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.
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.
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.
Yes, we take great pride in what we do and offer a comprehensive guarantee on the materials we use.
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.
Yes, we try to work in most weather conditions, though frost or heavy rain may delay work.
A 90-degree or 45-degree Herringbone block paving design distributes weight really well and keeps the blocks looking level for years.
Not on our watch – we do the sub-base and compact it to make sure the blocks stay level for years to come.
Yes – block paving has a modular design, which means we can lift the block and swap it with a new one without any fuss.
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.
Absolutely – block paving is super versatile, and we can do all sorts of sweeping curves and patterns.
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.
Yes, if the base is still sound, we can resurface it. We’ll do a site survey to check.
Yes, we do a popular red tarmac option that looks great, particularly on heritage-style properties.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We use pro-pointing compounds and solid sub-bases that make a barrier, keeping weeds to a minimum.
Yes – a high-quality patio is like an outdoor room, and we’ve seen it increase a property’s desirability and value.
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.
No – resin-bound surfacing is fully porous and SUDS-compliant, so water drains right through the stones and into the ground, preventing pooling.
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.
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.
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.

