We pride ourselves on our high quality workmanship and reliability. With over 20 years experience in producing outstanding driveways and patios, you will always receive what we promise. Check out examples of our Paving Dublin work.
What Driveway To Get?
When it comes to driveways, consumers now have a number of choices. Not only are there a selection of different materials to choose from, but also a wide array of colours, styles and patterns available.
As most driveways last for several decades, it is important to choose a drive that is practical, and looks great too. Below we will explore some of the different types of driveways available in Ireland to help determine which is best for you.
Block paving is one of the most popular choices for driveways, paths and patios throughout Ireland. Not only does professionally installed block paving have aesthetic appeal, but they are durable and long lasting. Pavers are available in a range of different colours and styles to suit all tastes and requirements.
The price of block paving varies depending on the type of paver you choose, with a range of standard and premium varieties available. If your pavers are damaged, repairs costs are cheaper than other driveways, as the damaged pavers can easily be removed and replaced.
To keep your driveway looking its best, occasional cleaning will be required. Our professional paver cleaning services are affordable, and remove any built up dirt, grime, mould and weeds. After cleaning, paving will need to be re-sanded and then re-sealed, which will make it look brand new again.
Pattern imprinted concrete driveways and patios have become increasingly popular in Ireland over the past decade, replacing plain concrete driveways. Pattern imprinted concrete provides endless possibilities for homeowners, with numerous colours and patterns to choose from. They are also one of the more affordable options, especially for larger driveways and projects.
Pattern imprinted concrete (PIC) is extremely strong, and uses the same basic methods from traditional plain concrete driveways. These drives are capable of carrying heavy weights, and require very little maintenance.
Unfortunately, if repairs are necessary, they are often expensive and unsightly. Repaired sections of a concrete driveway do not have the same strength and durability as the rest of the drive, making it vulnerable to damage in the future.
Most roads in Ireland, and around the world, are made from tarmac (or asphalt), so it is no wonder that they are a great choice for driveways. Tarmac has traditionally been available in black, but it is now also available in a number of other colours, providing home owners with more choice.
Tarmac is able to support heavy loads, and is long lasting. It requires very little maintenance, and unlike many other types of driveways, it does not have to be regularly sealed.
One of the biggest downsides to a tarmac drive is that oil, petrol and diesel can deteriorate the surface of tarmac. As a result, it is best suited to drives that will not have leaking cars or bikes, as this will decrease the lifespan of the driveway.
Resin driveways can look great, and are durable. There are two types of resin driveway, resin bound and resin bonded, and each has very differing properties. Both types of resin require minimal maintenance, and are available in a range of different colours and patterns.
Resin bound driveways are created by mixing resin with small stones, which is then hand trowelled to create a smooth surface. This type of drive is water permeable.
Resin bonded driveways are created by placing the resin onto the ground, and then sprinkling the small stones over the top. This results in a rough finish that is not water permeable, and may require planning permission.
Gravel is one of the most popular driveway choices in Ireland. Not only is gravel one of the cheapest materials available, but it can also look great when properly installed. There are a number of colours available, and if properly maintained, it can last a long time.
Unlike most other types of driveways, repairs are not a concern for gravel. However, they do require the most ongoing maintenance. Gravel driveways need regular flattening, and weeds can grow within the gravel, but with a residual weed killer they can normally be kept under control.
Gravel drives have a unique benefit of adding home security. A number of police and security services recommend gravel driveways as the audible sound made whilst walking over gravel deters potential burglars.
Whilst it hasn’t been overly popular in the past few decades, crazy paving is making a comeback. One of the main reasons for a recent surge in popularity is that crazy paving can be environmentally friendly, using reclaimed and recycled pavers and stone.
If you want a truly unique driveway, crazy paving is a great option. No two driveways are the same, as crazy paved drives use irregularly shaped stone and pavers to create a flat and uniform surface. The finished result is a strong and durable driveway, which will require very little maintenance.
Crazy paving is also popular amongst DIY enthusiasts, who are looking to build their own driveway. The pavers or reclaimed stone is cheap to buy, however professional installation can often be more expensive than traditional block paving, as laying crazy pavers requires more time and a greater level of skill.
What Patio To Get?
Choosing the right paving for your dream garden really matters – you’re going to live with it for a long time. A well-designed and installed garden patio can transform a dull outdoor space into a relaxing place that’s a joy to look at and to use.
Choosing the right garden paving for your garden patio is a challenge as there is so much choice in different price ranges.
Here are some design pointers to help generate ideas for your next project:
Firstly, how much traffic and weight will the slabs have to tolerate, and who or what will it be used by?
Let’s say you’re installing a patio because you want it to be a beautiful visual addition to the garden. You love the characteristics and veining of natural stone slabs, and you see yourself sitting on your patio in the sun with a glass of wine in hand. In this case, you’re going to be drawn to the slates, limestones and sandstones.
If you think your garden paving will be enduring constant footfall due to children or animals, consider slip resistance and levels of maintenance. Certain slabs like Saxon or Organza have textured surfaces that are very family-friendly.
Performance is important, but so is appearance. Consider how your garden paving will coordinate with the style of your house. Do you have existing garden walls that create a certain look? Does your home have a traditional or contemporary feel? Do you prefer a natural, rustic look or a chic, modern look with sawn-faced stone?
Wooden Sleepers for example, are some terrific traditional paving slabs that give a wonderful rustic appeal to your garden. For a more modern look, however, choosing Stone Paving or Gravity Paving gives your garden a chic and contemporary look.
How Do We Tarmac Your Driveway?
If your driveway is in need of a facelift, whether it has endured years of heavy usage and is now showing its age, or you simply want to retouch it so it fits with the look of your property, then tarmacing it is a highly effective and popular solution. But how do you tarmac a driveway? This article will look at the various materials and steps involved with the process of tarmacing a driveway.
Before any laying of tarmac can begin, first the ground needs to be excavated to what is known as ‘formation level’, which is the surface level of the ground. Typically, the formation level for driveways with no bad ground or other variables is 175mm below paving level.
Edging is used to keep the tarmac in place, as if it is not restrained then the edges of the surface can crack and crumble after repeated vehicle usage. Materials such as timber are great for this job as they are robust and durable.
After the surface has been excavated, a Geotextile woven membrane is laid down. This is to help suppress weed growth and minimise any sinking. It also strengthens the base of the driveway, preparing for use by heavy loads.
On top of the Geotextile membrane, Class 1 M.O.T crushed concrete is placed down, which is then compacted and rolled until it has reached the final depth to be used for the driveway.
Drainage is vital to the installation of a driveway, even tarmac ones. This must be installed at this point so it can be as effective as possible at removing excess water from the driveway.
At this point, the concrete edgings are installed.
Depending on your personal taste, you may opt for block paving at the edges of your driveway. This can serve to frame the drive and/or add an extra layer of colour to the surface.
After the above steps have been completed, the tarmac is ready to be applied. Approximately two inches of tarmac should be applied as a base coat. After this, the top coat should be added to the base coat and compacted using a roller. Tarmacing a driveway is a process that requires precision in order to achieve the best possible results. However, once it is complete, you will be left with a final product that adds a clean look to your property whilst offering a durable, solution that can cope with repeated usage by heavy vehicles.
Here at Active Paving, we are proud to be one of the leading surfacing companies in Ireland. If you would like to know more about our driveway services or for anything else we do, get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help.
We are well known as the best Driveways Dublin company. Contact us today and we will arrange to inspect your property to identify how we can best help you with your needs.If it’s Driveways Dublin you’re after, you have come to the right place. Speak to Ed today on 0874675766
We are well known as the best Dublin Patio company. Contact us today and we will arrange to inspect your property to identify how we can best help you with your needs. If it’s Patios Dublin you’re after, you have come to the right place. Speak to Ed today on 0874675766
We are well known as the best Paving Contractor Dublin company. Contact us today and we will arrange to inspect your property to identify how we can best help you with your needs.If it’s Paving Contractor Dublin you’re after, you have come to the right place. Speak to Ed today on 0874675766
We are well known as the best Paving Dublin company. Contact us today and we will arrange to inspect your property to identify how we can best help you with your needs.If it’s Paving Dublin you’re after, you have come to the right place. Speak to Ed today on 0874675766
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We are paving and tarmac contractors that specialise in a wide range of groundworks services, including block paving. You can count on us to deliver top quality service and work every time.
Established more than 20 years ago, Active Paving is a family-run established business and we pride ourselves on the high standard of our domestic and commercial groundwork’s services.
Thanks to our professionalism and the high quality of our work, we have been able to build our business on the countless recommendations that we get from a our satisfied customers. For Kildare, check out our sister website.
A professionally paved driveway not only makes your property look good, but it is also more than likely to increase the market value of your home.
All of our projects are completed in full compliance with health and safety regulations. We offer a 10 year guarantee on our paving work.
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