Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are control joints cut into the driveway?
2. Can the product be installed all-year round?
3. How long must I stay off the new driveway?
4. How strong is the concrete?
5. How deep do you go down?
6. Is it a messy job?
7. How many colours and patterns are available?
8. How do i deal with any accidental spillage's?
9. Are there any dos and don'ts?
10. Is it true P.I.C. is the best product on the market?
11. How long will my driveway last?
12. How long will it take to install?
13. I would like a quote for a new driveway, what do I do next?
14. Is it necessary to have a skip outside my house?
15. How can I pay for my drive?
16. Do you do commercial work or is it just domestic?
17. Does the choice of pattern and colour affect the price?
18. Is P.I.C. more expensive than other products?

1. Why are control joints cut into the driveway?

   British Standards recommend the introduction of control joints, thus allowing the expansion and contraction which naturally occurs in Concrete during temperature change, the control joints absorb this movement and help to prevent the driveway from cracking.

2. Can the product be installed all-year round?

   Yes with dry and warm conditions, the job will take between 3 - 5 days and, during winter, when it can be wet and damp, between 5 - 10 days.

3. How long must I stay off the new driveway?

   Between 24 - 48 hours for pedestrian traffic, 6 days for cars (weather permitting), and 48 days for heavy goods vehicles. We will maintain foot access to your home at all times.

4. How strong is the concrete?

   Concrete is the strongest product that can be used and is guaranteed to a minimum of 30 Newton's, which is the same strength as used on motorways. All installation use concrete reinforced with fibre-mesh and air entailers for frost protection.

5. How deep do you go down?

   The actual driveway concrete is around 4 inches deep and the base between 5 – 8 inches.

6. Is it a messy job?

   You may experience some dust on the day the concrete is put down, however, all traces of chalk and dust are removed the following day using a pressure washer.

7. How many colours and patterns are available?

   There are a large variety of colours, patterns and designs available and we will be happy to discuss these with you by offering an appointment to visit our showroom within Polhill Garden Centre to see for yourself at our office base. We can offer a large portfolio of photographs, large outdoor sample areas, and a large selection of colour concrete samples.

8. How do I deal with accidental spillage's?

   For most spillage's including oil, washing up liquid is fine, however if it is paint or cement, call us on 0800 328 7764 and we will advise you.

9. Are there any dos and don’ts?

   Yes. Don’t apply salt to your driveway in icy conditions.

10. Is it true P.I.C. is the best product on the market?

    Yes If you have ever visited America or Europe you will notice the majority of the commercial work is P.I.C. because of its strength and durability and its all round superiority.

11. How long will my driveway last?

    We give a 12 month structural guarantee on all our work, however we are confident that the re-enforced concrete will last a lifetime.

12. How long will it take to install?

    In an ideal world an average installation should take 7-10 days from start to finish, weather permitting, but please see our ‘Installation’ page for more information.

13. I would like a quote for a new driveway, what do I do next?

    Call us FREE on 0800 328 7764 and one of our office staff will be happy to arrange an appointment for you.

14. Is it necessary to have a skip outside my house?

    No – we have our own ‘grab’ wagons to remove all debris from site on the day of excavation.

15. How can I pay for my drive?

    We operate a stage payment system (which is used by the majority of reputable installers) these payments can be made by cash, cheque(yes we still accept them)debit card or credit card (we apply a small charge to credit card payments)

16. Do you do commercial work or is it just domestic?

    We do both – we have carried out work for local councils, utility companies, insurance companies and builders.

17. Does the choice of Pattern and Colour affect the price?

    Not at all – you can choose whatever Pattern and Colour you want, our only extra charges would be for acid etching as this work requires additional visits. See our Patterns and Colours for examples.

18. Is P.I.C. more expensive than other products?

    It can be more expensive than other products but the long term benefit of being virtually maintenance free far out weigh these other products.