Driveways Derby | Best Ways to Maintain Your Driveway

Maintaining Your Driveway 

Our Driveways Derby team understand that keeping your driveway in good condition is important. That is why homeowners should make sure they carry out regular maintenance in order to fully care for their drives. 

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Driveways Derby | 9 Eco-friendly Ways to De-Ice Your Driveway

Why de ice your driveway

Even now the driveways derby team know that we are receiving very bad weather; snow and ice has been a particular problem. Having a clear and safe driveway is important for homeowners and also in terms of driveway care and maintenance.

Salt is the main product used to remove snow and ice however it can prove to be more harm than good. There are various alternatives to salt you can try that can work just as well.

Problems with Salt

·         Environment: Excess salts build up in the soil, just as they do with chemical fertilizers.

·     Plants & Wildlife: It can be harmful to your garden plants and shrubs. For example salt residue prevents plants from absorbing moisture and nutrients.

·       Water contamination: Salts can leach heavy metals, which eventually make their way into water supplies.

·     Pets & Animals: Salt can be dangerous for pets and wildlife who can suffer allergies and salt burns.

How to de ice your driveway

Shovel Snow

When the snow stops the best course of action is to start removing snow by shovelling.

Go Electric

If you prefer to use a snow blower, get an electric model. Gas-powered blowers generate a lot more air and noise pollution.

Snow Melt Mat

If you're installing a new driveway or replacing an old one, lay down electric wires to heat the driveway from below and radiate heat upwards. Yes, you pay for electricity, so it's not as "eco" as shovelling by hand.

Get a Grip

To create better grip and traction try scattering sand or even birdseed. Though it won’t melt the snow it allows for better grip on icy surfaces.

De-icer

De Ices work by losing the ice from below enabling you to shovel the snow more easily. However limit the amount that you use, just piling on de icer will not clear the path and will be harmful to your driveway in excess.

Pick Your Salt Carefully

Salt is effective at removing snow and ice from your driveway. If you do have to use it then choose which type carefully. Try to avoid those that have high contents of potassium chloride and sodium chloride. Calcium chloride salts are better but still have their disadvantages. When using salt avoid using it near garden plants, wildlife and pets.

Avoid Cat Litter or Wood Ashes

Neither melts snow and ice, and they have a tendency to make a mess.

Avoid Products that Contain Nitrogen-Based Urea

They're more expensive and are not effective once the temperature drops below 20°F.  It also can cause water contamination that can be harmful if it gets into the water supply.

Get the Boot

Wear boots that have a solid toe and bottom treads to help increase your grip on icy surfaces.

Our Thoughts

Our driveways derby team value the importance of keeping your driveways clear and maintained to improve their longevity. By following some of these useful tips for de icing your driveway without the use of salts you can prevent damage to your driveway.

Full Original Article Can Be Found Here

Driveways Derby | Clearing Paths and Driveways

Clearing Paths and Driveways

The driveways Derby team know that winter is far from over for some people and this can make looking after your driveways more difficult. Ensuring you keep your driveways clear is important to maintaining there life and keeping yourself and people in the home safe when stepping out. This article can help with ideas and tips on how to keep your paths and driveways clear when the weather takes a turn for the worse. 

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Winterizing Your Sidewalks And Driveways

Winterizing Your Driveways 

Winter is still upon as the tarmac derby driveways team know that the weather ca be particular harsh this time of year. From snow and ice to freezing temperatures they all have an effect on your homes driveway. Learn how to best prepare and successfully maintain your driveways through winter below. 

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Holiday Gifts for Gardeners 2014

With Christmas just around the corner, you may want to be thinking about buying an avid garden lover something special for Christmas. Derby paving think some of these gift ideas are great, and are perfect for any garden or landscaping lover.

See the guide here: http://yougrowgirl.com/holiday-gifts-gardeners-2014/

Sheep Provide a Green Solution to City’s Landscaping Problem

If you're ever looking for a cheaper and more inventive way of pruning back your garden and lawn area, you could always do what this organisation have done, and use sheep to trim back their lawn, rather than use the expertise of a landscaper. Derby paving experts think this is a funny way of trimming your lawn, but would perhaps prove more difficult when needed to trim back your plants!

See the full story here: http://smallbiztrends.com/2014/12/sheep-provide-a-green-solution.html

Home Landscaping Ideas

It's often known for people to spend more time on making the interior of their home look cosy and inviting, as it's often where people spend most of their time, but Derby paving experts think people can often neglect the exterior of their homes, and the landscaping aspect of their garden. Truth is you don't have to put in tremendous effort to make your garden look organised and attractive, and you can even do it on a budget too. Check out these great tips believe on some of the landscaping ideas you can implement into your homes exterior.

• Think about the entrance to your home
  If you have a driveway leading up to your front door, then think about the landscape, is it easy for people to find their way up you drive? Ensure you install lighting to ensure people can easily find their way at night. Hanging baskets and trellis plants can make an entrance into your home look impressive.
• Think ahead
  When it comes to planting trees or shrubs, always think about the temperature, time of year and climate. Planting the wrong kinds of greenery can cause overgrowth and can spoil the landscape. Also think about how much maintenance you will have to put in for certain plants, if you're busy working full time every week, then you'll most likely need plants that require minimal effort to look after.
• Express yourself and your personality
  Express yourself with creativity when it comes to your garden. There are no rules, and even if your house is of a certain style, doesn't mean you have to stick with that style when it comes to your exterior. 
• Make the most of the seasons
  The different seasons are great when it comes to your gardening and landscaping. When spring and summer come around, your garden can really come to life with a vast range of different plants in varying colours. It's also the time of the year where you will get to use your garden the most, so make the most out of making it look beautiful.

For more advice on landscaping your garden, read the full article here: http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/home-landscaping-ideas/