Mansfield resin bonded driveway project

July 24th, 2013

Mansfield resin bonded driveway project

Completed a Mansfield resin bonded driveway project over the weekend.

This small concrete driveway and path were  in reasonable condition which made it a  nice straightforward uncomplicated job.   This Mansfield resin bonded driveway looks a treat now!

This particular client had seen some  work locally and tracked us down to complete for them.  How’s that for a  recommendation!

Mansfield resin bonded driveway

The weather this last few weeks has been a massive improvement and enables us to complete efficiently.  However,  unfortunately less conducive to working in, so our lads were out early in the morning to complete.

Resin whilst in need of good dry weather and reasonable temperatures can have problems with the heat.  The resin can become particularly “liquid”  compared to in winter time.

However with our 12 years of experience and relevant product knowledge, we are in a position to work with this with confidence.

So if you want to see how we can help you call us any time.  Free no obligation quotes.

Glorious sunshine or not we need to make sure we consider our  gardens and the plant life as well .

Most of our talk on our website is relative to permeability and porosity for a driveway, path or patio.  Like this Mansfield resin bonded driveway  these are now valuable parts of our garden display and care should be taken not to forget how this can affect our gardens.

Gardeners need to understand how much water plants actually need, and when and how to water for the best results and there are many clever gadgets out there.

Water should be directed underneath the foliage. There should be enough to wet the top 30cm (12in) of soil, where most plants’ roots are – or should be. Too little water just wets the soil surface and either does not reach the roots or encourages them upwards where they tend to dry out. An excess will drain out of reach of the roots and be wasted.

Have you considered harvesting the rain?

Traditionally, for many gardeners, the collection of rain has been limited to a water butt or two. Even with regular rain topping them up, it is clear that as many as half a dozen water butts are unlikely to meet all of a gardener’s watering needs during dry spells and hot summers.

Read more for suggested solutions and advice on harvesting the rain

Remember if you have concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete and want a driveway like this Mansfield resin bonded driveway project, call Drive-Cote Ltd  Simon or Faith 01623 623986

 

resin bonded aggregate patio enquiry

July 23rd, 2013

resin bonded aggregate patio enquiryKirkby in Ashfield resin bonded aggregate patio enquiry has come through this week.  The wonders of the internet bring local enquiries within the East Midlands area  as well as further afield like Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham and Lincoln.

This couple had downsized  locally from a  house to bungalow.  They had the patio laid by an imprinted concrete company to minimise maintenance and  weeds as prior to this was a block paved patio. Regularly in need of attention!   Sealing and weeding being important to ensure longevity and durability of the surface.

The company who laid the imprinted concrete laid it in winter,  and when the colouring  powder was applied, it proceeded to rain heavily.  This resulted  in an incorrect and unsightly finish

Whilst the structure of the imprinted concrete was sound the  top finish was badly marked and  an inconsistent colouration had developed.

This client was told that the problem would be attended to, however, after numerous phone calls  the contractor failed to return to address the problem.

Since then this client had been trying to source an option for remedying the visually unacceptable surface.

This is where the a  resin bonded aggregate patio would be ideal. We always say if the structure and base is sound and solid why have it removed.

The resin bonded aggregate patio potential area is not a large area to cover (approximately 20 sqm). One of the  benefits of  a resin bonded  aggregate patio would be that it can be  completed in a day.  Not something that would be an option with removal and excavations being required  if a paving slab patio was installed for example.

We have quoted for this client to complete a resin bonded aggregate patio and  provided them with a few local addresses to view in Mansfield, Sutton in Ashfield, Hucknall and Kirkby in Ashfield.

Concrete tarmac and imprinted concrete can all be resurfaced with our resin bonded gravel.  Improve your garden with a resurfaced path, driveway  or patio.

 

resin bound gravel installation as seen on tv

July 21st, 2013

Busy week ahead in this beautiful weather.  Have taken an ariel view of the garden project on the go and out to quote for possibly a resin bound gravel installation

Been watching the tv with Alan Tichmarsh.  The resin bound gravel installation on a garden path looked really impressive when finished.  We did notice that it was a  resin bound gravel installation  and only laid on concrete quite minimally.  We personally,  as a business would use a compacted hardcore/drainage type base as a resin bound gravel installation is porous.  However as it was only applied on quite a minimal depth, the porosity  would probably not be an issue.

What a mix of colours though,  that  is quite impressive.  Out to Worksop to look at a patio. This particular enquiry has already had a resin bound patio, which he is very happy about but he has another concrete area to resurface.

Simon will be out to quote later in the week. Resin  bonded  gravel installation and a  resin bound gravel installation either is both possible, it will all depend on the surface currently down and whether it is a path, driveway or patio.

If there something down,  then depending on the porosity of the existing as to whether it will be a  resin bound gravel installation or a resin bonded gravel installation.

Also went out to see a patio enquiry which currently   has carpet stone down.

It would be a shame to be honest to actually cover it up.  It still looked in a real good condition and really all that would be required would be a mix of sand and cement brushed into the area and then a spray of water to set it.

Leave to dry and hey presto done.  Howwever this Mansfield client was keen to remove this.  As we say one of the benefits of our resin bonded applications is the non permeable, eliminating the weeds.  However it is designed to resurface existing which needs attention.  When you see a good servicecable and correctly installed  and attractive surface why cover it up?

Yes this will still need some some maintenance but compared to some surfaces and in particular block paving, this was very minimal.

With the seasonal glut of garden programs the regular use of resin is becoming more widespread.  Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire and whether it is a path patio or driveway, the options are variable.  Call Drive-Cote Ltd now for more information for a weed free, anti slip low maintenance but attractive and durable option for your garden.  If you have tarmac, concrete or imprinted concrete and in some cases paving slabs, we can resurface.  Visit our showcase for a gallery of works completed

 

resin bonded gravel is not always the right product

July 16th, 2013

resin bonded gravel is not always the right product

Went out to see a Matlock quote this week, in addition to Nottingham and Holmsfield.

It would have been nice to come back and say that we could work with the surface they had,  but unfortunately our resin bonded gravel is not always the right product for all surfaces and all circumstances.

It was  very undulating no defined edge to the edge of the drive from the road. The client was looking at filling in the deep ruts that were very evident.   We made a suggestion  to create an edge to the driveway and patio  with sets. 

On visiting the customer at their home we did highlight that the option to use our resin bonded gravel was not necessarily the “best” route due to these significant remedials required.  We try to be honest where possible and today we received a reply as follows.   The client was quite handy so as a consideration towards cost, the client was considering completing the remedial works himself.

“Hi Simon

Thank you for your visit, advice and quotation.

We have decided not to go with it. However our decision is thanks to your honest opinion as to what could and could not be done with the product. Ultimately if edgings and levels need sorting, it seems better to accept the expense of a proper re-build rather than use your product in circumstances that are far from ideal for it.

Once again, many thanks for your interest and help”

Rod and Carole Leach

To reiterate what we frequently say, resin bonded resurfacing is designed to work off an exsting surface concrete or tarmac imprinted concrete and sometime slabs. This is so it provides a durable, anti slip and weed free option.  However one shoe does not fit all and a resurfacing installation is only as good as the base it works with.  Useful resources available on the internet

We have show drives in Mansfield, Chesterfield, Sheffield, North Wingfield, Brimmington, Clay Cross.  Call us now to see driveway  path or patio local to you.

resin bonded path and patio does yours conform with drainage

July 14th, 2013

resin bonded path and patio does yours conform with drainage

permeable paving needs to be  installed? or drains water to a ‘rain garden’ area within the property?

 

Suds compliance is for paving over 5m2 and in the front garden only in England, but that does not mean to say it is not wise to consider water and rainfall  and the effect it can have on your property!

Recent planning Permitted Development rule changes aim to apply sustainable drainage (SuDS) to new or replacement paving around various non-domestic buildings as well as existing homes as part of the fight against flooding. New guidance from Interpave can be found online  –to help local authorities, surveyors, conveyancing lawyers, designers, contractors, landscapers and other professionals to interpret them. Before the changes, paving anywhere in a garden related to a house or bungalow, or within industrial, warehouse, office and shop premises, with any materials was considered to be ‘permitted development’ – effectively, an automatic planning permission without needing a planning application. But not any more. For domestic properties, similar changes take away permitted development rights from new or replacement drives or other paving, unless it is permeable paving or drains water onto a ‘rain garden’ area within the property. In England, these measures took effect in October 2008 and apply to paving over 5m2 and in the front garden only. But in Scotland, they apply to work initiated after 6th February 2012 and apply to paving of any size between the house and any street – therefore not just front gardens. Both English and Scottish governments refer to a guide on permeable paving from the Department of Communities and Local Government and this, in turn, refers to the Interpave website www.paving.org.uk and guidance documents for more information. To satisfy the requirements, there is a growing choice of concrete block systems available from Interpave manufacturers, designed specifically for permeable paving. Essentially they have the same impressive performance as conventional precast concrete paving products, being slip resistant, durable, strong and sustainable. And today there are more shapes, styles, finishes and colours than ever to give real freedom of choice. The difference with concrete block permeable paving is its enlarged joints, filled with a permeable aggregate specifically chosen for each product – but never sand (used with conventional block paving, which becomes impermeable over time). This ensures that water will continue to pass through the joints over many years. The materials used below the blocks are also specifically selected to accommodate water, unlike conventional drive and road construction. Permeable paving is specifically designed to combine drainage while supporting vehicles, and many pollutants are substantially removed and treated within the paving layers before the water leaves it. It can be laid level and still avoids puddles without the need for drainage gulleys and pipes, providing a safe, firm surface for everyone. Concrete block permeable paving is a unique SuDS technology which has proven itself over decades of successful use in the UK and around the world. It has been championed by Interpave, which offers the definitive guidance on all aspects via www.paving.org.uk”  courtesy of  specification online

resin bonded path and patio resurfacing can use the existing concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete which means if it’s not broke don’t fix it, improve it!  Designer drainage available if required!

Sherwood, Nottingham, Mansfield, Bingham we can cover your area.

 

garden with resin bonded gravel

July 13th, 2013

garden with resin bonded gravel

Previous Nottinghamshire enquiry from April time has come back to us.  The gentleman has had various quotes and was raising a few questions. One of them being with regard to the size of the stone for example.  One of the other companies quoting had talked of using      1-3mm stone whereas we use 2-5mm.

This Nottinghamshire quote was for a driveway and he wants to incorporate it in his garden with resin bonded gravel as opposed to a path so was looking at the smaller size stone.  As a result of our extensive installation history (over 12 years) we know the larger stone has a more durable and long lasting benefit.  This Nottinghamshire customer would not benefit by a smaller size stone being used.  The two other companies who had quoted him  also offered a uv sealant coating  on the top of the finished surface.

He did say that the cost was very similar so that is always a good sign to show how competitive we are on price.

The idea with our resin bonded resurfacing and no maintenance benefit is the fact that a sealant is not applied (or indeed required).  Therefore it  will not wear with tyre use or with the weather and seasons.  This also results  in requiring virtually no maintenance.

The smaller size stone will also not offer the abrasive and anti slip benefit that the 2-5mm will.  This is why we use the size of aggregate we do and for his garden with resin bonded gravel, this size aggregate would be perfect.

imprinted concrete seal

That is not to say what these other competitors are quoting for  is not correct.  We had an enquiry also from a customer who had an imprinted concrete drive with a block paved edge.  He was too far for us to be able to quote, but he had completed quite a bit of background work.  He had been quoted for a resin bound but was a bit concerned that

  • they wanted to “damage” his existing surface
  • the new surface would increase the levels in existence
  • the resin bound is porous and the existing is not.

We have resurfaced imprinted concrete driveways in the past which has provided our clients  with a maintenance free and anti slip solution.

So when investigating the options take your time and ask lots of questions.

enquiry for resin bonded aggregate for Mansfield patio

July 11th, 2013

enquiry for resin bonded aggregate for Mansfield patio

One interesting enquiry for resin bonded aggregate for Mansfield patio garden area  has come through over the weekend.

This customer has a patio that she is looking to have resurfaced.  The patio is currently a carpetstone surface which to be honest  we do not see very often ( alternative to block paving for some).

The B&Q website says  “Recreate a little piece of rustic magic in your garden with these Bradstone Carpetstones. This unique paving solution arrives already laid on a flexible mat that can be easily cut, making it the ideal solution for those awkward and intricate garden designs

It goes on to say

  • Suitable for patios, paths and driveways
  • Easy to cut-out as required using just a pair of scissors
  • Easy to interlock for the awkward and intricate areas
  • 2 units required per m²
  • When laying, a joint width of 10-15mm is recommended
  • Half Circle also available
  • Also available in Rustic Red

On speaking with this customer, the comment made was that  currently there are a lot of weeds.  This is one of the reasons the client is looking towards the resin bonded aggregate as this will eliminate this.  It would also reduce the slipperiness in winter time.  I am not really sure if we will be able to resurface this carpetstone  as with such a lot of grouting areas, the danger in putting a surface such as resin bonded aggregate  down is the fact that these grooves will need filling ( weight of a vehicle not being an issue on a patio) but will still show through.

We are intending to go out and complete an assessment of this resin bonded aggregate enquiry  for  a Mansfield patio  and will be able to determine the suitability.

So remember whether it is a driveway path or patio, concrete, imprinted concrete, tarmac or slabs in some cases, call us for a free no obligation quote.  If we can’t help then we won’t leave you in the lurch, there are so many alternatives available now.

Resin bound driveway installer – How good are they?

July 8th, 2013

Resin bound driveway installer – How good are they?

A Resin Bound driveway installer is only as good as his worst workman or his product!

Resin bound driveway installer - How good are they?

Found this conversation on mumsnet
Now we have finished re-building our 1970’s splendor and bringing it into the modern world we are now starting on the garden.
In particular the driveway.  At the moment it is a tarmac disaster.  DH is really keen to have a resin driveway, last house we had brick paviers and he couldn’t stand the weeds moss etc, hence his thinking of resin being maintenance free (or perhaps not).
Has anyone had one of these done and are they happy with the results?  Or if not then why?
Thanks in advance…

We have (old) concrete. The guy across the road has resin. It is extremely slippery, to the extent that his ladder slipped base slipped back with him up the ladder and he rome his leg, really badly. He still has a limp five years later. They also struggle to get the cars on/off it in the cold weather (black ice I think).
If I ever save up enough/have the inclination to sort our it will be proper bricks or maybe tarmac, wouldn’t touch the resin after seeing this experience across the road.

I think they look great, but am in the process of having contractors round to give quotes for our drive at the moment.  The one for resin came in at over £11,000 which is way more than I’m prepared to pay.
You may want to think about Tarmac Mastertint, which comes in a good range of colours.  I’m thinking about a buff colour, but waiting for the estimate so not sure whether it’s much cheaper than resin.
You gotta love Mumsnet!!!
Thanks for your useful comments.
– wow your poor neighbour, but good to know.. bloody nora that is expensive.  DH has given me a budget of £5K and we have quite a large driveway…   The other option sounds interesting and I will look into it.
Hmm this requires more research me thinks. What does a resin driveway look like?
Tarmac is pretty free of cracks and weeds unless it is very old (20 years+) or has been laid over an inadequate base.  This is quite common with itinerant installers who have no local address and landline you can check.  It also needs a strong hard brick edge or curb or it will spread sideways when sunny.
Like a road, it needs a base about of foot thick base of crushed stone or similar, rollered down hard, or the weight of a car will push it down.
I really like the bonded gravel, which is basically small stones mixed with glue that sets hard but looks like gravel.  It does need a firm base though or it will sink.  I suspect a ladder could slip on it as the stones are rounded”
Investigation of options available are always useful.  General information sites can provide you with a starting point.
It does  annoy me when I see the difference between bound and bonded not being evident. Resin Bound driveway installations are different to Resin Bonded driveway installations.  Anti slip resurfacing requirements are not the same for a driveway as for a  path. The installation of resin bound resurfacing has the potential for a slippy surface.  Because  an anti slip resin bonded surface has the aggregate exposed,  the aggressive surface virtually eliminates the potential to slip.

resin bonded installation

July 7th, 2013

resin bonded installation quotes

Went out to see a Hucknall  quote  to view a concrete driveway  for our resin bonded installation .  Bays of concrete where some of the areas had shelled due to the age and winter seasons taking their toll.  This concrete driveway was a very large area.  It was about 300sqm of surface, so irrelevant of whether it is resin bonded installation or  tarmac, concrete or imprinted concrete, cost would be quite a major consideration.  They had concerns over the area looking too much like a carpark, so were looking at the options available.  They had found our website and were keen for input and guidance.

A Mansfield job we quoted on has decided to go with imprinted concrete.  It would be nice to say our product is suitable for all surfaces, but that is not the case, and by the same token not all of our enquiries like the texture of the resin bonded installation.  However one of the most invaluable aspects particularly in winter of  a resin bonded installation, is the anti slip properties which far exceed any other usual driveway product.  This in addition to the virtual no maintenance aspect make it an ideal solution for steep driveways, paths or patios.

The Mansfield job we quoted on were quite specific in their need for an anti slip quality  for their existing concrete due to the 1:6 slope to their property.  This very steep aspect has created a few issues for them in the past. However, they did not chose to take up our quote, and I would be interested to see how they fair with an imprinted concrete surface over the winter time.  One I will be watching carefully.

We as a local business try hard to make sure that our service is true, fair and honest, and we are always keen to find out why we have not been successful, however very often choice is a matter of taste and the serviceability does not always come top of the list of requirements.

Out to quote in Bolsover near Chesterfield later this week.  Been having a chat with a potential client  in Derby and he has quite a substantial area.   However on looking at the images it appears to be a type of self compacting gravel called hoggin.

This is usually a mixture of clay, sand and gravel which is laid over a compacted large stone hardcore base.  We would not be able to work with this for a driveway, but we have suggested that if the top layer is removed then tarmac could be laid onto the hardcore base and then we could work with a resin bonded installation.  This  particular client has emailed us and said

Thanks for this information. I’m currently waiting from information from Derby City Council & a couple of local bitmacers.

With any luck, I should be in a position to get back to you someday soon.”

So remember not all surfaces are suitable for resin but if you are interested and would like to find our about   a resin drive call or email us.   Whether you are in Mansfield  Kegworth, Morton, Stonebroom, Alfreton. Tibshelf, North Wingfield, Chesterfield, Calow, Crich, Matlock or Cromford free no obligation  quotes.

 

our resin bonded stone

July 5th, 2013

gravel strips filled with concrete Drive-Cote prepping Nottingham stone saw removing remnants footings being removedour resin bonded stone

Out today to sort a Nottingham client and resurface their driveway with our resin bonded stone.  This client had previously got gravel strips where the newly laid concrete now lies. In addition there was an old wall which had been removed leaving the remnants of the footings across the entrance to the property.

The gravel strips were excavated and removed and the  strips filled with compacted hardcore.  Trowelled concrete  was then installed bringing  this mix of surfaces  into a uniformity ready to be prepped with our resin bonded stone.  There has been a curing time between the concrete installation and the application of the resin to allow the alkali’s to wash out.

As you can see the removal of the remnant of the footings required a stone saw to cut and grind down  as necessary.  This area is then trowelled smooth with filler, ready for today and the installation of  our resin bonded stone

Nottingham driveway with resin bonded stone our resin bonded stone by Drive-Cote Ltd Drive-Cote  - our resin bonded stone completed Nottinghamshire driveway with our resin bonded stone

This additional access with the removal of a wall, allowed our client to have a larger hard standing area.  However as it looks and indeed looked, it was not very attractive.

We all want larger car standing areas as more and more families become two car owners.  This is one of the reasons we work with a resurfacing product  one that does not  require removal of  the original when it is not necessary.

This customer had an area of block paving, which once cleaned will compliment the Nottinghamshire  resin drive

I do believe that this particular client had been considering imprinted concrete, but had decided against it in favour of our resin bonded stone.  The main reason being that he did not have the mess and disruption associated with a new drive.  So if your path or patio is in need of our resin bonded stone then call us for a free no obligation quote.