I'm thinking of constructing a new driveway, but I'm not shure of the material (concrete or Bitumen). I would like to know what the most economic/long-lasting , and why? My driveway is about 150 m² large.
Thanks in advance
In article , Pieter-Jan writes
What you mean is concrete or asphalt, bitumen is the stuff they use to make asphalt, concrete will last a lot longer than asphalt, may crack, is not so attractive, asphalt is softer but will degrade but is easy to overlay/rejuvenate. If you're thinking of DIY I wouldn't try to lay any great area with the cold applied asphalt and finishing asphalt is easy to get wrong.
Thought about pattern imprinted concrete? not DIY though
If you decide to go with imprinted concrete, then choose your contractor carfully. Done right PIC can look great, but done wrong (and there are alot of unqualified PIC contractors out there), it will look awful and won't last.
A good website to try is
In message , ABC
Be wary of one called "Countryside" or similar. I've had two experiences if them, the first was with my neighbour, they had expansion joints in the plans but did not actually fit them and it took a lot of time and effort to get them back to do it. Luckily the neighbour was an ex headmistress and a very forceful lady. Once completed though it did look good and still does 10 years later. The second was my own and I ended up almost throwing the sales man off the property. It was very much the " You are very nice people I'll have to phone my manager at home to try and get you a reduction " After about 5 hours of this I got to the point of suggesting he spoke to his manager the next day rather than bothering him at home and to give me a quote in writing rather than signing me up there and then. I never heard from them again. Pity really as there was a fair bit of spare cash that could have gone their way if they hadn't been such pushy prat's. As it was we went for asphalt with a good deep foundation and properly laid by a local contractor who was used to laying roads etc. and 8 years later it is still fine.
Don't touch them with a sh1tty stick.
to quote a conversation.
Them - "We're getting a new drive"
Me - "Hope it isn't with Countryside"
Them - "ummm why not"
Me - "I remember something on "That's life" about 8 years ago. They are a bunch of crooks that rip you off and farm the work out to anyone that will do it"
Them - "I'm sure they're not that bad anymore"
Me - "How much is it costing?"
Them - "£15k" (or was it £8K either way I know it was a complete rip off)
Me "Of FFS. Why didn't you get a quote from the company around the corner that specialise in it and have done about 90% of the driveways in your village"
Them "It's too late to cancel now"
I took a look at their quote and the only thing I can remember was 2 x skips for removal of old surface @ £150 each!!
And, the finish was crap, the colour even crapper and they couldn't get anyone back to sort it out as they had handed over the full amount on completion.
A lesson learned the hard way.
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