subject: Laying Down The Rules For A Perfect New Driveway [print this page] Its also vital to bear in mind that, although a car might be parked on it for a large proportion of the time, a driveway is open to the elements, which means that it will eventually begin to show signs of ageing.
These signs can be exacerbated by poor drainage. Water and driveways dont mix, and this is especially true in the winter, when lying water often becomes ice. This will then expand, putting pressure on the driveways surface, and wherever there are gaps or weaknesses in that surface, the water will exploit them, working its way in, and finding weak patches. If these arent promptly attended to, these can result in holes or cracks.
It is essential, therefore, that drainage is addressed, and a method installed which ensures that water has the best possible chance of running off evenly. The shape and layout of a driveway also need careful thought. Generally, the greater the amount of space around the house, the more options there are for where a driveway is laid.
It is also important to consider pedestrian access. Do you need a separate pathway, for example as access to a garage or the front door, or can this be incorporated in the driveway itself? The answer will have a bearing on the eventual choice of driveway.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, are the options which are available for the layout of a driveway. This will depend on whether it gives access to a garage, and where this is in relation to the driveway it wont always be a simple matter of laying a straight path to the garage door, as such considerations as creating turning spaces or an extra hard standing area for other cars will have to be borne in mind.
Regardless of any of the above, work to lay a new driveway will cause some disruption to the neighbourhood. So its wise to keep them on-side by letting them know when works vehicles will need access to the driveway for delivering materials or removing waste. And, of course, vehicles will have to be kept off the new surface until it has had time to properly set, so if this is likely to affect neighbours parking arrangements, they should be told.
