New tarmac driveway completed with granite border and granite step zero maintenance option
Tarmac Driveway with Granite Border
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New Gravel Area for Offstreet Parking
?Small garden taking away and new gravel area for offstreet parking installed cheaper option. Contact us for a free quote ?
Tips on Maintaining Tarmac Driveways in Dublin
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
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?
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!
What Are the Cheapest Driveway Paving Materials?
Any homeowner planning to pave their driveway knows just how expensive things can get. Driveway paving certainly isn’t something to be taken lightly. It is a long, tedious process that can end up costing a significant amount, which is why it’s important to plan for it ahead of time.
Without appropriate planning, you might just end up racking up a larger bill than what you can afford. This can take a toll on your personal budget and force you to compromise your recreational spending.
Luckily, though, there are some paving material options that are significantly lighter on the wallet than others. Below, we will discuss the different types of paving materials and shed light on some affordable options.
Aggregate Driveways
Better yet known as gravel, aggregate is one of the most affordable paving options you can employ for your driveway renovation. Gravel driveways can cost you anywhere between $0.50 and $5 per square foot, depending on which type of gravel you’ve chosen, how many layers your driveway requires, and drainage, amongst other factors.
In addition to being remarkably affordable, gravel driveways have a commendable lifespan. You can expect them to last for an indefinite period of time as long as they receive a resurfacing treatment whenever required. The material is extremely durable and easy to look after.
The overall maintenance demands for an aggregate or gravel driveway is low to moderate. This means that a gravel-paved driveway will not cost you much to maintain. There isn’t much this type of driveway requires apart from the occasional resurfacing touch-up, as mentioned previously.
However, gravel is prone to erosion, which is why it is wise to set up a drainage system if your driveway is steep. A straightforward French drain is enough and won’t cost too much to install.
If you’re in a rush to get the job over and done with, aggregate paving is the perfect choice for you. Gravel driveways take less than a day to pave and dry, leaving you with excellent results in no time!
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is another excellent option if you’re aiming for affordability. You can expect to pay between $4 and $8 per square foot for this kind of paving.
However, asphalt is a demanding material. Its lifespan is below 20 years, and it requires moderate to high maintenance. But, if you’re looking for a paving material that will give your driveway some brilliant aesthetic appeal, asphalt is the way to go.
Gravel driveways may last longer, but they simply cannot compete with asphalt when it comes to beauty and aesthetics. Also, asphalt driveways are easier to maintain during harsh winters as compared to gravel ones. Also, unlike gravel driveways, asphalt will not become wet and sloppy during the rain, making it a more practical choice than gravel.
Asphalt and aggregate driveways are the most common options for those who want to pave their driveway on a budget. Each material has its own set of pros and cons, but one thing’s for sure: neither material will take a heavy toll on your wallet.
Interested in paving your driveway? We have professional pavers who are experienced in building different types of drives. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to request a quote!
Tarmac Driveway with Silver Granite border
Tarmac driveway completed with silver granite border
Tarmac Driveway with Rustic Border
Tarmac driveway completed with rustic border
Silver Granite Back Garden Raheny
Some before and after pics, silver granite back garden completed in Raheny with 2 granite seats lovely garden finish 
Tarmac Driveways – The Advantages and Disadvantages
Tarmac is a popular driveway material all across North America and Europe. Short for tarmacadam, it is also widely used for building airport runways and roads.
Tarmac is a black material held together by a viscous substance. It is often confused with asphalt because of how it looks. While they may have the same appearance, these paving solutions have different chemical compositions.
If you are planning to pave or repave your driveway, tarmac is an option you should consider, especially if you want the project completed fast.
To help you decide if a tarmac driveway is right for you, we’ve put together a guide detailing its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of a Tarmac Driveway
One of the top reasons why property owners go for tarmac is that it is easy to install. So, if you choose this paving solution, you do not have to worry about not being able to use your driveway for a long time.
Depending on the size of the driveway, laying the material and completing the project can be done within the day. Then, the surface needs to cure or solidify for 2 to 3 days before you can use it.
This is significantly shorter than the time it takes to install other materials. For example, with concrete driveways, it is recommended that you wait at least 7 days before driving on it.
Aside from the ease of installation, tarmac’s low cost is another reason why it is preferred by many. Currently, it is one of the most affordable paving solutions in the market. It is priced lower than concrete, brick and other types of paving slabs.
The cost of installing it is also cheaper than concrete driveways and other types of drives. This can be attributed to the fact that building it is easy and does not require a lot of time.
But don’t think that the ease of installation is reason enough for you to go the DIY route. This is not a project meant for DIYers as properly laying tarmac entails skills, techniques and tools. Moreover, the process is laborious because it involves excavating the driveway and laying the foundation.
To put simply:
Building a tarmac driveway is easy for experienced pavers. But for DIYers, the process can be complicated and tedious.
Tarmac drives are also known for their durability. For as long as they are built properly and maintained well, they can last up to 20 years.
They are resistant to various weather conditions from extreme cold and heat to frequent rains. They can also withstand heavy weights, making them an excellent choice if you own several vehicles.
Tarmac driveways require minimal upkeep. Hence, experts often say that they are designed to look after themselves. You just need to regularly remove the dirt and debris to keep the drive clean and aesthetically pleasing. It is also best if you apply sealant on it every 4 to 5 years.
Disadvantages of a Tarmac Driveway
Just like other surfacing solutions, tarmac also has its drawbacks. For one, while it can withstand heat, ultraviolet (UV) light can cause tarmac degradation. It can become brittle and eventually, potholes may appear.
Aside from UV light, tarmac can also be damaged by diesel, petrol or other automotive oils. These oils can weaken and dissolve the binder in tarmac, resulting in cracks.
Another potential issue you might encounter is the growth of weeds. This usually happens when the cracks on your tarmac driveway are not immediately repaired. When this happens, the crack is likely to get bigger.
Similarly, moss and algae may grow on it, especially if the surface does not get dry quickly. These can make your driveway slippery, turning it into a safety hazard.
Despite these disadvantages, many property owners still choose tarmac for their drives. This is mainly because the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Furthermore, many of these so-called issues with tarmac drives are avoidable and solvable.
For example, fixing cracks would not require overhauling the entire drive unlike what happens with concrete drives. When it comes to oil spillage, you can simply cut out and patch the affected area and resurface the drive to restore its impeccable appearance.
For weeds, all you need to do is to ensure that cracks are fixed immediately. Meanwhile, cleaning your driveway regularly can prevent moss and algae growth.
In conclusion, these so-called disadvantages are not really dealbreakers as they can easily be resolved. Moreover, for as long as you got professional driveway installation services, you can expect a high-quality and hard-wearing drive.
Interested in having a tarmac driveway? We have professional pavers who are experienced in building tarmac drives. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to request a quote!