Paving Driveways

8 Tips for Hiring a Reliable Driveway Paving Contractor

Newstyle Driveways Driveways, Gravel Driveways, New Style Driveways, Paving Driveways, Tarmac Driveways Dublin
8 Tips for Hiring a Reliable Driveway Paving Contractor

8 Tips for Hiring a Reliable Driveway Paving ContractorGetting the right paving contractor is essential to ensuring your driveway or other surface is safe and durable. At New Style Driveways, we have two types of driveways, tarmac and gravel. We also complete full garden paving, driveway paving and patio installations.

We know that you can’t just pick any driveway paving contractor so our team have conducted some important tips for you. Use these when hiring a driveway contractor for your home or business.

8 tips for hiring a driveway contractor

The right skills and equipment

Paving a driveway requires specialised equipment and skills. For example, tarmac needs to be laid quickly at around 95-190 degrees to ensure a seamless, smooth finish. It is essential to have the right number of people and quality equipment for the size of the job.

A contractor should have around six to eight people working on a project. When choosing a paving service, pick a contract with an experienced and trained team to ensure the best results.

Proper material use

All tarmac is not created equal. There are different grades of tarmac and each one has a different amount of recycled material. Low-quality one will impact the durability and appearance of your paving.

Some contractors also cut costs by applying a thinner layer of tarmac . Look for a contractor that uses higher grade tarmac with lower recycled material content. Also, a good contractor lays at least 3 inches that compacts to 2 ½ inches.

Attention to preparation

A good contractor does not cut corners. When paving a driveway or other surface, the base is just as important as the surface. A poorly constructed base that is too thin will mean the tarmac will start to erode and buckle, usually because water infiltrates into the surface and causes holes or cracks.

Choose a contractor that takes time to build a proper base. For a new driveway, preparation work usually takes a week before a surface is paved so the base settles.

Insurance coverage

Some contractors offer very low prices for their paving services. This often means there is some sort of scam. Some contractors, for example, can provide a lower price by not carrying insurance. If there is an accident or damage during the project, that means your policy will be used and your premiums will go up as a result. When picking a contractor, always ask for proof of insurance.

Good references

One of the best ways to check the quality of a contractor’s work is to check references. An unreliable company will have consistently poor reviews.

Talk to friends and neighbours if they have experience with contractors. You can also check out projects near you to look at the quality of the contractor’s work.

Accurate quotes

Some contractors will include more material than they need in a quote, and you end up paying more. A reliable contractor will use their experience to give you an accurate quote. Check quotes from multiple contractors to get an idea of a proper estimate.

Also, avoid a contractor that asks you to pay a deposit. In some cases, you may never see this money again. Reputable contractors will use lines of credit with suppliers and never ask for a deposit.

Design considerations

If you are creating a new driveway or another paved surface, it is important to pick a contractor with experience in design. A reliable contractor will consider how the surface will be used.

For example, they will think about how someone might turn or back up on a driveway. They will also think about creating enough space for larger vehicles.

Finally, a good contractor will consider how water runs off the surface to avoid problems with the base.

A written contract

Before starting a project, make sure you have a written contract. Whether for regular facility management like repairs or a new paving project, a contract helps protect you if there is a dispute.

You can also use it to help claim some or all of your money back if the contract does not complete what was agreed.

Professional driveway paving services

It might be tempting to pick a contractor that offers the lowest price. Unreliable contractors will cut corners by not using the right material or enough tar for a project. They will also skip important steps that will ultimately impact the quality and longevity of your paving.

With a reputation built on quality and satisfied clients, New Style Driveways delivers exceptional results. From tarmac driveways to car parks, we specialise in the design and construction of all types of block paving and tarmac paving.

Do you need a reliable driveway paving contractor? Let our experienced professional driveway pavers help you build or repair your driveway. Request a quick quote or call us on 0852139591 for more information!

 

What Driveway Paving Materials Are Used in Dublin?

Newstyle Driveways Driveways, Gravel Driveways, Paving Driveways
Paving Driveway in Finglas

Paving Driveway in Finglas

Are you renovating your driveway or building a new one? One of the critical things you have to decide on for this home improvement project is which driveway paving solution to use.

The good news is that there are various driveway paving materials in Dublin to meet your design needs and budget. The bad news is that choosing can be challenging and overwhelming if you have zero knowledge about these solutions or finishes.

But you don’t have to worry as this article gives you an overview of the top driveway paving solutions. Read on to understand what your options are and which one best suits your requirements.

Common Driveway Paving Materials in Dublin

Gravel, tar and chip, tarmac and concrete are the widely used paving solutions or finishes for drives all over Ireland.

The cheapest among these materials is gravel, while the most expensive is concrete. A gravel driveway costs an average of €45 to €65 per square metre. On the other hand, a concrete driveway costs around €80 to €120 per square metre.

You should know that two major factors affect the overall price of a driveway: material costs and labour fees. In the case of concrete driveways, aside from the materials, labour costs are also expensive. This is mainly because building this drive requires much work – more work means more hours.

Certainly, the prices of these materials are not the only information you want to know. So, below, we listed down some of the pros and cons of each driveway paving solution.

Gravel

Pros:

  • Cheapest to acquire yet durable and long-lasting
  • Can be installed without the need for sophisticated tools and advanced techniques
  • Better water drainage

Cons:

  • Prone to ruts and erosion
  • Not ideal for cold climate because it is difficult to snowplough
  • Frequent spreading and filling are necessary

Tarmac

Pros:

  • Resistant to extreme weather conditions
  • Able to withstand heavy weights, which makes it a good choice if you have multiple vehicles
  • Quick to install since it dries faster than other materials, resulting in shorter downtime and minimal disruption in your household or property
  • No need to replace the entire drive when a portion gets damaged

Cons:

  • Requires regular resealing to preserve its appearance and extend its life
  • Diesel spillage can dissolve tar, the binding agent of the aggregate, which can cause the driveway surface to break down and develop holes
  • UV light can make it brittle, resulting in potholes

Tar and Chip

Pros:

  • Conceals oil stains better than concrete and tarmac
  • Provides good traction for vehicles
  • No need to replace displaced stones often

Cons:

  • Clearing snow can be challenging and may damage the drive
  • Limited lifespan (approximately 10 years) compared to concrete (about 40 years or longer)

Concrete

Pros:

  • Can last many years – up to 50 years with proper maintenance
  • Very durable and can withstand the heaviest vehicle

Cons:

  • Require annual maintenance
  • When damaged, the whole driveway must be removed and replaced
  • More expensive than other materials like gravel and tarmac

Choosing Driveway Paving Materials in Dublin

Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of each solution, it will be easy to choose which one suits the driveway you want.

Just a reminder:

When choosing, make sure you consider other factors, not just the material’s price. So, as you take your time to examine your options, think about the following factors as well:

Location’s Weather Conditions

It is crucial to note the weather conditions in your area to know which material can best withstand constant exposure to the elements.

For example, a gravel driveway is discouraged in places with snow, as snowploughing can be difficult. Meanwhile, a tarmac driveway may not be a good choice in areas with plenty of sunshine since excessive exposure to UV light degrades it.

 Aesthetic Appeal

Your driveway should complement the design elements and landscaping of your property. So, consider the colour, texture and other characteristics of the material you are eyeing.

Keep in mind, a driveway is not just a functional feature. It is also an aesthetic element that can increase your property’s value when built well.

Maintenance Demands

Know how much time, effort and money you will be willing to spend on the maintenance and upkeep of your driveway.

Remember, maintenance works are not only corrective but preventive as well. They must be regularly conducted to keep your driveway pristine and ensure its longevity.

Regulatory Restrictions

Inquire about and comply with the rules and regulations regarding property improvements in your locality or neighbourhood. Before making a purchase, know if specific colours or materials are prohibited.

In conclusion, the best material for your driveway is derived from a well-informed decision. Professional pavers can guide you in this task, helping you make the best choice.

Gravel, tar and chip, tarmac or concrete – which driveway paving material should you use for your Dublin property? Talk to our experienced driveway pavers! Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 or click here to leave us a message.