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Tarmac Problems
Tarmac can prove to be an extremely durable surface, often used on driveways, roads and highways, generally it will last for years! Well that is, if you had the right people to install it in the first place! Unfortunately there are a number of "Gangs" that can target areas, often carrying out a hit and run job, and once paid are never to be seen again. If laid to a suitable depth and combined with an appropriate sub base then this surface will often prove to be extremely good value for money over a 15 year period.
So what can go wrong with Tarmac?
Unfortunately, asphalt driveways will not remain smooth and black forever. Unless your driveway is properly maintained the effects of heat, ultra-violet rays, and substances such as salt, oil, petrol and grease will take their toll. If you are willing to put forth a little effort, you can prevent these problems by sealing, protecting and maintaining your driveway.
The top surface known as the wearing course or overlay will perish over a period of time and can often look grey and worn. Potholes start to appear and after a cold winter or wet summer along with constant vehicle use the surface begins to crack and fail. Many of our customers whom own a tarmac drive often either choose to have the tarmac patched and recoloured, alternatively if the foundations are correct we will relay a heavy duty top coat giving the appearance of a brand new driveway, this process will then massively increase the lifespan of the area.
How much will a tarmac driveway cost?
A Tarmac driveway will vary in cost, but as mentioned earlier it should be noted that what appears intially to be a cheap quote, often is to good to be true, and what you get, may not be the same specification of a dearer quote. We are not saying always accept the dearer quote, but certainly always get a full quotation, work schedule and product specification. The problem is, that any thickness of Tarmac can look great when first laid, although within six months it is not unknown for an " icing thickness layer" to be breaking up. The money you had spent is wasted and would have certainly been better invested into a quality job that would last for years to come. The rule of thumb is that if installing the overlay to an existing driveway the depth of overlay applied as either a 6mm or 10mm chipping should be a minimum depth of 20mm. If a Tarmac driveway is being newly constructed then the sub-base (base coat tarmac), should be a thicker stone and laid to a depth of a minimum of 50mm. Overall this will give you a combined depth of approximately 70-75mm, constructed to this spec, the Tarmac will last for years, presuming the sub base is upto standard.
