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Benefits of Imprinted Concrete

There are many benefits to be gained by using pattern imprinted concrete (PIC).  This technique is becoming more and more popular with people who want a decorative and professional finish to their external hard standings such as drive ways or garden patios, but who do not want the problems that are usually associated with these such as weeds, movement, stains and cracks or chips.  Both in the commercial and private sector demand is increasing and it’s easy to see why; rather than individual elements, a monolithic concrete slab is laid.  

 This then has various dyes and a hardener applied to the surface before the desired pattern is ‘stamped’ into the concrete using special templates.  The finished article is an area that has the appearance of tiles or paving (the options are countless) but is cast from one solid slab.

 One of the key benefits is the diversity of the patterns and options that are available.  The finishes on offer can range from a simple gravel or slate effect, to intricate circular designs which use different colours and effects.  Of course it goes without saying that the more complicated the design, the higher the cost will be for the installation, but some level of customisation will be available even with the most basic of designs.  When choosing a contractor to carry out the work, remember that this is a specialist operation, and cannot be undertaken by contractors with little or no experience.

 If the pattern is complicated it is vital to request to see samples of previously completed work and to ask for customer testimonials or references to ensure that the contractor has suitable experience.  Concrete slabs are difficult and costly to dispose of and there is only one opportunity to get the pattern right!

 Another key benefit is that pattern imprinted concrete is more or less impermeable.  The two most frustrating factors of a traditional paved drive are the weeds that grow through the joints and the water that washes away the bedding material and creates wonky or rocking slabs.  With a solid surface these two problems simply vanish making maintenance of the pattern imprinted concrete incredibly simple. Care must be taken to provide adequate drainage for the water run off as there will be no absorption.  A simple gully or channel drain will do the trick if drainage is required.

 Finally, one of the most attractive benefits of pattern imprinted concrete is its lifespan.  An initial outlay should see the concrete last for 20 years as long as it is properly maintained.  It is worth noting that installation is definitely a long term investment and any design or pattern should be able to stand the test of time.  A transparent sealing coat will be applied after the completion of the slab and this will have to be re-applied periodically depending on use.  For a driveway this will be more frequently than a garden patio for example.

 For further information contact Hallmark Driveways Edinburgh on 0800 135 7000. Read more..

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Advantages of Block Paving

Having a good-quality patio or driveway can make your home more visually appealing. The right kind of surfacing material can complement your property, whether its having a patio in your back garden or another kind of structure. One of the best materials is block paving, made from concrete and clay. The blocks can be laid in detailed patterns and shaped to individual taste. There are various advantages to block paving and here we have listed five benefits.

 The five benefits of block paving

1. Versatility

The versatility of block paving makes it an excellent material to use. Coming in a range of styles and colours, block paving can be customised to your own specifications. Different designs and shapes can be formed, further adding to the appeal of the material.

 2. Environmentally sustainable

Compared to other surfacing materials, block paving is more environmentally sustainable because of its porous nature. This means the paving will absorb rainwater and stop it from gathering on your patio or driveway. The added benefit is that the surface area will have better drainage.

 3. Low maintenance

Another advantage of block paving is that they don’t require a lot of maintenance because of what the material is made from. All you’ll have to do is apply soap and water to keep it clean. Block paving is also durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather.

 4. Durability

Due to its durability, block paving is a long-lived material. Block paving is durable enough to withstand the pressure of an airplane, which is why it’s a common material at airports. You can drive your car over it many times and it won’t suffer from any wear and tear. Also, block paving is highly resistant to most chemicals, oils, salts and frosts.

 5. Visual appeal

With the variety of styles on offer, block paving is guaranteed to improve the appearance of your home. There’s the option to use a simplistic design, or go for something more intricate. If you’re planning to sell the property in future, then a clean, well-maintained driveway will add value, highlighting another advantage of block Paving. At Hallmark Driveways Edinburgh we offer a bespoke service that adheres to the requirements of relevant British and European standards. With a range of products and styles on offer, we’ll work with you to make sure you find the right kind of design. Contact Hallmark Driveways Edinburgh 0800 135 7000. Read more…

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Our guide to Resin Bound stone surfaces

Lots of housing projects in Edinburgh these days are going for resin bound stone surfaces over other materials. The practice of building surfaces using paver blocks or concrete is on its way out. Instead, resin has emerged as a favoured choice as it lends itself well to creating efficient driveways, gardens, and paths. Resin surfaces are also known to be easy on the eyes, low on maintenance, and last for a long time.

 Resin bound stone – What is it & where is it used?

Resin bound gravel involves mixing resin and natural stone together before laying the mixture over a primed surface, where it’s then trowelled to attain a level and smooth finish. Upon completion, resin bound surfaces have a depth ranging from 12 to 24mm. The exact depth varies as per the intended use and the type and size of the stone used for the process.

 People are often confused between resin bound surfacing and resin bonded surfacing because of the similar sound of their names. In resin bonded surfacing, the stones are poured in a uniform manner over an already laid out base of resin. After completing this process, another layer of resin is spread over the surface.

 Why resin bound trumps other surfacing materials?

Besides adding the much sought-after ‘kerb appeal’ to a property, resin bound surfacing has its fair share of practical advantages. For one, it needs next to no maintenance and doesn’t leave any stray stones either. Resin bound driveways created by combining natural gravel and resin offer a durable and sturdy surface, which helps them last for years together.

 These benefits put resin bound gravel comfortably ahead of other surfacing materials. So while block paving looks neat and clean when new, it doesn’t age all that well in the long term. The colour starts to fade a couple of years into the installation and since they are held together tightly on a simple base, cracks and dislocation are quite the norm. Another notable issue is weed growth from within the joints of the surface or even between the blocks.

 Since resin bound surfacing contains aggregate combined with resin, cracks or dislocations are almost impossible. In fact, the surface is so durable that it can comfortably withstand the impact of heavy loadings for several years. Moreover, its appearance is guaranteed to survive colour discolouration and UV degradation for a long time.

 Installing a resin bound aggregate surface is also a whole lot easier and less time consuming than installing a block paving surface. This is especially true for refurbishment tasks as resin bound stone can be laid straight on top of an existing concrete surface (after proper cleaning and priming of the concrete). Since very little work is needed to get the original concrete base ready, a fair amount in labour costs can be saved.

 Speaking of concrete, while it’s no doubt an excellent surfacing material for Edinburgh’s peculiar climate, it does have its shortcomings. Notwithstanding its robustness and durability, concrete doesn’t fare well when it comes to water permeability and soaks in very limited amounts only. Once this limit is breached, any excess water can result in flooding.

 That is never an issue with resin bound surfaces as they are highly permeable and allow water to drain completely. This puts them at a distinct advantage to other surfacing materials, especially with respect to the prerequisites of SuDS (Sustainable urban Drainage Systems). SuDS was enacted in 2011 with the aim of efficiently managing water run offs in dense urban areas.

 Practically aside, resin bound stone has more than just a handful of aesthetic advantages. It can be installed in a variety of colours and textures, which makes it possible to produce a unique look. The use of edge profiling techniques to contain, outline, and complement a resin bound surface further enhances its overall appearance.

 Edge profiling for resin surfaces

There are a number of ways in which an attractive resin bound surface can be created. However, regardless of whether the surface is a driveway, garden or path area, shaping the resin gravel mixture by using distinctive edging is recommended. Instead of planning the resin surface right till the edge of a property’s brickwork, paving or timber, homeowners and builders are now preferring a more measured approach where various edge profiles are used to impart a beautiful look to resin bound surfaces.

 It’s these reasons that are causing a definitive shift in favour of resin bound surfaces. If you are currently the owner of a tarmac or concrete surface and are looking for an upgrade, a resin bound surface is a great choice. And since it’s asphalt and concrete that we are talking about here, the resin and stone mixture can be laid on top of them directly. With just a little bit of planning and preparation, you could be the owner of a brand new resin bound surface that will stay put for a long time.

 Hallmark Driveways are a driveway, paving and landscaping company of 5* rated experts covering the Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian region. Get in touch with us today using our live chat feature or call us on 0131 610 0393.Read more…

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Make an Entrance – Hallmark Driveways

First impressions count! We’ve got some great ideas on how to improve your entrance.

 As our attention turns to summer and getting outdoors, we start to think about getting the driveway and garden ready. This normally focuses on the back garden, however don’t forget the front garden! This is the first impression of your property, so whether you are looking to sell your home or enjoy the space yourself here are some ideas to improve your entrance way.

 KISS – Keep It Super Simple

Planting to frame a driveway or as a finishing touch really enhances a front entrance. Make sure you keep it simple – by choosing just a few varieties of plant rather than lots of different ones, and anchoring the whole scheme with some new trees, the planting becomes more of a feature and draws your eye to the planting rather than the driveway itself.

 Be inviting

Make your entrance inviting using big planters filled with lots of seasonal flowers and foliage either side of the front door. Geraniums give a great scent and add seasonal colour lasting from spring through to late autumn – ideal if low maintenance is a priority.

 Matching

You need to ensure your outdoor space is in keeping with the property, for example if you have a cottage, create a cottage garden. Terracotta pots, lavender, stacked logs in the porch all give the sense of a country cottage.

 For modern properties, why not add some recessed lighting to the driveway to give that modern wow factor in the evening?

 Pick your perfect paving

Think about the type of paving you use, both for the look of your garden and how it functions. For a driveway you will definitely need a good quality hard-wearing material. It’s also important to incorporate efficient drainage to avoid flooding, particularly in Wales! There are various ways to facilitate good drainage, and we can advise the best methods for you to use based on your property and location.

 Flowerbeds can also help with drainage and combining this with a patterned driveway can give a great flow to your entranceway taking people right up to the front door.

 Not Just for Cars

So often the front garden is overlooked as an outdoor space, but more often than not you might get sun out the front and be able to create a secluded terrace to make the most of every minute of sun!

 Add some contemporary structure

If you have a modern property, you might want to use one or two structural plant or trees – use lighting to really wow the neighbours and passers-by when night falls.

 Keep Clear

If possible, allow space for the car to be parked away from the front door – you don’t want to make the driveway and entrance look stunning and hide it all with a car!

 It’s all too easy to have a huge driveway and then park right in front of the door. This solution moves the parking space to the garage side, leaving a pedestrian entrance to the front door.

 Keeping up with the Jones’

Don’t keep up with the Jones’ create your own unique style or your front garden which makes it stand out (for the right reasons) from the rest on the street!

 A very simple planting palette, pebbles and a characterful rock can give a distinctive look easily replicated with very little construction knowledge. Use contrasting edging to frame a driveway or path to really finish it off. It’s a style that would look good with both modern and traditional homes.

 Light-Up

As already mentioned, lighting can look really dramatic and give your property the wow-factor when nighttime comes.

 Recessed driveway lighting looks stunning at night and is unobtrusive by day.

 Use uplighters against a boundary wall to create a simple effect that’s both practical and dramatic. You could even try this with simple, solar-powered path lights, which are low-cost and low-maintenance, but a great way to direct your visitors to the front door.

 Give Hallmark Driveways a call on 0131 610 0393 for a free no obligation quote.Read more..

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Repair vs Replacement – Our Guide

Your driveway may not be something that you think about on a daily basis, however, it is undeniably an essential part of your home. Driveways enable access the garage, offers space for parking and provides an even surface for your family to engage in outdoor activities; like football in the garden and family barbeques. Also, a driveway completed to our highest of standards adds further aesthetic appeal to your home.

 If your driveway has seen better days, you may have to decide whether you want to repair or replace it. But how do you decide? Repair vs replacement? No matter which option you are going for, it is not going to be cheap. Hallmark Driveways can offer professional advice and aid in fixing any issue. To help you make a decision, here are a few things that you need to consider:

 Repair vs Replacement: The Age of Your Driveway

Driveways typically last for approximately 20 years. This means that if your driveway is over or is almost 20 years old, then you should consider replacing it. That being said, replacing your driveway is not the only solution. Depending on the damage, resurfacing or patching your driveway can be another option for you.

 Repair vs Replacement: The Appearance of Your Driveway

You have to consider how much the appearance of your driveway matters to you. For small cracks or sunken concrete slabs, you can fix them with a process known as slab jacking or mud jacking. However, these kinds of repairs may leave some visible signs afterwards. If these minor flaws on your driveway do not bother you, then a replacement may not be necessary. Regardless, you should still find out what a repair may do to your driveway before getting the work done.

 Repairs vs Replacement: Whether You Plan to Sell the House

Another thing to consider is whether you are planning to put your home up for sale any time soon. If so, then you need to know how the repair or replacement is going to impact the sale. A newly replaced driveway may add value to your home while signs of repair may downgrade your home’s appeal. It is always a good idea to consult with a property surveyor for some guidance.

 Repairs vs Replacement: The Driveway Material

If you want to change the material of your driveway, then having a replacement is a perfect opportunity to finally do it. When it comes to driveway materials, there are numerous options available for you these days, including asphalt, concrete, gravel, brick, block paving and cobblestone. In Scotland, a more luxurious and advanced option to consider is a heated driveway that can melt ice and snow. It is recommended that you check with your local council beforehand incase there are any limitations on your chosen type of driveway.

 Repairs vs Replacement: The Cost Difference

Once you have taken everything into consideration the last deciding factor will be the cost of each job. Although a replacement typically costs more, it is worth noting that certain repairs can be as expensive as a replacement. Thus, it is important that you get approximate rates from a few contractors before you make a final decision. Hallmark Driveways is one of Edinburgh’s leading driveway, patio and landscaping companies.

 We recently completed a project in Musselburgh, East Lothian which definitely required a replacement rather than repairs. Repairs would not have sufficed in this project. You can find videos of the project on our YouTube channel. Here is a link to the Works in Progress video, and here is a link to the finished result! Let us know in the comments what you think, we love to hear what the customers think.

We recently completed a project in Musselburgh, East Lothian which definitely required a replacement rather than repairs. Repairs would not have sufficed in this project. You can find videos of the project on our YouTube channel. Here is a link to the Works in Progress video, and here is a link to the finished result! Let us know in the comments what you think, we love to hear what the customers think.

If you’re looking for a professional 5* rated driveway company in Edinburgh, Hallmark Driveways is here to help. Get in touch today for a free no obligation quote. Call us today on 0800 135 7000, use our live chat on our website in the bottom right hand corner, message us on Facebook or email us!Read more..

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Improving the periphery of your home – Our Guide

Your home is one of your most prized possessions. Therefore, it’s only natural that you want to make it look and feel amazing. When it comes to decoration and redesigning, most people will think of the interior and exterior of their homes. While these are essential parts of a residence, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of the periphery of the entire property.

 As you walk up the driveway, you should be able to see every beautiful element of your home – the garden, the deck, and the patio. If you’re looking to revamp your home and make it into something extraordinary, here are four ways to do just that:

 Use Fencing Options that Align with Your Needs

When someone visits your home, the very first thing they will be able to see is your fence. This makes the fence an incredibly important part of your home, as it will be one of the areas to establish a good first impression. You want to choose a fence that fits both the look and the intended purpose of your home.

 For example, some people may prefer a plank fence as they value privacy and security, while others may find a steel-bar fence to be the better option. You will have to consider your needs when you’re looking to redo your fencing.

 Design a Landscape that is According to the Style of Outdoor Space You Prefer

The next thing that you need to think about is the landscape, as it’s another crucial part of the periphery that everyone will be able to see. There are many ways to improve the look and functionality of your landscape and the choice may be overwhelming at times. To reduce the confusion, you want to think about the theme of your home. For example, if you want an Asian-style garden, incorporating small hills and installing a water element with a gazebo on the side may be a great idea.

 Build a Deck or Patio that Fits with the Look of Your Home

The deck and patios act as the area that brings your indoor and outdoor lifestyle together. This means that they are also incredibly important to the living experience of your home. Without a terrace, you won’t have a place to sit down and relax while looking out to the serene garden during the summer. For this reason, you want to make sure that you have the most beautiful decks and patios you can hope for.

 Again, you will need to think about the style of the home you’re going for so that you can build a deck that has a coherent image to the overall structure. For example, if the theme colours of your home lean towards the bright side, a dark wood patio may be too much of a contrast. Therefore, you may benefit from using light-coloured wood options such as birch or cherry.

 Prioritize Your Driveway

Your driveway is the first thing that people will see while they turn into your home, which is why it should be high on your priority list when it comes to renovating the periphery of your home. There are two ways you can go about redoing your driveway: working with your current one to improve the look or build an entirely new one.

 The first option is a solid plan if you have a well-built driveway. You can simply add additional decorations such as a garden trail or have it repaved. After that, you’re set! If you have an old and dirty driveway, however, you may benefit greatly from a complete redesign, as it will ensure that you will get a driveway that’s a perfect fit for your home.

 If you’re looking for a professional driveway building service in Edinburgh, Hallmark Driveways is here to help.Read more..

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Driveway Maintenance – Our Guide

Concrete Driveway Maintenance

The key to keeping your concrete driveway looking great is with cleaning and sealing it on a regular basis.

 Sealing: Concrete driveways should be sealed about every 2 years or when you notice that the finish is starting to show signs of wear. This is assuming your driveway is used for normal everyday traffic and you do not live in an area with overly severe weather. If your concrete drive is at a business, you may need to seal more often. There are many good sealers on the market and you can find them at any big box home improvement store.

 Cleaning: How often your concrete driveway needs to be cleaned primarily depends on the amount of traffic it receives and what type of vehicles are parked on it. Obviously, any fluid leaks should be cleaned up immediately because it can seep into the concrete and discolor it and break it down from the bottom up. Here is a full tutorial from Lowes on how to clean your concrete driveway.

 Block Driveway Maintenance

A brick driveway can be a time-consuming and expensive driveway to have installed, so proper maintenance is especially important to help it last longer and looking great.

 Remove Grass or Weeds: At least once a week, take a walk over your driveway and remove any weeds or grass that may have started to grow in between the bricks. This is the first step to proper maintenance of your brick driveway.

 Sweeping: Brick driveways will regularly buildup lots of dirt and mud in between the bricks. Buy yourself a good outdoor sweeper and get on a regular schedule of sweeping your driveway to remove excess dirt from between the bricks. This will keep it from packing down and making for a more difficult cleaning process.

 Power Washing or Wet Cleaning: You can wet-clean your brick driveway by using a hard bristle brush, hot water and a few drops of soap detergent. Scrub well then rinse with a garden hose. For more tough stains, you may need to use a power washer. Be warned: Do not use a power washer if you have any loose pavers. This will cause the water to go underneath and risk more bricks becoming loose. Here is a great video on how to pressure wash a brick driveway.

 Gravel Driveway Maintenance

A gravel driveway is one of least expensive options when putting in a new driveway and more people are opting for them based on the prices of other materials. But, you have to keep on top of maintenance to keep it looking nice. The same steps below can also be followed for pebble driveway maintenance.

 weeding: Weeds will regularly grow in a gravel drive, so use a weed cleaner all over the driveway to keep the weeds away.

 raking: You need to rake your gravel driveway occasionally to keep it as level as you can. To keep this task from being so daunting, don’t wait 2 months in between raking. Instead, once a week go out and rake into low levels to even it out.

 potholes: Potholes are one of the main reasons that people forego a gravel driveway, but they are really easy to fix. As soon as you see a hole, rake back the gravel and fill the hole with sand. Replace the gravel and you are good to go.

 Asphalt Driveway Maintenance

Besides concrete, asphalt is quite a popular choice for a driveway. An asphalt driveway can look fantastic when you first get it, but without proper care and maintenance, it can go downhill pretty quickly.

 rinsing: Once a week, pull out the garden hose and rinse off the driveway to remove any dirt and debris. This also gives you a chance to do a cursory inspection to spot the start of any cracks or issues

 spills: As much as possible you want to avoid getting any spills like motor oil or gasoline on the asphalt because it can damage the surface. If you do have a spill, immediately remove the excess with absorbent towels or rags. Then rinse the driveway with the garden hose to wash away as much as possible. If this doesn’t remove the stain, then use a detergent with a degreaser and brush the spill to remove it.

 seal coating: Once your driveway has been installed, you should not have to seal coat it again unless you want it for the aesthetic value. You should only have to apply another sealing coat again after repairs are made by a driveway contractor, or you have fixed large cracks.

 Block Paving Driveway Maintenance

A flagstone driveway is quite beautiful and comes in so many different designs. But, it can be quite expensive, so you will want to care for it properly.

 Cleaning: Fill a bucket with dish soap and hot water, then use a large outdoor brush to scrub the stone. Rinse with the high power nozzle on your garden hose. Do this once a month and it should keep your stone looking quite good and minimize any staining.

 stains: If you notice stains on your flagstone, then you may need to purchase a cleaning product that is especially for it. These solutions usually contain muriatic acid, so gloves and safety goggles will need to be used. Note: Always follow the instructions on the container because overuse of these products can make your stone look worse instead of better.Read more..