Phyllostachys Aureocaulis AKA Bamboo

September 8th, 2013

Phyllostachys Aureocaulis AKA Bamboo

We separated a number  of clumps from an established  Phyllostachys Aureocaulis  AKA Bamboo or  golden bamboo as it is also known  several months ago.  We are based in Mansfield and this particular bamboo has weathered our storms.

We at Drive-Cote Ltd not only work with resin driveways.  We incorporate garden designs and ideas with our surfacing options.  Resin and all its complexities is  an attractive product and we try and bring driveways, paths and patios into the garden.

There is always the uncertainity  as to whether  they would survive transplanting.  This is  bearing in mind the extremes of weather we seem to be experiencing  over the winter time – wind – snow –rain and even a heatwave.

However a couple of months ago 6 spikes appeared out of the soil and it is looking as though the plant is going to be able to establish itself over the coming years.

The donor plant has canes nearly 2 inches wide and 20ft tall.   Phyllostachys Aureocaulis AKA BambooPhyllostachys Aureocaulis  AKA Bamboo

It really is an excellent specimen.    If the donor plant is anything to go by the off cuts will hopefully replicate a strong healthy and flourishing plant.

This particular  bamboo is in a very evident position as far as pedestrians are concerned and already we have had a number of people knock on the door asking where they can  locate the same bamboo species.  Remember the name Phyllostachys Aureocaulis AKA Bamboo

So remember if you want a hardy bamboo that will grow very large canes 2.4 to 4 m high at a quite a speedy growth rate of 60cm per yer.  This is the bamboo to go for

This decorative bamboo Phyllostachys Aureocaulis AKA Bamboo originates from China. It is grown for its sulphur-yellow canes, which feature occasional green stripes at their bases. It makes an excellent backdrop for border planting, and is useful for screening.  Planted alone, it makes a strong architectural statement.  The sound of its leaves rustling in the wind is also very appealing.  Although this is one of the less invasive types of bamboo, precautions may be taken to restrict spread, such as planting in a large container or limiting the roots with a non-perishable barrier.

It does require sun or partial shade and needs moist soil and feed regularly.

To have a chat 01623 623986 Simon or Faith compliment your garden with a Phyllostachys Aureocaulis AKA Bamboo

For a Resin Drive installation near you to   Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire or Lincolnshire , Alfreton  Bakersfield  Basford, Bingham, Burbridge, Carlton, Clifton, Coventry, Dronfield, Gamston Village, Keyworth,Lichfield, New Ollerton, Northants,Pilsley, Retford, Selston, Shirland, Stanton Hill, Welton, Wingerworth

 

 

resin driveway resurfacing for imprinted concrete

September 7th, 2013

resin driveway resurfacing for imprinted concrete

Quoting a bit further affield this week.  Going to  see a client with the potential for a resin driveway resurfacing for imprinted concrete.   This has not been down a long time, but the customer could not put up with it any more (his words not ours) .resin driveway resurfacing for imprinted concrete

During the last winter this client found the surface of the imprinted concrete to be slippy in icy conditions and in addition to this it had cracked in several places.  This can happen with imprinted concrete as very similar to the resin when installing, it can be quite tempermental.

Various remedies had been tried  several resealing coats including sand and glass balls to try and anti slip proof the surface,  but all methods tried had proved to be unreliable.   The client was convinced either he or his wife will slip over and end up hurting themselves.

This client had come to the conclusion that he needs a resin driveway resurfacing for imprinted concrete surface because of the qualities and benefits of resin driveway resurfacing for imprinted concrete.

  • Anti slip
  • Weed free
  • Maintenance free
  • Completed in a day
  • Does not affect existing levels

Remember though tarmac can be resurfaced as well.

resin driveway resurfacing for imprinted concrete

Our Drive-Cote Ltd system ticks all of the boxes.  Key to this client is the anti slip and the fact that the existing does not have to be removed  to offer a solution to their problem.  Looking  forward to hearing back from this client as our resin driveway resurfacing  for imprinted concrete would be the ideal solution.

Remember as well that if your driveway has a block paved edge we can tape this off and protect this and still resurface your existing surface with out it affecting existing levels.

We have covered quite a few over the years.  Unfortuntely it does mean that the pattern in place is hidden, but we have found the majority of resurfacing  with our resin bonded stone has been a necessity rather than a choice.  This is understandable as the cost of an imprinted concrete surface can be quite expensive.  Then to have to add further cost is not ideal.

Sheffield Resin bonded driveway completion

September 5th, 2013

Sheffield Resin bonded driveway completion

Shefffield resin bonded driveway completion job on the cards for this week.  The client’s concrete driveway and patio  were very badly spalled and damaged  made worse by successive bad winters.

However the basic structure and support of the surface was as good as when it was laid over 30 years ago.  In this current climate recycling is a very popular option and choice and we like to think that this Sheffield resin bonded driveway completion will be a recycling  project.  Why because  our resin bonded resurfacing uses the existing.  No skips necessary!  No excavation required!

Some remedial works were required prior to this Sheffield resin bonded driveway completion,  this enables a degree of levelling which then ensures a more even surface for the resin bonded stone.  The patio area only required minimal preparation works.

Sheffield Resin bonded driveway completion

We also use a sealer – a sort of pva – which offers an additional layer of protection to the existing concrete.

A natural finish was chosen and this certainly  seems to be the most popular.  When clients first ask about the resin bonded resurfacing their  thought is that the darker finish will be less inclined to show any marks.  However this is not the case, the lighter the finish the less it is inclined to show any dirt and grime that does accumulate over the weathering process.  However any debris is easily removed with a quick rinse and brush.    Remember the anti slip surfacing properties serve to inhibit  moss,  mould and algae.  This in turn ensures that this Sheffield resin bonded driveway completion job  will have an extended, durable, attractive  and protected improved lifespan.

Winter is coming on quickly and to ensure that your concrete, driveway, path or patio is protected have it resurfaced just like  this Sheffield Resin bonded driveway completion job.

  • Anti slip
  • Complete in a day
  • No excavation
  • No skips

If it is not broke don’t fix it!

concrete driveway needing resin bonded aggregate by Drive-Cote Ltd

September 1st, 2013

concrete driveway needing resin bonded aggregate by Drive-Cote Ltd

Oakham in Rutland  being order of the week.

We have a concrete driveway needing resin bonded aggregate by Drive-Cote Ltd to improve, protect and remedy the problem this client was experiencing.

The driveway is actually a fairly new concrete driveway, but the lady has never been happy with it.  The concrete driveway had been installed about 3-4 years ago and was starting to break up on the surface already.  This is not necessarily a sign of poor workmanship as  very often it is just surface related.  The main structure of the surface being sound.

We have been called in with regard to this concrete driveway needing resin bonded aggregate by Drive-Cote Ltd as the client was considering all options including the usual block paving, imprinted concrete and tarmac.  However the client being aware that removal of the surface would probably be a necessity, was not keen on these options.

 

A neighbour had had a resin bound aggregate driveway  installed about 18 months ago and this had given our client the knowledge to research resin bonded  gravel and resin bound gravel options on the internet.  The client had contacted to quote a price for a concrete driveway needing resin bonded aggregate by Drive-Cote Ltd.  This client was also looking for an anti slip product to help in winter time.

Finding out about resin bonded installations and resin bound installations had allowed this client to establish the fact that resin bonded and resin bound installations are not the same.

Moss and weeds and algae

This client’s neighbour was having difficulty with moss and weeds and algae (as resin bonded is not porous  this would not happen with a concrete driveway needing resin bonded aggregate by Drive-Cote Ltd).

We explained to our client that the resin bonded aggregate surface would stabalise her exisiting concrete  and it would provide a brand new surface which would enable  an anti slip and virtually maintenance and weed free surface.

Resin bonded  gravel and resin bonded  aggregate providing an alternative to the usual options  for your driveway path or patio. If it’s not broke don’t fix it.

We are based in  Mansfield Nottinghamshire but accessible to Yorkshire and Derbyshire areas.  We have completed anti slip surfacing  in Skegby,  Aspley,   Bilsthorpe, Bulwell,  Clay Cross, Cotgrave, Doncaster, Huthwaite,  Mansfield Woodhouse, New Houghton, Northampton, Pentrich,  Ravenshead, Sellers Wood, Shirebrook, Spalding, Sutton Bonnington, Toton, Warsop, Worksop, Chesterfield.  Whether it is a path or patio or driveway then look no further and resurface what you already have.

 

resin bonded gravel works for you

August 31st, 2013

Can we install resin bonded gravel works  for you

We have had an enquiry for resin bonded gravel works from Cumbria this week.  Unfortunately too far really to offer a fair price.  Chesterfield, Mansfield, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby are more local to us for resin bonded gravel works.

We had quite a good chat with this customer.  They had existing concrete but over the years the freeze thaw process had damaged  the concrete.  They  had considered having the surface removed and started  looking at the traditional methods.  These being  block paving, imprinted concrete, or just plain concrete. But as we regularly say, why have something removed if it is structurally sound?  This applies to tarmac, imprinted concrete and concrete.

This client had no issues with drainage. The fall of the area was fine, it just didn’t look very nice and that is why they were considering resin bonded gravel works.

resin bonded gravel works

We find a lot of clients are now not just looking at drives and paths as separate entities but as part of the overall garden design. This particular client had completed a lot of works on their property and garden and wanted to incorporate the driveway, paths and patios into it.  Don’t forget maintenance free options like resin bonded gravel works for example  are becoming increasingly popular with households.  People have less time available with busy working lives.

resin bonded gravel works with drainage

Being an independent company we are not in a position to suggest alternative companies who work with the resin bonded gravel works.  In addition a lot of companies work with resin bound and this is not what we work with for existing surfaces.  Impermeability is key to prevent weeds.  The need for planning permission is not necessary.

We always recommend customers to look round where they live – supermarkets have tree pits installed using resin, walkways and pedestrian areas have resin  resurfacing.  The highways,  as this is where the completion of resin bonded gravel works on residential started .

Commercial installers do not always work with residential clients but as they say “they know a man who can” or at least may be they do.  So look round where you are and I am sure you will find some fine examples of resin bonded gravel works near you.

resin drive Chesterfield natural finish

August 28th, 2013

out this week to complete a resin  drive Chesterfield

This large property has an old sloping concrete driveway, some  remedial works have been completed over the years  to the concrete. This had DSCN4378been down for quite a few years  and had deteriorated on the surface.

In certain areas we removed the repairs and took it back to the sound concrete and filled and bonded this area.  The brickwork to the perimeter area was taped off and the works commenced.  Once our resin resurfacing is applied the anti slip properties will improve this access.

The finish applied is the 2-5mm golden pea finish.  This is a very popular finish as it is a good size, good quality and stands up to a lot of use.  We have in the past used a Daltex finish but found this to have oxide residue in it which can raise spots on the surface.  Whilst this is of no detriment it does not look as uniform as the golden pea for example.

resin drive Chesterfield completed in a day.

In this climate  a resin drive can be installed and within about 2 hours of  curing time and the removal of the excess ,  it can be ready for  immediate use!   Weather can be an issue with installations, but with careful management and application by experienced, knowledgeable and trained staff it  can make all the difference to a good resin bonded driveway, path or patio.  Whether it is concrete or tarmac, the basic application is the same.  However the resin drive Chesterfield by Drive-Cote Ltdpreparation can vary between surfaces.

There are mechanical processes in place for commercial jobs which can be applied to residential driveways, paths and patios,  however our preference is for a hand laid process which offers a more bespoke and individual application.

After an 9.30 start by  3.30 the access is useable.  This is a brand new resin drive Chesterfield Derbyshire  in a matter of hours

Chesterfield is quite a popular area at present.  Just received another enquiry this time, so will be out to see this one later in the week.

Concrete again which seems to be having a bit of a tough time with the winters.  However it is very important to remember how durable a concrete driveway can be when laid correctly.

The correctly laid concrete driveways will  give us the opportunity in  20 years and more down the line,  to resurface with our resin bonded stone.  Providing a  choice resin drive Chesterfield.

We are based here in the East Midlands in Mansfield Nottinghamshire and within easy access of local towns and cities.  Nottingham,  Derby, Ripley, Alfreton, Ilkeston, Sutton in Ashfield , Bolsover,  and Kirkby in Ashfield.  We can use your existing surface.

Arnold tarmac surface needing anti slip surfacing

August 26th, 2013

Arnold tarmac surface needing anti slip surfacing

Moss and algae has been attacking this tarmac surface over the years.  This lady had done some research on the internet to try and establish what choices there were.

Over the past few years the client had tried removing the moss and algae and whilst success was achieved to some degree.  It was not a long term solution for this Arnold tarmac surface needing anti slip surfacing.  Resin bonded stone is an option that this client was considering would certainly virtually eliminate this moss and algae problem.Arnold tarmac surface needing anti slip surfacing

Moss and algae seem particularly prevalent nowadays.  The extreme changes in the weather (in all seasons of the year) can make it a breeding ground for moss and algae.  We do get a lot of calls with regard to problems like this Arnold tarmac surface needing anti slip surfacing.  What customers do not realise is,  is that weeds, seeds moss and algae do not necessarily grow up through the surface.

What benefit will this Arnold tarmac surface needing anti slip surfacing gain from resin bonded stone?

As with block paving and slabs, airborne seeds embed and the porosity of the surface that they land on, enables the roots to get a grip and this is how the weeds can “appear” to be growing through a surface.  Resin bonded stone prevents this as it seals the surface.  It therefore prevents the ingress of water and does not allow weeds to grow through the surface.

Imprinted concrete is a good example of an impermeable surface, but unlike resin bonded stone  it needs to have the existing removed and it needs sealing and maintenance regularly.

Remember we can use tarmac, concrete and  imprinted concrete. No mess, No disruption and completed in a day.  Excellent speedy service for a driveway path or patio. 

So this Arnold tarmac surface needing anti slip surfacing would be an excellent base for our resin bonded stone providing an attractive, durable and impermeable surface –  virtually maintenance free.

We are out to see this client in a few weeks time meantime this client must continue to fight the ever constant battle with weeds.

Mansfield garden project by Drive-Cote Ltd

August 24th, 2013

Mansfield garden project by Drive-Cote Ltd

More turf arrived from our supplier 2 hours early for our Mansfield garden project.  Always a good sign for the customer –  but not always for Drive-Cote Ltd if we are not on site.!

Only  a small  area – 32 sqm.  This turf for the Mansfield garden project has come from a local supplier we have used before.

 

The area we are working on has been thoroughly watered previously and fertiliser has been applied to give the turf a good start.

Before laying we have destoned the area and finely raked to correct levels using a string line.

First strips laid to form a starting point.  The rolls were laid in a staggered brick bond pattern and the edges cut to the border using a sharp serrated knife.  All the rolls laid and cuts completed we have only one roll left over. So minimum wastage.  Always good. Soon as  we have completed the  sprinkler put in place and turf throroughly watered.

It is important not to let dry out for a few week until the roots take hold.  We would expect to give the lawn a light trim in 3 weeks time.

Lots of alternatives out there for the gardens now,  low maintenance artificial turf for example.  The choices for garden design are endless.  We have found over the years of working with gardens and driveways, that if you are dealing with large areas if they are put in to sections by way of paths, paving and turfing for example.  It is far easier to maintain areas then.  Gone are the days of square uniform areas.  Make your driveway, path or patio part of your overall design.

No need to have large concrete areas why not consider slate infills, decorative sections with gravel for example, striking planting.  Hardy plants, architectural structural  planting can add interest.  We are based in the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, call us now for a chat.  We can give you some free advice.   Weeds and maintenance should not be a necessity.  Have you thought about selling your excess garden plants?  or if you are in short supply buy from another fellow gardener?

resin bonded gravel Tollerton and Radcliffe on Trent

August 22nd, 2013

resin bonded gravel Tollerton and Ratcliffe on Trent

resin bonded gravel Tollerton Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, Leicester we can show you a resin bonded gravel installation near you.

What a busy  week ahead for quotes  which includes  a resin bonded gravel Tollerton .  We have already been to Staffordshire which is on the edge of our working area, but well within the capabilities of Drive-Cote Ltd installers.

In order for the  lads and staff at  Mansfield based Drive-Cote Ltd to work efficiently we need good quality reliable products and  suppliers.  And that is something we at Drive-Cote Ltd have established with our long standing suppliers.

We have been working with our particular supplier of resin,  who exports all over  the world, for quite a time now.  The quality of the resin is outstanding.  They never fail to deliver as, when, how and what as required.  This enables us to offer a quality service as previously completed in the Tollerton, Radcliffe on Trent and Gamston areas.  So if you want to seen an example of our resin bonded gravel Tollerton works, then drop us a line.

 resin bonded gravel Tollerton

We have received an enquiry this week with regard to a resin bonded gravel Tollerton  previously completed.  Nothing wrong with the surface, apart from the fact that the builder they employed damaged the driveway itself (as we regularly say our resin because it is only 5mm deep, does not support vehicles it uses the existing base to support the weight, so,  if that goes so does our resin, hence not applying it to all surfaces).

installation of resin bonded gravel by Drive-Cote Ltd team resin bonded gravel Tollerton completed by Drive-Cote Ltd Installation of resin bonded gravel by Drive-Cote Ltd resin bonded gravel Tollerton

The builder had offered to reinstall the surface and the client was looking at resurfacing as well.  Now our product is primarily designed to work on existing  concrete, tarmac and imprinted concrete surfaces. This can mean when a new concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete surface is laid then the cost of the resin is added, it can work out expensive. The enquiry at this stage did not progress further.

That was some 2 years ago and the client enquiring was the new owner to the property.  We have now received a call asking for us  to chip away some of the surface as it is too high?  The damproof level is affected by our resin and that it is causing damp.

As we regularly say we using existing surfaces and that our product does not affect exisiting levels, so this cannot be the case with this recent call.  We have been asked to chip away at it.  We have tried to contact the customer, but have not achieved that yet!

Also new enquiry through from Radcliffe on Trent not far from resin bonded gravel Tollerton jobs   we have completed , so will be getting back to him.

We seem to be getting a lot of enquiries with regard to imprinted concrete and resurfacing due to the slippy aspect so will be out to see those as well.  Perhaps this  time of year  everyone starts to look towards Winter!  However as pointed out on this site it is generally the sealer which is slippy

Concrete, tarmac, imprinted concrete- driveway, paths and patios

Why not extend the life of what you have.  Don’t replace – it re use it.  Recycle your driveway, path or patio  With anti slip resin bonded gravel you can stay safe underfoot and have a virtually weed free and maintenance free surface.

Resin bonded path, resin bonded patio, resin bonded driveway – the choice of finishes are varied.

 

resin driveway revisited Kirkby in Ashfield Nottinghamshire

August 19th, 2013

resin driveway revisited  Kirkby in Ashfield Nottinghamshire

Always nice to hear from a local job.  Especially one completed over 10 years ago.  An opportunity to complete a resin driveway revisted is always an opportunity to inspect our works.  More so when they are ringing and saying how impressed and pleased  they are with the durability of our resin bonded aggregate.  This revitalises and affirms the benefits and quality of our resin driveway installations.

We received the call from the customer and our lads had the opportunity to revisit an old resin bonded driveway we  had completed  over ten years ago.  The call was to ask if  we could touch up a couple of ten pence size areas that had flaked off over the winter.  The customer admitted that over zealous use of a shovel during the heavy snow falls had taken it’s toll and this was the reason for Drive-Cote Ltd to complete a  resin driveway revisited

The resin bonded stone driveway in Kirkby in Ashfield had been finished  in 1-3 pigmented venetian red with a buff Chinese bauxite border.  On first inspection this resin bonded gravel surface  was still in a remarkable condition even after 10 years usage.  After a 15 minute repair  this resin driveway revisited was back in  A1 condition and based on the last 10 years,  another 10 years of good service would not be an issue!

resin driveway revisted

Sutton in Ashfield Nottinghamshire

Been to see a potential client in Sutton in Ashfield  who had a concrete pathway enclosed between the side elevation of brickwork to property.  Over the years there was a developing problem of  water puddling and standing against the  brickwork. Not a good thing with all this wet weather we have incurred over the past few years.  It was causing damp penetration so we suggested we insert a length of eco drainage to the affected area to cure this problem.    We can then resurface the  pathway in resin bonded aggregate to seal the  area and depending on the colour chosen –  brighten quite a dark passageway up.  This would also help to eliminate the moss and algae potential

Sutton in Ashfield and Kirkby in Ashfield resin driveways.

Call us to find a  resin bonded driveway, resin bonded path or resin bonded patio  we have completed near you.  Completed in a day! no mess and no disruption.

 

Imprinted concrete slippy? we can resurface

Concrete old and tired?  we can resurface

Tarmac affected by the freeze thaw effect?  we can resurface.  Make your driveway path or patio part of your garden.