If you’re a commercial business or contractor planning surfacing work, here are some key factors to consider before starting your project.
Boosting Property Value
Upgrading tired surfacing with a decorative option, such as resin, can significantly improve the appearance of your premises. This is particularly effective in dark areas such as under trees or beside tall buildings that cast permanent shadow. The visual uplift is highly valued by long-term property owners seeking to renew their land’s aesthetic and potentially enhance the property’s overall value.
Tailored Surfacing for Different Sectors
Different sectors have different surfacing needs, all of which can be handled by our commercial surfacing division. We’ve installed attractive and durable surfaces for a wide range of clients, including:
- Car parks
- Caravan parks
- Forecourts
- Industrial estates
- Schools
Some businesses can actively increase customer interest and perceived value through improved presentation. For example, car dealerships benefit greatly from high-quality surfaces like resin, which enhance not only the premises but the display vehicles themselves. A neglected or worn-out car park can negatively impact first impressions, especially when selling high-value products or services. This applies not just to car sales but also to law firms, medical practices and other professional service providers.
Regional Preferences and Trends
We operate across the South of England, where preferences for surfacing vary by area. In Suffolk and Norfolk, tar and chip has traditionally been popular for larger rural sites. In Essex and more urban parts of Suffolk, resin has been more commonly used. Over time, we’ve seen resin adopted increasingly in rural locations, particularly by commercial clients who want an attractive countryside finish without the mess of loose gravel.
Resin’s durability and visual appeal continue to drive demand. As we install more, its popularity continues to grow.
Planning Compliance and SUDS
New surfacing must now adhere to Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) regulations. SUDS compliance ensures that surface water drains in an environmentally safe manner, rather than causing runoff or localised flooding. Resin-bound surfaces meet these requirements.
Although they appear solid, they are permeable. This helps prevent standing water in winter, reducing the risk of ice and related hazards.
Heavy-Duty Solutions for Large-Scale Projects
Large commercial projects and utility reinstatement work must follow specific land and council regulations. Local authorities often mandate particular construction methods. In some cases, they require the use of machine-laid tarmac to meet durability standards.
Choosing the right surface depends heavily on anticipated traffic levels. Tarmac remains the hardest-wearing solution for areas subjected to constant vehicle use, including turning and skidding. It’s crucial to use the correct grade. Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is far more durable than pedestrian-grade tarmac, which may soften and break up in heat.
Resin, by contrast, is ideal for visually sensitive areas. We can supply anti-skid resin surfaces using a specialist mix that includes glass to increase grip. This is well-suited to commercial entrances or pedestrian routes.
Removal Costs and Ground Conditions
Planning a new surface also means considering the removal of the old one. If the sub-base or soil is contaminated, such as with roots, it cannot be reused and must be sent to landfill. This adds to the project cost.
We’re happy to advise on return on investment for different surfacing types. Tar and chip, for example, offers excellent value for large commercial projects. It is significantly more cost-effective than resin and can be easily maintained through respraying with a new coat of tar. This extends the surface life at a lower cost.
We also offer maintenance services for private car parks. Our team can visit periodically to remove leaves, check the integrity of the surface and carry out preventative work. This kind of proactive care prevents erosion, weed growth and other long-term damage.
Branding and Aesthetics
Surfacing can play a key role in brand identity and customer experience. First impressions matter, and your surfacing helps create them. High-visibility areas such as forecourts and entrances benefit from high-quality finishes.
Many clients opt for a blend of tarmac in vehicle zones and resin for footpaths. Resin pathways offer colour variety and design flexibility. We’ve installed patterns including stars, diamonds and the ever-popular compass design, which can look striking for years.
We also offer line marking in a wide range of colours. While white and yellow are most common, we can apply blue or red for designated zones, such as disabled parking or hazard areas.
Structural Considerations
Commercial surfacing differs from residential in both build-up and performance. Most commercial surfaces require a much deeper foundation, typically around 400 mm, which includes membrane layers, compacted Type 1 aggregate and stabilisation materials.
Some sites also require ground stabilisation, particularly on soft clay or sandy soil. This involves lime cement treatment to firm up the base, reducing ground movement and minimising the need for deeper excavation.
We use machine-laid surfacing, including tarmac paving machinery, for large commercial works. This allows for quick, efficient and highly compacted laying. The result is a longer-lasting and smoother surface compared to manual application.
Get in Touch
If you’re a commercial firm looking for a subcontractor, we’d love to hear from you. Or if you’re a premises owner wanting to upgrade, expand or simply improve your site’s appearance, give us a call on 01787 869 974 or get in touch via our contact page.