Tarmac has been used on our roads, paths and driveways for a very long time now, infact since around the beginning of the 20th century this goes to show how hard wearing and practical a material for driveways and roads it really is.
Not only is it a great material for driveways it is the least expensive of resin and block paving, sure there are cheaper alternatives such as gravel etc but these are not solid driveways and need to be topped up every so often.
INSTALLATION OF TARMAC DRIVEWAYS
Pretty much all driveways start of the same as in the surface area is excavated to around 250-300 mm, this is then backfilled with type 1 hardcore and compacted, a border of block paving is then installed along with any drainage requirements.
Once this has been completed you install a sub-base of open grade tarmac upon which you then lay and hard surface top coat.
COLOURS OF TARMAC
Tarmac has come a long way in the last few years and now it comes in a variety of colours such as Red and Green etc, it is more costly than your standard Black but handy if you want something different.
MAINTENANCE OF TARMAC DRIVEWAYS
Looking after tamac driveways is as simple as a hosepipe and a stiff brush every now and again, through the winter months you may need to do it a little more often.
Key Benefits of Tarmac Driveways
Below are a few of the key takeways of having a tarmac driveway installed at your property
- Extend your home with a hard wearing surface
- Your property value increases with a new driveway
- Aesthetically pleasing with low maintenance
- Cost effective - Cheaper than resin and block paving
- Easy installation - can be done in a few days with minimal disruption
Frequently Asked Questions
Tarmac driveways cost on average between £65 – £90 per sqm in the UK.
This includes all materials, sub-base and labour costs.
Large tarmac driveways are cheaper the bigger the bigger the saving.
6 Tips To Help Maintain your Tarmac Drive
Let Your Tarmac Dry. ...
Clean Spillages Immediately. ...
Learn How Weather Can Influence Tarmac. ... Apply Tarmac Restorer Frequently. ...
Avoid Turning On Your Tarmac Drive. ...
Clean Tarmac Appropriately.
Having a 2-inch thick asphalt driveway is suitable for many people, but 3 inches will provide extra durability.
If you plan on driving or parking heavier vehicles, 3 inches is the best way to ensure you don't end up cracking your driveway.
The lifespan of tarmac driveways can vary depending on a few factors, such as the quality of the materials used and the level of maintenance it receives over time.
On average, a well-installed tarmac driveway can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years or more.