The OBVIOUS…Use An Approved Driveway Installer!
If you use an approved installer, you can expect your driveway (material dependent) to last upwards of 15 years. ALS Driveways are an award winning approved installer for Brett, which means that you get 10-year materials guarantee from them, and a 5-year installation guarantee from us. Unlike the ‘no guarantee’ available from the blokes just passing by with ‘spare’ materials…
Not wanting to ‘tar’ everyone with the same brush (forgive the pun!) but if you want to find out what the five most common reasons for driveways sinking are (and how to avoid them), read on…
1.Drainage
The Issue – Poor Drainage
If the drainage around your driveway is poor, especially during heavy rainfall, the water can, and will, build up. Without treatment, this is likely to cause the sub-level soil to become saturated, which will ultimately lead to your driveway sinking.
The Solution – Good Drainage
Any reputable driveway installer, such as an approved installer, like ALS Landscaping, will complete a full site inspection before providing you with a quote. They’ll be inspecting the existing surface to determine if there are any drainage issues, such as whether the surrounding area is low-lying and whether the area is prone to flooding. If it is, then a significant amount of remedial work will be required to ensure your new driveway is one that you’ll be proud to come home to and not one where you get a ‘sinking’ feeling along with a sinking driveway.
Remedial works may include, for example, the installation of a large soakaway being connected to Aco channels in the threshold along the front and of course ensuring that the falls are correct to British Standards. At ALS Landscaping we like to go the extra mile. On a recently completed project, not only did we complete the ‘basics’, but we also connected the downpipes from the homeowner’s gutters to the new soakaway for maximum protection. You can read more about our Brett Beta Block Paved Driveway in Lincoln here.
2.Soil Compaction
The Issue – Poor Soil Compaction
If the soil wasn’t properly compacted before your driveway was built, it can cause the driveway to sink over time.
The Solution – Adequate Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is the term used to describe how tightly packed soil is. The more compact, or tight the soil is, the denser it becomes and the more weight it can support. Therefore, it’s crucial that the soil under your new driveway is compacted adequately to ensure that your new driveway doesn’t sink.
ALS Landscaping is shameless when it comes to its tools. They love nothing more than getting out the big guns, known fondly as ‘Vera’ their vibrating plate compactor. We are aware of others in the trade that may not give this stage the attention it deserves, but at ALS we always compact our sub-base hardcore levels to the correct compaction level. If you’re determined that your driveway will not end up like the image below, get in touch with us today.
3. Foundations
The Issue – Poor Foundations
Improperly installed foundations are one of the main reasons your driveway will sink.
The Solution – British Standard Foundations
When it comes to the depth of the foundations required for your new driveway, there are several factors to consider, including, but not limited to, the length and width of the driveway, the average vehicle type, and the number of vehicles that will be using it, as well as the type of ground the driveway is going to be constructed on. Excavating six to eight inches for your typical driveway is adequate, but in some cases, it may be necessary to excavate up to one foot, as was the case with this project where ALS Landscaping excavated to 300mm deep before installing and compacting the hardcore sub-base to ensure that this driveway is future-proofed against sinking.
According to the National House Building Council (NHBC) building standards 2022, regulation 10.2 (6), the construction of private drives and car parking areas should be constructed in accordance with Table 2d. At ALS Landscaping, and as an award-winning Brett-approved installer, our work is regularly checked to ensure that we exceed British Standards. You know you’re in safe hands.
4. Weight
The Issue – Excessive Weight
If you’re constantly parking heavy vehicles on your driveway, it can cause it to sink over time.
The Solution – Fit for Purpose
At ALS Landscaping we understand that your new driveway is an investment that you expect to last. That’s why we always undertake a full site inspection, prior to providing you with a quote, to ensure that your new driveway will not only complement your property and fit in the space available but will also be fit for purpose and stand the test of time. Prior to our site inspection, we’ll be asking you questions about how you’re intending to use your driveway, including the types and number of vehicles you be expecting to park on it. This will help us to ensure that we give you the best advice regarding driveway surfaces suitable for your specific needs, whether that’s block paving, resin bound, or more traditional surface finish, such as concrete and tarmacadam. We’ll ensure you get a driveway that’s built to last.
And last, but by no means least…
5.Tree Roots
The Issue – Tree Roots
If the roots of trees in the vicinity of your driveway have not been removed they can continue to grow underneath it and cause it to sink.
The Solution – Adequate Site Preparation
Fail to prepare…prepare to fail. Ensuring your driveway site is fully prepared is not only hard physical work but work that’s crucial if you want your driveway to last. ALS Landscaping takes extra care to remove hidden tree roots that otherwise will cause your driveway to sink. During our inspection visit we’ll let you know if there will be additional remedial work required by accessing the vicinity of your new driveway to determine if any existing trees are likely to cause future issues.
Summary
Having a new driveway installed is a significant investment. An investment that you want to make sure will stand the test of time and be fit for purpose. Don’t leave it to chance. Always use an approved installer like ALS Landscaping in Lincoln.
Interestingly there are no published figures available on how common sinking driveways are in the UK at the time of writing. The likelihood is that since this type of ‘issue’ isn’t generally covered by home insurance, the stats aren’t collated, and so the scale of how common this issue is remains unknown.
If you want to find out more about how we can future-proof your new driveway from sinking, get in touch with ALS Landscaping today. Our team is waiting for your call!
