resin driveway Nottingham work by Mansfield based Drive-Cote Ltd

June 21st, 2016

resin driveway Nottingham work

Over 6 years ago we completed some resin driveway Nottingham work (with a little detail) quoting as follows to the client

To the over lay of your concrete driveway, path to the front of your property and footpath to the side with a Natural finish resin bonded system. To the levelling of your front garden, weed controlling the same andcovering with a feature slate. To the creation of a feature Indianstone circle to the centre approx 2m diameter and the planting of boxhedging (supplied by yourselves)”

Nottingham resin driveway by Drive-Cote Ltd

This nice resin driveway Nottingham work was completed a year after the quote, and this week we quoted for his neighbour to complete resin works. It is not a regular occurrence to see how the product has stood the test of time, so we were curious to see it in the flesh so to speak. We should really have thought, well if the neighbour is wanting a quote some 6 years on it must still look good. And it does! The neighbour wants the driveway, side and back elevation resurfacing.  This is the 2nd referral in as many weeks!

 

resin driveway Nottingham workThere is also a need to remove several slabs to the patio area.  This is because a larger soakaway is required.  As it stands at the moment there is a small tendency for the water to drain towards the property.

This means with a little adjustment and not having to go to the disruption or cost of excavating the whole patio area we can increase the drainage point  as above and this will allow the water to disperse naturally to the soakaway area). We have been completing resin driveway Nottingham work for clients with existing surfaces such as concrete and tarmac. The key benefit being that our resin bonded system ensures minimum mess and disruption, minimum time to install resulting in a durable hardwearing and protective surface.  No mess no disruption and no weeds.

resin driveway Nottingham work

Mansfield, Nottingham, Sherwood, Daybrook, Arnold, Gedling, Colwick.  Call for a free quote.  You don’t always need to go down the expensive and disruptive routes such as new drainage.

Mansfield red resin driveway referral

June 10th, 2016

Mansfield red resin driveway referral

We completed a large red resin bonded stone driveway project in Mansfield over 10 years ago and today we received a red resin driveway referral.  10 years down and this client has really cared for her driveway!

Mansfield red resin driveway referral

As one of the longest standing resin installation companies in the Nottinghamshire area we are proud to be able to talk about works we have completed over 10 years ago.

We had a visit from a local resident who had knocked on the door of the Mansfield red resin driveway referral property to find out:

  1. What it was?
  2. What the client thought of it?
  3. Where could they get in touch with the Company who installed it (Drive-Cote Ltd)!
  4. How long had it been down?
  5. Did it require any maintenance?

The answers being

  1. Resin
  2. Well impressed
  3. drive-cote.co.uk and 01623 623986
  4. Over 10 years
  5. No just a stiff brush and jet wash once a year.

This  red resin driveway referral we believe is an unbiased reflection of the credibility of the product and of Drive-Cote Ltd itself.  This week we have completed in the local area (Sutton in Ashfield)  and already we have received an email which reads as follows

“Hi Simon,

Please thank the guys for doing a really good job with the front, side and rear!

The entire property looks completely different bringing various disjointed areas together as one. So much better.

I have used the half a bag of spare chippings on the rockery….what a difference this has made. Would it be possible to purchase three bags of chippings from you in order to complete the task?

Colin”

P1000761 P1000762 P1000763 P1000764 P1000765 P1000766 P1000767 P1000768 P1000770 P1000771 P1000772 P1000773 P1000774 P1000775 P1000776 P1000778

Obviously we were  happy to supply the additional chippings free of charge!

Resin installations have been around now for some 15 years and with this Mansfield red resin driveway referral  this week and an email from a previous client (Nottingham this time) wanting  us to complete additional works it has been  a very busy time for us.

If you want to view works completed near you or to find out where this Mansfield red resin driveway referral project is call Drive-Cote Ltd Simon or Faith 01623 623986. Concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete we can resurface

resin drive install confusion Ravenshead Mansfield Shirebrook

May 28th, 2016

resin drive install confusion

Resin drive install confusion is a common occurrence.   It can be as a result of not being aware of the difference between resin bonded stone and resin bound paving  or it can even be a case of mistaking imprinted concrete for resin.

On our website and in our chats to callers we try and clarify to eliminate the resin drive install confusion.  We try and inform callers as to which surface are suitable and  what the benefits of resin (whether it is bonded or bound) are.

Resin, Block Paving, Tarmac, Concrete or Slabbs?

resin drive install confusion Mansfield

It is easy to see why the resin bound and resin bonded aggregate installs are confused with each other  as they both use the same products.  However it is important to be aware they offer very different qualities.  There are many options available nowadays – concrete, tarmac, imprinted concrete, slabs, gravel, block paving  indian sandstone – all having their own problem  such as cost or suitability.  Research as with anything is key.

So for e.g  if it is for an anti slip , virtually weed free, maintenance free and impermeable Ravenshead resin driveway companysurface able to use an existing concrete or tarmac base then resin bonded gravel is the option.

However if it is  a porous surface you need then resin bound paving is the way to go. Just be aware that as a permeable surface it  is less tensile than solid monolithic surfaces so care should be taken if you wish to use it on a driveway.Resin drive by Drive-Cote Ltd

The resin used for resin bonded and resin bound is suitable for use with sealing surfaces such as block paving or imprinted concrete and this is possibly another reason resin drive install confusion can happen.

If you want to know more call Simon or Faith at Drive-Cote for free no obligation, no hardsell options with regard to resurfacing your driveway, path or patio.

resin drive install confusion

drive-cote ltd P1000645 resin bonded stone by Drive-Cote Ltd resin drive install confusion

 

 

 

 

Kirkby in Ashfield, Ravenshead, Ilkeston, Swanwick, Bargate, Ripley, Somercotes, Chesterfield, Mansfield we can provide a free quote and clear up any resin drive install confusion you may have.  If your surface is not suitable we will not  price you.

resin resurfacing back spot solution

May 13th, 2016

Resin resurfacing black spot solution

We have been called out this week to a local job to provide a resin resurfacing back spot solution treatment.  What you may say, is a resin resurfacing black spot solution install?

Exactly what we thought!

This client from Mansfield had had a beautiful indian sandstone patio completed.  On inspection of the site it was quite an impressive install and was a real good quality install but it did have very minor marks.

resin resurfacing back spot solution

Even though  it was only 9 years old it had developed a black spot infestation.  We are extremely loathe to actually cover it as this was an expensive durable attractive and hardwearing install and in our opinion was still looking good.

The crux of the matter is,  is that the clients are not happy with the black spot infestation and feel that during the forthcoming years the treatment required to maintain the patio and to prevent deterioration further,  will be too much for them. In addition our clients had done quite a lot of research and had seen reports on the potential  that over the years the lichen could spread all over  and that the whole surface could become infested.  We did highlight however that this would be over a long period of time

Our resin resurfacing is designed to use existing surfaces but usually we find that the surface is in more need of resurfacing than this clients.  We found reports in various places with regard to the lichen and its liking for indian sandstone which our resin resurfacing black spot solution will eliminate.

 

We believe in honesty and have discussed this with the client, but they are adamant they want to eliminate this potential regular maintenance requirement and feel that our resin bonded stone will provide the relief required.

resin resurfacing back spot solution

There are various remedies or treatments to manage this and what should be remembered is that most external surfaces require some form of maintenance but  some more than others.

correct resin aggregate

April 30th, 2016

correct resin aggregate – How important is it?

VERY important to use the correct resin aggregate is the answer!

The correct resin aggregate can make or break a job.  The size and the quality of the aggregate is extremely important and one such supplier of aggregates is Derbyshire Aggregates who for the last 30 years have provided for pebble dashing and also supplied chippings and landscape aggregates for paths and drives. This then led them  onto specialist and coloured aggregates which in due course led into the resin bonded and bound markets in the UK  needing clean, dry, hard, coloured aggregates of a high quality and consistency.

Derbyshire Aggregates are one of the specialist suppliers we use due to their reliability and quality.

 

Earlier in the year we talked about rust spots which in the past have been an issue and it is extremely important that your installer is aware of the potential issues with using the incorrect resin aggregate.

We advised the client to return to the installer and we have been updated as follows

“Afternoon Faith, I would appreciate if you could inform Simon that the drive surface will be recovered and re-laid.  Company who supplied aggregate will re supply for free and the company that laid the drive will also perform all work for free. Good result but shame it occurred in first place. Please thank Simon for his knowledgeable and sound advice.  The problem is with one of the aggregates containing iron!! Will choose a different colour this time. Original colour is a honey/oatmeal type colour. All the best”

 If the correct resin aggregate had been used in the first place it would have saved time, money and a concerned customer.  Having said that it is a credit to the company concerned as they are remedying the situation and will now be using the correct resin aggregate.

There are various remedies to remove rust spots but generally if the actual media has the metals incorporated in it (such as the one used here)  you will not be able to remove the rust spots as they will continue to leach due to the oxidation if the metal in the aggregate.

Recovering with the correct resin aggregate is the only real solution.  Whether it is a resin bonded stone or resin bound installation.

Mansfield, Southwell, Tibshelf, Huthwaite, Ripley Ollerton, Wellow, Swanwick, Somercotes and  Chesterfield call for a free quote.  Not sure of the finish you would like? Ask away.

Resin bonded stone and aggregate finishes can protect and ensure longevity of your exiswting surface.

resin bound driveway odour and staining

April 24th, 2016

resin bound driveway odour and staining

Recently we have had cause to discuss another installers works as a result of a phone call we received in connection with Resin bound driveway odour and staining.  The caller had had a recent install and now she said the resin bound driveway odour and staining and not disappeared (as she had been advised it would)

We are not in the job of criticising other companies, installers or works but when we are faced questions about a resin bound driveway odour and staining it does give us the opportunity to highlight how temperamental resin can be!    And in the wrong hands this is can be compounded.

The lady and her neighbour had had an install of resin bound aggregate and as you will see from our answers below this helps to identify why

  • The smell is there
  • The resin bound driveway has not cured
  • The resin bound install has staining

Apologies for the delay in putting details down with regard to your resin bound driveway odour and staining but please find as follows

 Just a few opinions as per our conversation of Tuesday 29 March 2016.

Firstly, you stated that yours and your neighbours resin bound driveways had not only been completed in the winter months which we not normally advocate and in fact the install was in wet conditions.  Wet and heavy moisture content do no go with resin based products which should as a rule be laid in temperatures above 5° c and in dry conditions – hence non curing.

P1000652 P1000653 P1000655 Resin bound driveway odour and staining

You mentioned heavy staining and this could be as a result of the water emulsifying with the resin giving a milky appearance due to an install in wet weather

The fumes we can only think are relevant to the type of resin used.  We use a polyurethane product which is totally odour free and best suited to domestic applications but epoxy was the original resin and this may be the reason for the smell.

Hope this helps with the issue you have with the installs, but we do recommend returning to your installer for further help”. 

We have been installing residential resin for over 15 years now.  There will always be potential issues with resin due to lack of knowledge for example, poor surface prep, humidity, poor substrate or even incompatible surface – block paving being a good example.

Finally, there is always the chance that the resin is defective but with a quality installer and supplier this is not a common occurrence.

Resin is currently available as a DIY product but just remember the above!  But at the same time look at where resin can be used!  To coin a phrase “the posiblities are endless

Feel free to look through our website and view recently completed works.

resin bonded driveway install Drive-Cote Ltd Resin driveway install Drive-Cote Ltd install resin driveways be Drive-Cote Ltd

We at Drive-Cote Ltd offer free advice. No salesman just Simon or Faith! No pressure and free no obligation quotes.

Wellow, Southwell, Mansfield, Tibshelf, Belper, Ilkeston, Ripley, Alfreton, Swanwick,Sutton in Ashfield, Chesterfield

resin installation advice

April 12th, 2016

resin installation advice

We at Drive-Cote pride ourselves on honest answers to questions we are asked.  No dodging the bullet so to speak!

This week we have been discussing the options and the pros and cons and we have tried to provide honest resin installation advice.  Whether it is for resurfacing concrete, imprinted concrete tarmac or block paving.  The truth of the matter is is that no surface is perfect.  It is down to the right product for the correct purpose.  A local Nottingham enquiry for resin installation advice prompted  a few rather lengthy discussions and meets.

The result of our resin installation advice?  well read for yourself and see what you think.

To confirm as requested details as follows  – To  repair and resurface existing concrete driveway in 1-3mm silver grey granite Resin Bonded stone   At a reduced price of £

On receipt of   your confirmation of the order we can order your materials and progress the works.   The preparation work can be completed with a settling and assessment period being allowed (as per the detail below) with the resin bonded install being completed after this.

Please note we are aware of your concerns about the potential for standing water on the driveway when the resin bonding has been completed.  Unfortunately until works are carried out we cannot tell the full extent of potential puddling that may occur and unless a driveway is on a slope a certain amount of small puddling is a possible.  Having said that these can usually be overcome by drilling a drain hole in any puddling areas to allow water to filter through.  Once the resin driveway installation is completed we can assess further and  if required  we would be more than happy to install the drainage holes at no extra charge.

In certain instances it is possible to install an eco drainage channel however this would be subject to an additional cost to yourself (approximately £200-£300) but we would provide any resin repairs required at our own cost.

resin installation advice DSCN2108 rtesin bonded stone by Drive-Cote Ltd DSCN2412

We can prep, fill and level where possible in the near future (once the deposit above is paid).  And after allowing a couple of weeks to monitor the drainage we should then be able to see if there are any small puddles (meaning a further reassessment  prior to the installation)  and then complete  further minor leveling if required prior to the install. One of the key benefits of our resin bonded installations is the overall impermeability resin bonded aggregate provides.  If water cannot permeate through then this prevents weed growth, protects the existing surface, eliminates the need to remove the existing surface and at the same time provides an attractive and extremely durable surface.  Should you wish to discuss any aspect then please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Faith on the above number”

However if you are looking for a permeable surface resin bonded stone is not the way to go.  The point with all our advice is is that we offer honest advice.

Mansfield, Ashfield, Southwell, Ripley, Alfreton, Stonebroom, Morton, Pilsley, Tibshelf.  Call now and see if we can help you.  If our product is not right for you then we won’t install it.  No salesman just Simon or Faith!   Remember concrete tarmac, imprinted concrete or  tarmac  (which can be particularly susceptible to damage – think about potholes)   are tough surfaces but they do not last forever.

self healing concrete news

March 25th, 2016

self healing concrete news

Self-healing concrete technologies are currently being developed by a team of researchers from the School of Engineering at the University of Cardiff, in Wales. Through a project called Materials for Life (M4L), the researchers are conducting the first major trial of these materials in the UK. – See more .
 
Evidently  the team’s goal is to “create sustainable and resilient systems that continually monitor, regulate, adapt, and repair themselves without the need for human intervention,” said Cardiff professor and M4L principal investigator Bob Lark in a press release. This is especially important given the estimated £40bn ($57.8bn) spent annually on the concrete-intensive maintenance and repair of these structures in the U.K., the team says. The M4L trial is underway at a road-construction site near the A465 highway in South Wales, where the researchers can view the performance under real-world conditions.
 
Can this be real or is it  a joke?   Perhaps in the future there won’t  even be  the need for resin bonded resurfacing?
I’m not sure this is a possible but if we can get to the moon who knows what is possible?
 

Resin technology has advanced over the last 30 years and currently it serves well as a product to resurface poor damaged and tired concrete.  Some of the benefits of resin bonded aggregate being it uses existing surfaces, can be completed in a day and does not affect existing levels.  We would find it hard to compare with the benefits that this  self healing concrete news brings such as

  •  shape-memory polymers activated by electrical current
  •  healing agents made from organic and inorganic compounds
  •   one with capsules containing bacteria and healing agents

Concrete may not necessarily be the most attractive product but it is extremely strong and durable and can last a lifetime.

 

 
 
 
 

impermeable resin Mansfield based Drive-Cote Ltd

March 13th, 2016

impermeable resin

Lots of enquiries this week from pool surrounds to concrete and grassed areas in need of addressing with  impermeable resin bonded aggregate.

Unfortunately one was in Tiverton and the other one in Liverpool, so not really feasible for Drive-Cote to complete.  However a quote in Nuthall and one to complete Kirkby in Ashfield may prove to be potential.

impermeable resin Mansfield based Drive-Cote Ltd

Resin installs always depend on the surfaces already down but also includes the needs of the potential customers and funds available and that is just some of the considerations.

We pride ourselves at Drive-Cote Ltd on assessing each individual case on its own merits and just as importantly providing an honest service. If it is not the right option then we won’t quote.

We always highlight to our enquiries that there are two options of resin installations available. One being porous (permeable resin) one non porous (impermeable resin) both being dependant on the needs or purposes of the client/surface.  All our advice is free, our quotes are free and we try to be honest and open at all times.

There is no wrong or right just a correct product for the correct purpose.

For instance no matter how permeable a surface is if the correct substrate is not in place it won’t permeate fully and can be a potential for the freeze thaw process.

We at Drive-Cote have a preference for impermeable resin installs for a number of reasons including

  • No weeds
  • Uses existing surface
  • Virtually no maintenance
  • Doesn’t affect existing levels.

All of which are less applicable to impermeable resin.impermeable resin

Weeds can get a hold on the resin bound surface (permeable paving)  – they can embed in the resin and as a result of this damage the surface.

Using existing surfaces (concrete and tarmac which are impermeable)  for resin bound surfaces means you are putting a porous on to a non porous so where does the water permeate to creating a need to ensure that the correct falls, correct substrate and/ or drainage is in place.

Maintenance is a need for bound installs, clearing of debris and ensuring weeds do not achieve weed growth.  Moss and algae are more prevalent as like weeds with a porous surface they can get a grasp on the surface and create a slippy surface.

Resin bonded stone which is an impermeable surface does not affect existing levels as it is only about 5-8mm in depth on install.  However being a tough and durable surface (used for anti slip surfacing on roadways) it is well above spec and requirements of a residential driveway path or patio).

It would be nice to be able to say that the perfect driveway path or patio surface exists but that is not the case.  Just as an example if you hate the idea of maintenance then consider the fact that imprinted concrete and block paving both need maintenance.

 

 

resin bonded stone driveway dropped kerb

March 5th, 2016

resin bonded stone driveway dropped kerb

This week we have been approached by a potential customer in Sutton in Ashfield enlightening himself with information with regard to a resin bonded stone driveway dropped kerb potential.
Planning permission is a requirement for this resin bonded stone driveway dropped kerb potential as kerbs offer a number of purposes –

  • retaining the carriageway edge to prevent ‘spreading’ and loss of structural integrity
  • acting as a barrier or demarcation between road traffic and pedestrians or verges
  • providing physical ‘check’ to prevent vehicles leaving the carriageway
  • forming a channel along which surface water can be drained

A dropped kerb would allow access to areas that would normally be hindered or affected by a standard kerb and in order to ensure compliance permissions are required. Notts County Council has information which includes the following
Planning permission – If you want a dropped kerb outside your property you will need our planning approval. You may also need to get planning permission from your local district council.
Who can install a dropped kerb? – You may employ a contractor of your choice to carry out these works, subject to them meeting certain requirements.
Your contractor will need to apply to us for a permit to alter the highway outside your property and we will inspect the work to ensure that it meets our specification.
The caller was actually trying to create access to the front of his property and wanted to create a parking area for a couple of reasons. Parking by other residents hindering access to his property and to gain vehicular access to the property. Planning permission was being sought to have a dropped kerb installed and he was also having to consider the options for the hardstanding area. He was actually advised that he needed planning for the hard landscaping area which is not true. As we have said many times before anything hard landscaped over 5sqm on a front garden needs to manage run off water and Suds requirements apply
SUDS is Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems the key point being sustainable drainage methods for dealing with drainage in a sustainable manner, using technologies that minimise the environmental impact of our lifestyles, buildings, structures and surfaces. This does not mean permeable paving must be installed.
In discussing the matter of a resin bonded stone driveway dropped kerb and the potential options for his driveway, we ran through the various pros and cons. We always try to be fair and honest. The gentleman was considering resin bound options and had already spoken with a ground worker who had provided him with potential costs.
Sutton in Ashfield, Kirkby in Ashfield, Mansfield, Ravenshead, Bilsthorpe, Sherwood, Annesley, Kirkby in Ashfield, Ripley Alfreton, Stonebroom, Morton, Shirebrook.