FAQs
Driveway Builders Near Me

FAQs

Picking the right surface for your home is a big decision. To make it a bit easier, Daniel and the team at Symes Paving have compiled the most common questions we get about our core services.

Based in Mitcham, we work throughout South London and Surrey, including Morden, Wimbledon, Beckenham, Epson, Chessington, Esher, Surbiton, Teddington, Richmond, Croydon, and further afield.

How long does a typical driveaway installation take from start to finish?

Most of our residential driveway jobs are wrapped up within five to 10 working days, though this depends on the size of the area and the type of excavation work.

Will there be a real mess created during construction?

Yes, but our team keeps on top of all mess – we use skips or grab lorries to collect it all and will do our best to leave the site tidy and safe by the end of each day.

Do you offer any guarantee on your driveway work?

Yes, we take great pride in what we do and offer a comprehensive guarantee on the materials we use.

How do I get an accurate quote for my project?

Just give Daniel a ring – we’ll come out and have a chat with you about the job, take some measurements and go over the different materials we can work with.

Do you work in all weather conditions?

Yes, we try to work in most weather conditions, though frost or heavy rain may delay work.

What’s the most durable paving pattern for a block-paved driveway?

A 90-degree or 45-degree Herringbone block paving design distributes weight really well and keeps the blocks looking level for years.

Do the blocks eventually sink or get rutted?

Not on our watch – we do the sub-base and compact it to make sure the blocks stay level for years to come.

Can I replace a single block if it gets stained by oil?

Yes – block paving has a modular design, which means we can lift the block and swap it with a new one without any fuss.

What stops the sand from washing out of the joints?

We use kiln-dried sand that has been specially prepared to stay put. We can also apply a sealer to keep it locked in and stop weeds growing.

Can I get curved designs with block paving?

Absolutely – block paving is super versatile, and we can do all sorts of sweeping curves and patterns.

Is tarmac the same as asphalt?

They’re similar, but for residential driveways we tend to use bitmac because it is more resistant to scuffing from power steering on modern cars.

Can I get a new tarmac surface put down over my existing driveway?

Yes, if the base is still sound, we can resurface it. We’ll do a site survey to check.

Is tarmac available in colours other than black?

Yes, we do a popular red tarmac option that looks great, particularly on heritage-style properties.

Does tarmac melt in the summer heat?

No, modern tarmac is way more stable than older varieties, although if you are parking on a new surface and do turn your wheels during a heatwave, we recommend avoiding it.

Why is tarmac the most cost-effective option?

Tarmac is just less labour-intensive and less material-intensive than block paving or resin, so it’s the way to go for long private drives.

What is the best low-maintenance patio option: sandstone or porcelain?

For low-maintenance, porcelain is non-porous and easy to wipe clean. Sandstone is more traditional and looks great, but it does need periodic maintenance.

Do I need permission to put in a new patio in my garden?

Usually, no. Patio installations are pretty much covered by permitted development, although we’ll check local regulations if you’re changing the level of your land.

Can I get a patio installed on a sloping garden?

Yes – we specialise in multi-level designs and can add some bespoke steps and retaining walls to turn an uneven area into an outdoor living space.

How do you stop weeds from growing up between the patio slabs?

We use pro-pointing compounds and solid sub-bases that make a barrier, keeping weeds to a minimum.

Will a patio increase my home’s market value?

Yes – a high-quality patio is like an outdoor room, and we’ve seen it increase a property’s desirability and value.

How long will a resin-bound driveway actually last?

When we install one using UV-stable resins and our City and Guilds-trained specialists, you can expect 20 to 25 years with minimal maintenance.

Does a resin driveway get flooded or pool with water?

No – resin-bound surfacing is fully porous and SUDS-compliant, so water drains right through the stones and into the ground, preventing pooling.

Can I pick a custom colour for my resin surface?

Absolutely, we have a vast range of natural stone aggregates to choose from – from silver greys to golden ambers – and we can mix and match them to create the perfect look.

Will the colour of my resin driveway fade over time?

No, this should not happen. We use high-quality UV-resistant resins that’ll keep your surface looking vibrant for years to come, with no fading or yellowing.

How long should I wait before driving on a newly installed resin surface?

Your new resin driveway should usually be fine to walk on within a few hours, but it’s best to wait 24 to 48 hours before parking on it to make sure the resin has fully set.

Call now for a free consultation

Would you like to know more about our driveway and paving installation service?

Book a consultation by calling us on 07464 246 241.

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