8 Driveway Terms You Should Know

Altering or installing a new driveway can be a difficult job. You will need to work out where it’s going to be, which surfacing material to use, when to get the work done and who to do it.

Researching driveways will help you to decide what you want. But even researching can be challenging if you repeatedly come across words and phrases you do not understand. To give you a hand, we’ve compiled a list of 8 driveway terms and definitions you should know.

1. Topsoil

Topsoil is the layer of soil on the surface of the ground. It is normally about 5-20cm thick. Topsoil is the part of the soil that has the most air, and plant and animal matter. It’s usually loose and dark-coloured. Topsoil is the layer of soil you should take away ahead of laying your driveway.

2. Subsoil

Subsoil is the section of soil underneath the topsoil. It has less plant and animal matter than topsoil, but usually has far more nutrients. Subsoil is also usually lighter and more compact than topsoil. It is the section of soil that you need to expose ahead of laying your driveway.

3. Sub-base

The sub-base is the layer of your driveway that is between the subsoil and the driveway surface material. It’s laid in an even layer and is made up of compressed, crushed rock. The sub-base acts as a strong foundation for your driveway.

4. Permeable

If a surface or material is permeable, then gases and liquids can move through it. Permeable driveway surfaces let rainwater run through them and soak into the ground. This is instead of the water flowing into the drainage system, which can get overloaded when there’s heavy rainfall.

5. Tarmac

Tarmac is a surfacing material that consists of tar and crushed stone. It is frequently used to surface roads, carparks and runways. Tarmac is related to asphalt, but it’s a trademarked product rather than a type of material.

6. Compaction

Compaction involves placing pressure on materials to get rid of any air inside them. It is performed using specialised industrial tools. Soil and some driveway surfacing materials should be compacted to create a structurally steady driveway.

7. Sealing

Sealing is the process of applying sealer to your driveway surface. Sealer will protect your driveway and make it last longer. Different sorts of sealer are usually coated on asphalt and concrete surfaces.

8. Dropping a kerb

Dropping a kerb is the act of lowering part of a kerb to ground level, so cars can pass over it. You may need to drop a kerb if you are installing a new driveway at the front of your house. If you want to drop a kerb, you will have to get permission from your local planning authority.

Hopefully understanding these 8 driveway terms will help you get your driveway installed. If you are searching for a contractor to do the job, you can fill in our online form. We’ll connect you with up to 4 local pros, who’ll give you a quote.

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