Frequently Asked Questions Driveway, Decking & Patio Services in Cambridgeshire

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This depends on the ground conditions we come across. We need to accommodate the imprinted concrete slab which is usually 100mm thick for a standard driveway plus 100mm for a sub base and for patios 75mm thick plus 75mm for a sub base.

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.

The initial consultation will determine the required size and shape of the new driveway. Through experience we know the best dimensions to create the parking spaces required.

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.

Yes we can. If it is part of the project we have qualified brick layers who carry out all necessary walling requirements.

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.

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.

We can offer over a dozen different basic patterns. These patterns can then be used in multiple ways and with numerous border edging combinations.

We will be more than happy to offer you a list of completed pattern imprinted concrete projects in your area of varying ages and styles.

For an average driveway it would need renewing between 4 and 10 years depending on wear and tear. A new coat of sealant restores the stamped concrete surface to a virtually as new state in most cases. It also helps to maintain its ability to repel dirt, oil and algae..

If the surface is starting to get some algae growth or is starting to look a bit pale ( but the colour looks fine when wet ) then it could do with a clean and reseal. If in doubt give us a call on 07949 078 999 and we will call by to check it.

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.

We will advise on the suitable depth of the concrete and wether it requires any further reinforcement when we have our initial discussion. Generally a slab 100mm – 125mm thick is sufficient for a standard driveway.

We aim to contain the mess to a minimum. During preparation sturdy boards are used to prevent damage to lawns or aprons. When laying the pattern imprinted concrete all walls are masked to prevent staining. We use a cleaner method of imprinting that doesn’t use the standard loose coloured powder.

We usually use a grab wagon to remove the rubbish, if a skip is used it is generally gone on the same day.

The colour pigments used in the decorative concrete process will not fade. If the colour seems to be getting paler then this is usually an indication of it needing resealing.

Both commercial and domestic paving areas are undertaken.

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.

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.

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.