Belvedere DA17 pattern imprinted concrete
Are you looking for a reliable paving company in Belvedere DA17 Kent. We cover all DA postcodes and offer free no obligation quotations.
Concrete printed driveways has many years off experience in pattern imprinted concrete and block Paving.
WHAT IS THE LEAD TIME BEFORE INSTALLATION STARTS?
Lead time depends on our work load when the order is placed but normally it will be between one week and six weeks. If you have a particular need we may be able to bring your fitting date forward.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO CARRY OUT THE JOB?
Dependant upon the size of stamped concrete project it normally takes between 7 and 10 days.We only leave your job if weather conditions dictate or are waiting for the concrete to cure
HOW MUCH DOES THE WEATHER AFFECT THE INSTALLATION OF THE PATTERN IMPRINTED CONCRETE?
We are quite used to gauging the work load to accommodate the bad weather where possible, however if the conditions prevent us from continuing for a day or two we will obviously keep you informed of any new schedules.We are able to cope with most conditions, however severe cold and rain will interrupt proceedings.
WILL YOU WORK ON OUR PROJECT CONTINUOUSLY FROM START TO FINISH?
Yes, unlike some of our competitors, we will not excavate a number of jobs then pour them in sequence after that. We will excavate one day, pour, colour and stamp the concrete the next , weather permitting .We then leave the concrete in a clean and walkable state for 7 days whilst the concrete cures and then return to seal and finish off. That way you have our full attention throughout and your project is completed with as little fuss as possible.
TO WHAT DEPTH DO YOU DIG OUT?
This depends on the ground conditions we come across. We need to accommodate the imprinted concrete slab which is usually 100mm-125mm thick for a standard driveway. This needs to be laid on a solid sub base.The mot type 1 sub base can be anywhere between 150mm thick on unstable ground to making use of an existing solid , suitable existing base.
HOW DEEP DO YOU LAY THE PATTERNED CONCRETE?
On a domestic driveway we pour the patterned concrete to a minimum depth of 100mm – 125mm and on patios or pathways to a depth of between 75mm-100mm
WHAT ABOUT ACCESS TO MY HOME ONCE THE IMPRINTED CONCRETE HAS BEEN LAID?
When planning any installation access is one of the primary considerations. Even though the imprinted concrete can be walked on the next day we aim to keep the inconvenience to a minimum.There are a number of options available, including the temporary removal of a neighbour’s fence panel or using planks which would be set up securely between a doorway and a firm piece of ground. There is always a solution!
WHAT ABOUT MAINTENANCE FOR THE PATTERN IMPRINTED CONCRETE?
Nothing in life is totally maintenance free but as far as paving is concerned our pattern imprinted concrete is as close as it gets. The colour hardeners dramatically reduce the effects of wear through usage. The solvent based acrylic lacquer does not allow the growth of moss or algae and it also prevents the ingress of dirt and stains. It can be power washed if extremely dirty however the occasional sweep off or rinse with a detergent is the most it will require. The key to keeping your stamped concrete in good condition is to get it cleaned and resealed occasionally. The frequency of this depends mainly on the type of use it gets but as an average anywhere between 4 and 10 years is the norm for a pattern imprinted concrete driveway.
DO WE NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A NEW CONCRETE DRIVEWAY?
Regulations came into effect in 2008 to try to reduce the problem of flooding due to the increased area of hard surfacing in England,Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The ruling states that whether it is either a new or a replacement driveway the surface water drainage should be contained within the owners property by using a porous paving material or by collecting the surface water run off and directing it into soakaways. As block paving, tarmac and concrete are not porous, any new driveway needs to be designed so that the drainage complies with the regulations and is also able to cope with incidences of high rainfall. It is usually quite a simple process to include a drainage solution into the initial design of a Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveway so that all legal requirements are met without the need to apply for planning permission and the costs involved
WILL YOU BE ABLE TO PAVE ENTIRE GARDEN AND MAKE IT ALL INTO A DRIVEWAY?
If that is required, yes. We can do this at the same time being able to control surface water drainage to comply with local authority regulations and the environment agency regulations. We will however work to maintain an area that does not have the cold appeal of a carpark but design a layout that doesn’t detract from the looks of the property but actually enhance it.
CAN YOU BUILD WALLS?
Yes we can. If it is part of the project we have qualified brick layers who carry out all necessary walling requirements. We can even add decorative renders to replicate natural stone walls.
CAN YOU REPLACE OR FIT NEW FENCING?
Yes we can. We can advise on fencing and if it is part of the paving project will be happy to quote for the supply and installation.
WHAT ABOUT ANY DRAINAGE FOR THE NEW DRIVEWAY?
All necessary drainage requirements are assessed at the initial design stage and then reassessed during construction. All drainage will comply with regulations and also take into account possible effects of severe rainfall episodes.
WHY ARE MOVEMENT JOINTS REQUIRED?
Movement joints are cut in at regular intervals as recommended by British Standards. They are cut to a depth of 25% of the slab using a saw equipped with a diamond blade. If a slab is too large or irregularly shaped then it may put under stress and as a result hairline cracks may form. Where possible the joints are disguised within the pattern to minimise their appearance and then filled with a mastic to prevent weeds . We are able to omit joints at certain points if they area going to mar the appearance of the design by using steel reinforcement.
CAN THE IMPRINTED CONCRETE BE INSTALLED AT ANY TIME OF YEAR?
We are able to continue working throughout the year, we just have to alter our working practises to suit the conditions. If frost or rain are forecast then we are able to protect the decorative concrete surface from their effects. Likewise if the conditions are very warm we need to be able to pre-empt the possibility of shrinkage cracks forming.
ARE THERE ANY DOS AND DON’TS WITH MY NEW DECORATIVE CONCRETE PAVING?
Excessive use of rock salt to de-ice the surface may cause spalling of the concrete. If a de-icing product is required there are non-corrosive products available. The use of certain solvents may affect the sealant and require professional attention.
DO YOU DO COMMERCIAL DECORATIVE CONCRETE WORK OR IS IT JUST DOMESTIC?
Both commercial and domestic paving areas are undertaken.
DOES THE CHOICE OF PATTERN AND COLOUR FOR THE CONCRETE AFFECT THE PRICE?
The design, colour or pattern of the decorative concrete does not affect the price, which means we are not restricted in created the best area possible.
IS PATTERN IMPRINTED CONCRETE PAVING MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER PRODUCTS?
Pattern imprinted concrete is generally equivalent in price to good quality tarmac, block paving or Indian sandstone. When the lifespan and lack of maintenance is taken into account then it starts to be the most cost effective option.
CAN THE IMPRINTED CONCRETE CRACK?
The risk of cracking can never be completely ruled out with any type of concrete paving, however, this risk is greatly reduced by high installation specifications. In our experience, if a crack does eventually develop it will generally remain barely visible.