How to Hire the Right Contractors for Driveways in Meath

Newstyle Driveways Driveways May 31, 2021June 27, 2022

Let’s be honest – building a driveway is not easy. This is not one of those home improvement projects that you should DIY.

For one, depending on the material you use, you need special equipment to complete your drive. You should also have extra sets of hands if you wish to finish quickly as this job is not designed for one person. More importantly, you need to have the know-how and skills to build a beautiful and durable driveway.

Suffice to say, building a driveway is too complicated that you’d lose a lot of time if you choose to DIY it. Furthermore, if you end up with a low-quality drive, you’ll have to frequently spend on repairs which may eventually cost more than what you actually saved by DIY-ing your driveway.

Ultimately, if you truly want to save time and money, let professionals do this project. But of course, you have to ensure that you hire one of the best contractors for driveways in Meath.

What It Means to Hire the Right Contractors for Driveways

Hiring the right driveway pavers means getting professionals who have the qualifications needed in this type of home improvement project. For one, they should have gotten driveway paving training. Also, they should be experienced in building drives using different surfacing solutions.

As each paving material is different, training and experience are crucial to building beautiful and long-lasting drives – whether they are made of gravel, tarmac or concrete. The know-how and skills needed to build high-quality drives can only be acquired through formal and hands-on training and honed over time as one does several projects.

With the right paving contractor, you can also look forward to the project being hassle-free from beginning to end.

You can expect regular updates and prompt responses to your queries. You can also trust them to complete the project on time – one of the biggest benefits of hiring pros. In case there is a delay in the completion of your drive, your contractor is going to inform you about it early on.

Choosing the right people for the job eliminates worries of getting a low-quality drive or worse, the drive not getting completed at all. It’s all about getting what you truly paid for or even more.

Tips on Hiring the Right Contractors for Driveways

Create a Shortlist of Driveway Pavers

First, come up with a list of driveway pavers in Meath. Ideally, you should have at least three to five contractors to choose from.

To create the list, ask for suggestions from people you know. You can also do a quick search online via Google and other search engines. From the search results, go through each one of them and pick out those you think can build the drive you need.

Learn More About the Contractors

Leverage the Internet and gather more information about the contractors on your list. Some of the things you should look for are the services they offer, prices/fees and their reputation.

Apart from viewing their website, you should also visit their social media pages and Google My Business profile. Here, you’ll find testimonials from clients which can help you determine the contractor’s quality of service.

Interview the Contractors

Your Internet research is surely going to yield a lot of useful data. While you can already decide which company to hire based on this information, it is best if you interview the contractors first. Talking to them is a good way to gather additional details and get answers to questions you may still have.

For one, you’d get a clearer idea of how much you’d spend on the project. You can also assess the quality of their work by requesting their portfolio. Furthermore, you’d be able to determine if the contractor is easy to work with based on how they interact with you during the interview.

After talking to all the contractors on your shortlist, you can already choose which one to hire.

One thing you should keep in mind when choosing a contractor is to not put too much weight on the rates or fees. To be precise, don’t pick a contractor just because they are offering the lowest price.

If you want an impressive and durable drive, then put a premium on the contractor’s quality of service instead. They may not have the lowest rates, but you can be certain that every penny you spend on them is going to be worth it.

Looking for reputable contractors for driveways in Meath? Choose New Style Driveways – get quality workmanship at a reasonable price! Visit our website now or call us on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 to get a free quote!

How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway in Meath?

Newstyle Driveways Driveways April 30, 2021October 4, 2022

-Updated June 2023-

A driveway is an essential part of your home’s exterior. More than just providing a safe space for you to park your vehicle, it is an important component of your kerb appeal and impacts your home’s overall aesthetics.

But how much does it cost to pave a driveway in Meath? We know that price is an important consideration when it comes to home improvement projects. So, we’ve put together a guide you can use to determine how much you need to build a drive.

Cost to Pave a Driveway in Meath: Factors You Should Consider

Materials

A significant chunk of driveway expense goes to materials. This means that you are going to spend more if you choose high-priced surfacing solutions.

If you are on a budget, two types of paving materials you should consider are tarmac or tarmacadam and gravel. These two are affordable, making them a favourite amongst property owners who want an excellent and durable drive without breaking the bank.

Meanwhile, concrete and pavers are on the expensive end of the spectrum. These are very versatile materials as they come in various colours and textures. With these surfacing solutions, creating a unique look or achieving the design you want is easy.

Size

Aside from materials, another crucial factor that affects driveway cost in Meath is size. How big or how long it is has an effect on how much materials and work are needed.

Basically, wider and/longer driveways cost more because building them requires more materials and work. This is precisely the reason why tarmac is widely used in commercial driveways and parking spaces. Using this affordable material in paving large surfaces lets property owners significantly cut down on their expense.

Labour Fees

Naturally, if you intend to DIY your driveway, then you do not have to spend on labour fees. This can be enticing as you’d think about the money you’d save. Be aware though that this is not an easy project. Moreover, you might end up spending more if you fail to build your drive properly.

A poorly-built drive easily gets damaged which means that you’d be spending a lot on repair. Furthermore, its lifespan is typically shorter, so you’ll have to repave your drive or build a new one sooner than expected.

Now, if you decide to hire a professional driveway paving company, then you’d have to factor in labour fees. How much you’ll have to pay depends on several factors like how much prep work is needed and how experienced the pavers are.

How to Know the Exact Cost to Pave a Driveway in Meath

With all these different factors, it can be said that driveway price is not the same for all properties. Moreover, it can be difficult to come up with an estimate without consulting experts.

The best way to know how much you’d exactly spend is to contact a driveway paving company in Meath. Many professional pavers give free, no-obligation quotes. This means that you don’t have to spend to get one or feel obliged to get the services of the company.

How to Calculate the Cost of Tarmac Driveways in Ireland?

Take note:

Reputable service providers do not send you a quote without gathering pertinent information about your property.

Remember, calculating the actual cost of the project means taking into consideration all the factors mentioned above. This is exactly what trusted pavers do. They interview property owners like you to get the data they need to create the quote.

One great thing about requesting for quotes these days is that it can be done online. Just visit the website of the paving company and click on ‘quick quote’ or other similar buttons. Alternatively, you can leave a message on their website. For as long as you’re dealing with a reputable company, you can expect an immediate reply – around 24 hours or less.

Want to know how much it would cost to pave a driveway in Meath? Visit our website now or call us on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 to get a free quote!

What Questions Should You Ask Tarmacadam Contractors?

Newstyle Driveways Uncategorized April 15, 2021June 27, 2022

Do you currently have a tarmacadam driveway that needs to be repaired? Or do you want to have a new one installed? In any of these situations, you must find a reputable tarmacadam contractor in Dublin for the repair, restoration or installation of your tarmacadam driveway.

When looking for a reputable tarmacadam contractor, don’t merely rely on the results of an online search or the referrals of someone you know. You should do your due diligence and screen all your potential contractors regardless of where you found them.

The Importance of Background Checks on Tarmacadam Contractors

Why do you need to do your due diligence on potential contractors? It’s primarily to protect yourself from unscrupulous people and to ensure that you get a high-quality driveway.

You see, there are numerous stories about property owners having bad experiences with their driveway installers.

There are accounts about contractors who require an advance payment but then the work is abandoned prematurely and never finished. A number of those who experienced this found out later on that the contractors they hired were not legitimate.

Other stories are about contractors who do substandard work. Clients are then forced to either have them re-do the job or hire another contractor to ensure that the driveway is finished to a high standard. Whatever solution is chosen in this situation will require more time and possibly even additional expenses.

A common pattern emerges by looking at these stories – these bad experiences happened due to the clients’ lack of due diligence. They failed to verify the capability and credibility of the contractors.

So, before hiring a tarmacadam contractor, it is highly recommended that you talk or interview them to better assess their capability and credibility.

Questions to Ask Tarmacadam Contractors

Remember that your objective is to determine if the potential contractor is a good match for what you need – the type you would want to work on your property. Below are 5 questions you should ask prospective contractors for your tarmac driveway. These questions would also be suitable to ask if you are hiring other type of contractors, such as painters and decorators.

1. How long has your company been in business?

The longevity of a company indicates a couple of things, two of them being experience and reliability.

If a contractor has been in business for several years already, then it means they have a lot of experience with tarmacadam driveways. You can trust them to have pavers who have mastered the techniques in installing professional-looking and durable tarmac drives.

Being in business for many years also shows reliability. They get repeat customers and gain new ones because they consistently deliver quality work and service.

2. Can you provide a detailed scope of work?

A specific and detailed scope of work will indicate what they will do for you and how much it would cost. As such, you would avoid any hidden or additional charges from your contractor.

3. Can you provide a timeline to complete the project?

The timeline gives you a definitive start and end date for the project. It is also going to help you track the progress of the contractor.

Providing a project timeline shows the commitment of the paving company to transparency and finishing the project on time.

4. What challenges do you foresee?

An experienced contractor can foresee any possible challenges after inspecting the current state of your driveway. There might be some areas that need to be fixed and require more labour. This would result in an accurate tarmac driveway quotation of the work needed and equivalent costs.

5. What other similar projects have you done?

If you can check the contractor’s portfolio or other similar projects, you will see the quality of their work. This will make it easier for you to gauge if the scope of work and the corresponding price from the contractor is reasonable or too much.

Doing your due diligence is all about making sure that you hire the right tarmacadam contractors. By getting the right people, you minimise project-related stress, ensure a long-lasting driveway and avoid costly expenses.

Are you looking for tarmacadam contractors in Dublin? New Style Driveways is Dublin’s trusted driveway paving company! Our pavers are experienced in installing and restoring tarmac driveways. Call us now on (01) 4851582 or 0852139591 for a free quotation!

How Much Does Installing a Gravel Driveway Cost in Dublin?

Newstyle Driveways Gravel Driveways March 31, 2021September 9, 2024

When it comes to building or restoring a driveway, choosing a material is one of the most challenging parts. But if you are looking for something economical, gravel should be your top choice.

A gravel driveway is perfect if you have a limited budget as the material itself is among the cheapest in the market. In case you didn’t know, materials make up a significant percentage of the driveway installation cost. This is why it is highly recommended for long or wide driveways.

Despite its affordability, this kind of drive can last up to 100 years for as long as it is properly built and regularly maintained. Hence, a gravel driveway is considered cost-effective.

What You Should Know About Gravel Driveway Cost in Dublin

Like most property owners, you surely are asking this question – how much does installing a gravel driveway cost in Dublin? This is usually the first thing that property owners ask professional driveway installers.

Well, various factors affect the overall cost of a gravel driveway installation. So, it is impossible to determine the accurate amount without taking these things into consideration. But to give you an idea, a gravel driveway in Dublin costs around €45 to €65 per square metre.

The best way to find out exactly how much you’d spend is to talk to a reputable driveway paving contractor in Dublin.

Be in doubt though if the paver or paving company sends you a quote without asking you pertinent questions.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of a gravel driveway installation depends on various factors. Hence, a trusted paving contractor needs to gather sufficient information first to come up with an accurate quote.

What Factors Affect Gravel Driveway Cost in Dublin?

Size of the Area

The size of the driveway is one of the factors that has the biggest effect on the cost. Wider or longer drives require more materials and work, so they cost more.

Type of Gravel

It surprises a lot of people that there are different types of gravel for driveways – pea stone, crushed stone, road gravel, crushed limestone and marble chips, amongst others. They vary in terms of stone type, shape, size and texture. Some types of gravel are also available in various colours, making it easier for property owners to bring to life their design concept.

Prep Work Required

Installing a new driveway entails more prep work than restoring an old one. For one, the area needs to be cleared. So, a considerable amount of time (and labour) goes into removing existing structures, trees, boulders and the like. Plus, extensive excavation is also going to be done.

Meanwhile, if you are simply restoring your old drive, minimal prep work is required, especially if the contractor intends to just replace the top two layers.

However, if you are replacing an existing driveway that’s made of a different material (like asphalt) with gravel, then a lot of work needs to be done. This is why this type of project costs as much as installing a driveway for the first time.

How to Calculate the Cost of Tarmac Driveways in Ireland?

Design of the Driveway

The look that you want to achieve also has an effect on the gravel driveway’s cost. Basically, the more intricate the design is, the higher your expense would be. Why? Complex designs typically require more materials and of course, expert paving skills.

In conclusion, it can be challenging to estimate on your own how much a gravel driveway installation would cost given the different factors you have to consider. But there is no need to fret as many paving contractors can give an accurate quote. You can even request one online if you want a hassle-free process.

Want to know how much does installing a gravel driveway cost in Dublin? Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 or leave us a message on our website to get a free quotation!

Is Sealing a Tarmac Driveway Necessary?

Newstyle Driveways Driveways, Tarmac Driveways Dublin March 15, 2021June 27, 2022

Tarmac driveways are very popular amongst property owners in Ireland. The top reason for this is that it is cost-effective.

The overall cost of building it is cheaper as compared to other types of drives. But despite its low price, it is very durable – lasting up to 25 years with proper installation and regular maintenance.

When it comes to maintaining a tarmacadam driveway, one of the common questions property owners have is whether they have to periodically seal it or not.

So, should you? Yes, sealing your tarmac driveway should be part of your maintenance to-do list if you want your drive to last many years.

Importance of Sealing a Tarmac Driveway

Just like other types of drives, those made of tarmac degrades over the years. Exposure to various elements breaks down the binder that holds the aggregate together. The tarmac surface dries up and becomes brittle, making the surface prone to cracking.

When these cracks are not immediately fixed, water is going to penetrate the surface and cause more cracks and potholes. Eventually, the problem becomes more extensive, and the driveway breaks down.

Proper and regular maintenance is key to preventing tarmac driveways from deteriorating rapidly. If you fail to do this, you might end up repairing or even replacing your drive which can be expensive.

Applying a tarmac sealer is one of the most effective and cheapest ways of protecting a tarmacadam driveway from premature wear and tear.

To understand the importance of this process, you have to know what a tarmac sealer is. Sometimes referred to as a tarmac restorer or tarmac paint, it is an emulsion that combines liquid binder and stone aggregate. It is specially formulated to restore the colour of the driveway and more importantly, keep the tarmac surface weather resistant and flexible.

It works by reintroducing the lost protective resins of the structure. In a newly built tarmac drive, the resins play a key role in binding the stone aggregate together and protecting the drive from cracking and other damages.

Benefits of Sealing Your Tarmac Driveway

Using a high-quality sealer on your drive keeps the surface flexible, enabling it to bend when temperatures fluctuate. As mentioned earlier, when the surface becomes inflexible, it is going to be more susceptible to cracking.

Applying the sealer also gives the tarmac surface a water-resistant coating. This prevents water or moisture from seeping through the surface into the substrate and base.

Sealing your tarmacadam drive can improve surface friction which is essential in reducing fretting or loosening of the aggregate. It can also help restore your driveway’s colour, making it look good as new.

Tips on Sealing a Tarmac Driveway

To keep your tarmac driveway in tiptop condition and prolong its lifespan, ensure that you apply a sealer every 3-5 years. But if you notice that your drive’s colour is fading and more cracks are appearing, there is no need to wait for the 3 or 5-year mark.

Simply applying a tarmac driveway sealer is not enough though. The quality of the product you use matters.

You may be tempted to go for a cheap tarmac sealer to save money, but this decision can cost you more later on. While it may make your drive look good after it’s applied, a low-quality sealer won’t last long. In most cases, the coating quickly peels off, resulting in property owners resealing their drive sooner than expected.

Admittedly, choosing the best sealant is quite challenging as there are many options to choose from. Make sure you do your research before buying any product to avoid wasting your money.

Lastly, sealing your driveway is not as easy as it seems. It can be a time-consuming and laborious project. This is because you cannot proceed to apply the coating without addressing other existing issues like cracks and potholes. So, unless you have the know-how and time, it is best to let professionals do this task.

Thinking of sealing your tarmac driveway? We have qualified driveway pavers who are experienced in building and maintaining tarmacadam drives in Dublin. Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 to get a free quotation!

What Are the Best Paving Slabs for Patios in Dublin?

Newstyle Driveways Patio Installations February 28, 2021June 27, 2022

Building a new patio or restoring an old one can be an exciting project. But it can also be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you have no experience in this type of task. So, to save time and have a well-made patio – the kind that looks and lasts long, consider hiring a reputable paving contractor.

Before your chosen paver starts working though, you’ll have to take care of some things like the design of the patio and the paving slabs you want to use. The latter can be overwhelming given the many choices available. To make things easier, we’ve put together a guide on the best paving slabs for patios in Dublin.

Concrete Paving Slabs for Patios

When it comes to paving slabs, the concrete type is undeniably a favourite amongst property owners. Its popularity can be attributed to its cost and appearance.

This type of paving slab is the cheapest option in the market which makes it the perfect choice if you are on a budget.

It has a wide range of ‘looks’ which means that achieving any patio design you want is possible with this material.

For example, if you want a unique yet stylish patio, you can use a textured concrete slab. Meanwhile, a contemporary slab is the right option if you simply want to achieve a minimalist and clean look.

In addition, it comes in a variety of colours from the usual grey and charcoal to gold and yellow.

Natural Stone Paving Slabs for Patios

Another great material for patios and other outdoor spaces is a natural stone slab. As the name suggests, this material is made of naturally-occurring stones like granite, slate, limestone and sandstone.

While it is more expensive than a concrete slab, it is also more durable. In Rome, ancient walkways and structures made of natural stones still exist today. These are testaments to the longevity of this material.

Finding a natural stone paving that suits that patio look and colour you want should not be difficult as they are available in different varieties.

For example, a granite paving slab has a smooth surface with contemporary edges. Incredibly weather resistant, it has a stylish finish which makes it a great option if you want a modern and sophisticated patio.

Meanwhile, if you want that rustic look, choose a slate paving slab with a riven surface. Riven is the term used to describe the slab’s uneven, ridged surface – the typical appearance of newly quarried natural stone.

Cobbleblock Paving Slabs for Patios

Also referred to as a block or brick paver and cobbles, cobbleblock is similar to concrete slabs but are much smaller in size. It is also made of natural stone like sandstone and granite.

Using this material in small areas is highly recommended as it can make the space appear bigger. Known for its durability, cobbleblock is just what you need if you want a patio that exudes old-world charm.

As for its price, it varies depending on the size and type of stone used. Those made from granite tend to be more expensive than others.

In summary, with the variety of options available, you shouldn’t worry about finding a paving slab that would help you achieve the patio look you’ve always envisioned. Aside from the aesthetics, your decision would really largely depend on your budget.

Need help choosing and laying paving slabs for your patio? Our skilled pavers have built different types of patios all over Dublin. Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 and let’s talk about how we can help you!

Yard Paver Installers: How to Successfully Work with Them

Newstyle Driveways Uncategorized February 15, 2021June 27, 2022

Installing pavers to build a walkway or a patio is a sure-fire way of elevating the look of your yard. But it needs to be properly installed not only for it to look beautiful but also to ensure its longevity.

Hence, when it comes to this type of project, it is always best to hire professional yard paver installers instead of going the DIY route.

Why Hire Professional Yard Paver Installers

Letting pros install the pavers is the only way to guarantee a high-quality walkway or patio. These experts have the know-how and tools to achieve an aesthetically-appealing outcome. More importantly, you can trust their work to be durable.

Contrary to popular notion, installing pavers is not as straightforward as it seems. Planning and preparation are needed to get the job done right the first time.

For example, you need to create a design that takes into consideration possible issues and their fixes – i.e., creating a patio with a slight slope to drain water. Another thing that you need to do is to install a geo-fabric to prevent the surface from sinking and weeds from growing.

Hiring professional paver installers means completing the project on time or earlier. In case you didn’t know, installing pavers can take weeks or months to finish, especially if you only work on weekends. Experts, on the other hand, can work on the project full time. Hence, work progresses at a faster pace.

Tips on Working with Yard Paver Installers

Clearly, letting professionals install your pavers is a smart choice. It should be noted, however, that hiring reputable paver installers is not enough. If you want this project to be successful, then you and the paving contractor should be able to work well.

How do you do this? Read our tips below on how to successfully work with your chosen paver installers.

Set Expectations at the Onset

What exactly do you expect the contractor to do throughout the course of the project? Also, what do the installers require their clients?

You need to make sure that both parties have clear sets of expectations and deliverables – the materials to be used, project completion date, work hours, payment schedule, etc. Knowing these things before the project commences can significantly minimise unwanted issues.

Communicate with Them

While professional paver installers are experienced and skilled, they are not mind readers. You have to let them know any ideas or feedback you may have, so they can deliver what you want or make the needed changes.

Keep in mind:

There is nothing wrong about letting your contractor know about your ideas or the issues you may have. In fact, if you think that the plan is not being followed, don’t think twice about letting them know right away.

When it comes to this kind of project, overcommunicating is better than under communicating. Just make sure though that you talk to them properly all the time.

Know and Understand Their Process

Ask your chosen contractor to walk you through the work that they’ll be doing. Don’t worry about things getting too technical as reputable installers explain their process in a manner that non-experts understand.

While you may not know anything about paver installation, you can use the Internet to verify if what they are doing is right or if they are employing the best practices. Furthermore, you can use the information they’ve provided to track their progress.

In summary, hiring professionals is more beneficial with a complicated task like installing pavers. These experts can help you achieve your creative vision, building a walkway or patio that meets your design, needs and budget. But in order to reap the benefits of hiring pros, you have to make sure that you collaborate with them for the project to be successful.

Is it time to spruce up your yard by adding a walkway or patio? Let our professional yard paver installers help you! Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to learn more about our services.

Tips on Maintaining Tarmac Driveways in Dublin

Newstyle Driveways Tarmac Driveways Dublin, Driveways January 31, 2021June 1, 2026

A tarmac driveway, like all other types of driveways, gets damaged and worn out over time. To ensure your drive’s longevity, you have to be diligent when it comes to its maintenance. A well-maintained tarmacadam driveway can last 15 to 20 years.

Proper and regular maintenance does not just keep your driveway pristine but also minimises your expenses. It allows you to detect problems before they become severe and more expensive to repair.

If you are unsure on how to keep it in excellent condition, here are some tips on how to maintain tarmac driveways in Dublin.

Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #1: Apply a Coat of Sealant

A good practical solution to maintain this type of driveway is to apply a coat of sealant regularly. It is recommended that you initially apply the sealant a year after it is installed. Then, a new coat should be applied every 1 to 2 years.

What’s the sealant for? It helps your driveway become resistant to damage caused by foreign elements like water, oil, fuel, other fluids, heat and ultraviolet rays. It does not only protect your driveway but also improves its aesthetics, making it look brand new.

During the winter months, the sealant helps snow and ice melt faster, thereby preventing any damage that can be caused by water and ice.

Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #2: Keep It Clean

One of the things that can shorten the service life of a tarmac driveway is standing water. While a sealant can make your driveway water resistant, it is still possible for some of the water to seep through.

With lower temperatures, this water will turn into ice and expand which will cause cracks on your driveway. Crevices may also appear due to plants or weeds growing through the small cracks.

So, you have to ensure that your driveway is always clean. Remove any standing water, as well as loose leaves, as these can cause water to pool. Clear out plants as soon as you see them through small cracks.

You also have to watch out for any oil or gasoline spillage on your driveway. These liquids can cause the most damage on your drive as they could cause the tarmac to soften and break down quickly.

You need to wash them quickly with an oil cleaner. You may also use baking soda or dishwashing liquid with water. Another alternative is a material that can soak it from the surface like sawdust or sand. For gasoline spillage, you can use water to wash it off.

Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #3: Watch Out for Damages

Another key to a long-lasting tarmac driveway is to keep a watchful eye on the early signs of damage, so you can address them immediately.

After the installation of the tarmac driveway, some people make the mistake of putting heavy items on it before it completely dries up and hardens. This can cause indentations on the surface where water can accumulate.

Similarly, the use of items like jacks, ladders and other heavy equipment or vehicles can cause the same type of indentation damage. This can happen even if the drive was used after the tarmac has already set.

How do you prevent these issues? You can place wooden planks or a sheet of plywood on the driveway first before putting the heavy item on top of it. This distributes the weight of the heavy item and prevents damage on the surface of your driveway.

Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #4: Get Professional Maintenance Services

Even if you religiously clean your driveway, it is best practice to ask professionals to deep clean it at least once a year. Cleaning companies have tools which can successfully remove stains and other stuff on your drive that can compromise its integrity.

It is also highly recommended that you let trusted driveway pavers fix damages on your tarmac drive. Letting professionals do the repair is all about ensuring that the problems are fixed properly.

Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #5: Keep It Cool on Hot Days

One of the things you have to know about tarmacadam drives is that they are sensitive to high temperatures. Exposure to heat can make the tarmac soft and prone to damage.

So, it is highly recommended to hose cool water over your tarmac driveway during hot summer days. Doing this helps the soften tarmac to harden again.

Need help keeping your tarmac driveway in tiptop condition? Contact New Style Driveways for top-notch installation, repair and cleaning of tarmac driveways in Dublin. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to request a quote!

Top Benefits of Asphalt Driveways

Newstyle Driveways Driveways January 15, 2021June 27, 2022

When it comes to paving solutions, asphalt is undeniably popular in Ireland with countless driveways and roads built using this material. The primary components of asphalt are sand, stone and tar, the adhesive used to hold together the different materials.

Asphalt has similar components like concrete, except that the latter uses cement as its adhesive. It is also a good choice for those who want a material that is low-cost but performs much like concrete.

If you are thinking of installing a new drive, you should consider going for an asphalt driveway as it offers several benefits, and we’ve listed some of them below.

Asphalt Driveways Are Easy to Install

The process of installing an asphalt driveway may start with the demolition and removal of your current driveway. This is followed by grading and sloping of the area. The base is then prepared by laying down around 8 inches of granular fill. This is then topped by around 3 inches of hot asphalt. A steamroller will then go over the asphalt to make it compact and help it adhere to the base.

The installation process can usually be done within the day depending on the size of your driveway and the material used on your old drive. After installation, it can be driven on immediately, but it is highly recommended that you wait around 2-3 days. This is a significantly shorter waiting time as compared to concrete driveways which need a week to fully cure.

Asphalt Driveways Are Affordable

One of the most important decision-making factors in any type of home improvement project is cost.

If you have a limited budget, asphalt is one of the more practical options available. Its price is half of that of concrete, but this does not mean that it is an inferior paving solution. The truth is that they are as durable as concrete driveways for as long as they are installed well.

Asphalt drives are also easier to repair than concrete driveways. You only need to fix the damaged area and not overhaul the entire drive as you would with those made of concrete. This means that your repair expense is lower when you choose asphalt.

Asphalt Driveways Look Attractive

In terms of appearance, asphalt drives have a smooth and sleek appearance. Most people prefer the classic black or dark grey colour of asphalt as it gives the driveway a classic-looking finish. But colour additives and tinted sealers are available for those who want a unique-looking asphalt drive.

There is also stamped asphalt which gives the illusion that the driveway is made of a different material like bricks or other paving solutions. This is an option you may want to consider if you want to enhance the look of your asphalt driveway or make it look unlike any other.

Asphalt Driveways Are Durable

They are more durable and flexible as compared to concrete drives which can eventually flake and deteriorate. When asphalt driveways are properly installed and maintained well, they can last up to around 15 to 20 years.

They are also more resistant to the weather as compared to concrete and other materials. Concrete drives tend to deteriorate significantly during winter due to extreme changes in temperature and exposure to condensation and freezing.

When water seeps into concrete and expands, it will cause the concrete to crack. The cracks can worsen through repeated seeping and freezing, resulting in a drive that needs to be fixed.

Unlike those made of concrete, asphalt driveways are less likely to crack or flake. One of the reasons for this is that they absorb heat and as a result, melt snow faster.

In summary, an asphalt driveway is the right choice for your home if you are looking for something affordable yet durable and aesthetically appealing. You just have to ensure that you hire professionals to install your drive to guarantee that it is well-made and long-lasting.

Thinking of having an asphalt driveway? We have a team of pavers who are experienced in installing different types of drives including asphalt driveways. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to request a quote!

Tar and Chip Driveway: What Are Its Pros and Cons?

Newstyle Driveways Driveways December 31, 2020June 27, 2022

Tar and Chip Driveway Cost Dublin Ireland

Is your driveway showing signs of wear and tear? Is it time to have a new one? If you are looking for a new surfacing solution, you might want to consider tar and chip.

A tar and chip driveway, also called seal chip or chip-and-seal, is one of the most practical choices for paving materials. It may not be as popular as gravel or concrete, but you have probably driven over this surfacing solution as it is used in driveways, parking lots and roadways.

Why should you go for a tar and chip driveway? Let us help you decide by providing you with the advantages and disadvantages of this type of drive.

The Pros of a Tar and Chip Driveway

One of the biggest advantages of a tar and chip driveway is its ease of installation. The process starts with building the gravel base. This is followed by the pouring of hot liquid asphalt over the gravel. Then, loose stone chips are placed and rolled on top of the liquid asphalt.

Just like a tarmac driveway, a tar and chip drive can be built in just a day. While you can immediately walk on it after installation, it is best to wait for around 3 days before you drive or park on your new seal chip driveway.

Aside from the simple and quick installation process, several design options are available with this type of material. The top layer of the loose stones of a tar and chip driveway determines the colour of the drive, and there are many different colours you can choose from.

Simply put, you can create a unique and visually appealing drive with this type of material. All you have to do is to look at the catalogues from your provider and select which colour matches your home’s design.

If you want a slip-resistant surface, this type of driveway is definitely an excellent choice. With its rough surface, it offers better traction and minimises the risks of slip-related accidents especially during wet and snowy days.

A tar and chip driveway is also easy to maintain. As compared to asphalt and concrete drives, it hides oil leaks better. Moreover, its vibrant finish stays on even when it is not regularly treated.

In addition, a seal chip drive does not require periodic seal coating which is usually done with asphalt driveways every two or three years.

Basically, the only work you would need to do is to fix or replace stone chips which have been displaced from the asphalt.

Lastly, this type of driveway is affordable with its cost lower than concrete and asphalt drives. Since it is inexpensive, it is a practical choice if you have a long driveway.

The Cons of a Tar and Chip Driveway

Just like other types of driveways, a tar and chip drive also has disadvantages. One of the issues some property owners have is their longevity.

While concrete driveways can last for 40 to 50 years with minimal repairs, a seal chip driveway can last for around 10 o 15 years at best.

But you have to consider that the overall cost of installing this kind of drive is significantly lower than the concrete type. Moreover, repairing concrete driveways is also more expensive than tar and chip drives.

Another disadvantage of a seal chip driveway is that they can be difficult to clear when they get covered with snow. Having snow removed using a snowplough can damage the surface of the driveway. As a result, you need to repair the damages, and this means additional expense for you.

It can also be challenging to find driveway paving contractors in Dublin who can install tar and chip driveways. There are only a handful of driveway pavers with the proper skills and experience who can complete this task very well.

It should be noted that this is definitely not a DIY project. Installing a well-made and durable tar and chip drives requires know-how and experience that only trusted contractors have.

In summary, a tar and chip driveway is your best choice if you are looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-build driveway. It may have a shorter lifespan as compared to a concrete drive, but it is undeniably a cost-effective option given the cost of installing and maintaining it.

Planning to install a new drive? We have contractors who specialise in the installation of tar and chip driveways. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to request a quote!