Drive Resurfacing

[cmsapms]

Well, it's more of a private lane really. The lane runs up the back of several properties with the houses on one side and garages with approach aprons in front of them on the other and is probably about 35 yards in length. It's jointly owned by the householders, who have all agreed that it needs resurfacing. It's currently surfaced in badly eroded tarmac; this last winter has had a particularly bad effect on the already potholed surface.

One of the residents recently had someone up to quote for one of these decorative concrete surfaces, coloured and imprinted to look like cobblestones. Concrete appeals to me, as it should be hardwearing, but it's twice the price of tarmaccing* (quote from 18 months ago), so is it worth it. The lane has to resist the weight of the council bin lorry once a week, so I think block paving is out, as it will sink over time.

So, has anyone any views on what to resurface it with, and what would be the likely costs.

Any experiences with various coverings would be appreciated.

Paul

* a proper job, not a peg seller special

[hut49]

Whatever surface you choose make sure the foundation is properly constructed other wise the holes will be back again pronto. With a good foundation I would go for black tarmac on a general purpose short stretch of road - concrete looks OK to start, with the fancy designs etc but once the surface gets marked with oil etc they can look pretty unattractive. Also good to check that there are no services running in the ground under the road before you spend too much on a surface dressing. Chances are that no sooner than you have finished the job someone will want to dig it up to replace the gas/sewer/electric/cable etc.

[Vixpy's mate]

Feck aff. Oil do if fer a noo caravan fer me mam and a bone fer me dag. Cash, like.

Do ye wanna boi a peg?

[Munter]

One thing about the concrete imprinted with cobbles is that it'll be "very" slippery come the winter. Someone I knew had this on their drive and could not get up the slope (which is not insignificant), due to cold tyres and icy wet surface....

Edit:Ever think about a properly done gravel drive? Still needs foundations but small undulations can just be raked over...

>> Edited by Munter on Thursday 19th May 14:40

[wanty1974]

The printed concrete probably isn't suitable - one bad oil spillage and it's knackered; stains like hell and not easily fixed. Worth thinking about if you have a bloody great big lorry on it regularly.

A good block paving drive is stunning and if the foundations are good you won't get any sinkage - lots of councils use such things on pedestrianised streets where busses still run and they are great. Our was block paved and it really looks good. It wasn't that expensive either, alhtough our drive is probably smaller than yours and comparable cost may be high.

[rsvmilly]

If you don't break up the base and put in a new construction then anything you put down will break up pretty quickly.

Block paving is fine for lorries but the base needs to be pretty hefty. Typical construction for an adoptable road (good for lorries) is;

400mm MOT Type 1 (you can skimp and use crushed conrete for a private drive)
125mm Tarmac base
30mm sand
80mm block paviors

[Pigeon]

Which suggests to me that it'd be best to stop half way through and leave it as tarmac, which as we all know is the one true road surface

[towman]

Have it surfaced on the cheap, wait for the bin lorry to wreck it, sue and then have it done properly with the proceeds.

Remember "If there`s a blame, there`s a claim"

[FrenchTVR]

Vixpy's mate said:

Feck aff. Oil do if fer a noo caravan fer me mam and a bone fer me dag. Cash, like. Do ye wanna boi a peg?

[zax]

Pigeon said:

Which suggests to me that it'd be best to stop half way through and leave it as tarmac, which as we all know is the one true road surface

As someone who lives on the equivalent of a 1000 Lakes Rally special stage, I disagree

Use gravel. It's cheaper, easier to maintain and provides some form of security in that you can hear people crunching about on it. Plus you can pull into your driveway sideways if you're in the mood

[tuscan_thunder]

if you put down a solid surface, like tar or concrete, make sure the proper drainage is in place underneath or the whole exercise is pointless.

lack of drains means the tar/concrete will just sink and crack.

drains are very easy to make yourself. trench (6 inch wide) put down hessian in it, fill with big stones, cover with hessian, then refill with hardcore/earth.