Arthington Tarmac Driveways

A gravel/shingle driveway is the cheapest option for most properties and is also the quickest to install.

Unlike block paved or concrete driveways and surfaces, tarmac can be laid directly onto any existing surface, whereas the other materials require a full depth bedding layer before work can even begin.

A new driveway must be at least 10ft to 12ft wide (3m to 3.6m), as anything smaller will present challenges for drivers.

A driveway can potentially add 5-10% to your property’s value, as long as it is expertly installed.

The best type of driveway depends on many factors. How long you want it to last, how much maintenance you are prepared to do, how you want it to look and how much traffic it will face.

We recommend Tarmac/Asphalt or Resin Bound if you want a hard-wearing yet attractive surface, with little maintenance needed.

Block paving does not need sealing in order to last a long time. However sealant reduces the risk of your driveway discolouring and cracking, and it really is the protective layer.

If anything is spilt on your driveway i.e. oil, it is much easier to clean up if the area has been sealed.

There are particular guidelines for householders who want to pave over their front gardens in order to turn them into driveways.

Planning permission is not needed for new driveways, regardless of the size, as long as the surfacing used is permeable. This porous surfacing allows water to drain through. Experts suggest using porous asphalt, resin bound or permeable concrete block paving, or directing the rainwater to a lawn or border in order for it to drain naturally.

One major difference between the two is that in a resin bonded system, the stone is only bonded to the resin on one side. In contrast, a resin bound driveway features a multi-layer stone surface, with a much smoother finish.

Resin bound is water permeable, letting rain drain through the surface, whereas resin bond doesn’t allow for this.

As a completely natural and fully recyclable material tarmac can be considered one of the most environmentally friendly methods of surfacing available.

A resin bound surface is the recommend surface type for a slope driveway. This is because it can be easily shaped to cover nearly any area.

Permeable surfaces (also known as porous or pervious surfaces) allow water to percolate into the soil and filter out pollutants, recharging the water table.

Tarmac/Asphalt, Resin Bound, Gravel/Shingle and Block Paving are all classes as permeable surfaces.