio requiring resin bonded aggregate

This client made a very valid point though with regard to the problem of installing a permeable surface onto an impermeable surface. Because the fall is correct any water which permeates though would follow the fall as it slopes to the installed  aco drain , so the freeze/thaw effect would be more or less eliminated.

This particular job is a good example of how diverse and circumstance specific each quote and installation is.  Remember as well there is a difference with imprinted concrete and ordinary concrete.  Tarmac too has a different porosity, so depending on the existing condition as to which options would be available.

Based in Mansfield Nottinghamshire near to the M1 Local to the Derbyshire and Yorkshire counties.  Paths patios concrete or tarmac we can help with resin bonded aggregate or gravel. Don’t let the weather get the better of you.

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“Hi Faith
The young men were clean, tidy, polite and worked well . We are very pleased with the result. Already received several positive comments.  Will recommend your work to anyone who enquires. A company to be trusted. Wish all Companies were of your standard.   Cheers
Kind regards Heather”

How nice is that recommendation and testimonial !    We aim to please.  Not just with our Resin driveway service but with our business attitude in general.  I read somewhere many years ago  a saying “you are only as good as your worst  workman.  What more can I say!

This Nottinghamshire resin driveway recommendation is presented on our website as a credit to our hardworking staff.

In this current business climate  we are all competing hard for business.  With the marvels of the internet this has enabled us to complete driveway, paths and patios within the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Sherffield, Chesterfield, Newark and Derby  areas (just to name some).

Concrete, tarmac, imprinted concrete and slabs are all existing surfaces that we can work with.  Perhaps you would like to incorporate you resin driveway path or patio into your garden design.

This is a Mansfield resin path and garden project and you can see where we are incorporating a curve detail.   Call us now and let us improve your garden and driveway.

• Maintenance free
• Anti slip

A weed free and anti slip surface which can enhance your garden. Patios are prone to deterioration over a period of time, this is where our resin can transform your outdoor space.

In this current  climate the moisture and damp is a breeding ground for weeds.   Only today June 13th have I seen the ever chanaging weather – sunshine  and showers – hail being a part of it. With our impermeable surface, if water cannot get down weeds cannot get up.  No backbreaking weeding.

The post Nottinghamshire Resin driveway recommendation appeared first on Drive Cote.

Our Client in Elston near Newark Nottinghamshire requested a site visit to see if we could come up with a solution for a new driveway for their property.  They had  seen one of our previous projects on the same street and approached the resident for our information.  Our clients had considered the usual options – tarmac, concrete, imprinted concrete and block paving,  However because they had seen the Resin Bonded Aggregate in place already and as it was anti slip, they wanted to use our services.

The existing parking area was just a gravel and hardcore mix that looked very unsightly.  One unusual aspect was that the existing driveway and double garage were set at a higher level than the house.  This meant  that levels were crucial and increased drainage was looking likely.   After assessing the area and  taking time  to take  levels from numerous points we established that a new concrete base would need to be installed by our builder with drainage being an important factor .  Our builder recommended that an eco drain be installed along the garage door threshold to prevent water getting access.  It was also found on further inspection that the old damaged manhole had been seriously “bodged”  and needed to be re-built.  A  recessed tray top was to be installed after necessary repairs were completed first.   It was also decided with the client that a threshold strip of natural stone setts should be constructed  to compliment the resin bonded aggregate  finish that would be used to surface the new concrete driveway base.

A price was submitted to the client which was duly accepted and a start date agreed.

• Stage 1. Excavate and establish levels, hardcore and compact then manhole re-build, fit eco drainage and lay stone setts, lay and trowel 5 cubic meters of ready mix concrete and leave to cure for 5-6 weeks.
• Stage 2. Our client  decided on 2-5mm golden pea finish for the resin bonded aggregate,  on day of application the new concrete was cleaned, dried and primed before the application of the resin bonded aggregate  finish.
• Our clients were very pleased with the end result and it complimented the look of the property.

As a result of our work our clients very kindly sent us this email

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Just had to  put this little nugget of appreciation on our website.  Really nice letter  and this really was too good not to include

The post Resin Bonded Resurfacing Letter of Appreciation appeared first on Drive Cote.

We are writing to thank you and your 3 workers who completed our drive yesterday.  Please compliment them on their hard work, politeness and approach to their task.  We are very pleased with the finished result.  A vast improvement of what was there before.  Once again, thankyou.

Mike and Sue

Resin Bonded Aggregate Driveways Mansfield

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Hi Simon and Faith

We had our drive coated with your product in 2010 which we are delighted with.  You completed the resurfacing of our concrete  and what a difference.  Unfortunately on Monday 13 August 2012 of this week I noticed that in three places there was a slight lifting of the resin.  I contacted your company the same day and explained the problem,.

In the afternoon of the same day to my amazement we had a visit from your team who examined the problem and said that they would repair it as soon as weather permitted.  On Wednesday same week we had a phone call to let us know the team were on their way and would be with us in the hour, which they were.

The problem has been rectified with little disruption and I would like to thank you all for your prompt and efficient service.

Your after sales service could not be better                              

Many Thanks

Jackie

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Your lads were exemplorary and a credit to your company.  They were very professional and did a wonderful job and we are very pleased with the end result.

Regards

Stuart

Louth

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