Newdrives offers a wide range of options and solutions to meet the most demanding design criteria. We will offer assistance to help create a truly unique driveway or patio to enhance the appearance of your home, whatever its age, style, or setting.

Block paving Block paving is by far the most popular surface for a driveway or patio. The wide range of blocks colours and laying patterns, allows you to create a unique design to enhance your home.

There are both 'antique' and 'modern' blocks available to suit your property. Clay paving offers vibrant long-lasting colour; whilst concrete gives a more subtle shade. Various kerbs and edgings along with circular patterns provide the finishing touches and endless design possibilities.

It is vital that block paving is constructed and laid correctly. Many problems arise with incorrect installation.

Excavation and preparation
The base must be at least 100-150mm deep, consisting of MOT 'Type 1' granular material (laid on a 'terram' membrane to stabilise ground and suppress weeds). The sub-base must then be consolidated with a heavy vibrating roller to prevent sinkage. A firm edge restraint is to be laid and haunched with concrete, to prevent movement of blocks and loss of sand.

Drainage Drainage is very important and is often ignored because it can be difficult to install and adds cost. As a professional driveway installer we will take this into account and advise you accordingly. You do not want to be left with puddles or flooding when it rains!

Laying of paving Paving is laid on a compacted laying course of sharp sand (screed as it is known in the trade) approximately 25-30mm deep. This is levelled out using screeding rails and lines. Depending on the choice of paving, the pavers are laid either randomly using different sizes, or as is most commonly seen, a herringbone pattern with a soldier course or stretcher bond around the perimeter edge.

Blocks are cut precisely using a disc cutter with a diamond tipped blade to infill where necessary. Where a recessed manhole cover and tray has been installed, blocks are then laid and cut to match the existing pattern.

Kiln dried sand is swept onto the paving and vibrated into the joints with a compaction plate. This process ensures paving is levelled and the filling of the joints assists with the locking effect created by the paving pattern, thus allowing for vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

After removing all surplus sand, a stabilising solution is applied to the entire area of paving. This will ensure the sand is not washed or blown away during the early stages following completion.

Macadam (Tarmac) driveways A correctly laid sub-base with edge restraint is needed prior to the laying of the macadam. Macadam is laid in two layers:- A binder course (base coat) with a surface course (wearing course) laid on top. The thickness of each layer is determined by its application, whether it be a road or domestic driveway.

Each layer is mechanically rolled and compacted to ensure a smooth and even surface finish. Available in a wide range of colours, grades and textures. If macadam is laid correctly, few problems arise. However, hot weather may cause the material to soften, which is one disadvantage that you may wish to consider. A poorly laid macadam driveway is reflected in the subsequent rapid deterioration and should be avoided at all costs, (purchase of left over macadam sold at the door by unscrupulous workman is unwise!)

Shingle/Gravel This offers a low cost alternative but with limitations. Various sizes of aggregate and a wide range of colours and textures are available. This is an economical, quick and easy option to use, once you have constructed a sub-base with an edge restraint. One of the disadvantages is that it seems to end up in the house, in the car and just about everywhere else (and is very noisy in the morning when the milkman delivers your daily pinta!).

Associated landscaping We offer a wide range of services to suit our clients, including slab laying, fencing, brick wall construction and turf laying. This will enable you to employ one contractor to carry out the whole project with total piece of mind.

On confirmation of your order (which we would prefer in writing) commencement dates will then be discussed. The schedule may be delayed due to weather conditions or difficulty arising with availability of materials. In these unusual circumstances we aim to inform you as soon as we can.

No deposit or interim payments are required!
Once the work is completed and you are completely satisfied, we will ask for payment in full on receipt of the written invoice (this also acts as your guarantee).

The work will be carried out to the highest standards and the site will be left clean and tidy with all rubbish removed. The driveway or patio will exceed your expectations. In the unlikely event of an accident, Newdrives has a minimum £5 million pound policy to cover every eventuality.

Trading Standards / Marshalls
Trading Standards has been set up to ensure people are made aware of ‘cowboy’ builders and to stress the fact that all building work (including driveways and patios ) should include an insurance-backed guarantee.

Newdrives can provide this guarantee in conjunction with Marshalls, delivering assurances and peace of mind. This guarantee covers both products and our quality workmanship. (Materials are guaranteed for ten years and labour for five years)

For further peace of mind, Newdrives has also been vetted by Hampshire County Council to ensure we offer a high standard of workmanship with continual attention to detail.
The ‘Buy with Confidence Scheme’ can be seen in more detail by clicking onto the logo.

We have also carried out work for local schools and colleges. Examples of our work can be viewed in our portfolio, or enclosed with your quotation.

How to beat the cowboys and gain piece of mind...
Can all of the contractors you have contacted answer 'Yes' to all of the following?
Are they Marshalls registered contractors?
Are they Trading Standards approved?
Can they offer you a Marshalls backed guarantee?
Will they be using 60mm thickness blocks?
Will they lay a ground stabilising membrane?
Will they be using MOT Type 1 sub-base (not rubble)?
Will the edge-restraint be concreted in prior to laying paving (and not last)?
Will each stage of the construction be consolidated with heavy vibrating plant?
Do they have a full public liability? If not you will be liable!.. Newdrives can!

If the contractor can say yes to all of the above, you should be in safe hands. If not, beware!

Maintenance of your new driveway
Advice to keep your driveway in tip top condition:-
• Keep your driveway swept clean and tidy
• Remove any surface weeds/moss and vegetation
• Spray paving with suitable weedkiller 2-3times a year
• Avoid oil and petrol staining-spray with an engine ‘degreaser’
• Jet-wash paving, re-sand and stabilise with ‘Keybond’
• If paving looks ‘tired’ we can put you in touch with our sealant and restoration specialist.
• Please feel free to call the office at any time for advice.

THANKYOU FOR CONSIDERING NEWDRIVES!!