The weather can be very unpredictable in the UK. Rain cold hot weather leaves and dirt can all leave their mark not to mention the aesthetics of the surface. Tarmac driveways are hardy enough to withstand the British elements, but they still need a bit of tender loving care to remain supple and look good. In this article we’ll try to give you a few tips on how to care for a tarmac driveway in all weather. It also looks at the cost and lifespan of a tarmac driveway and drainage and even some design ideas.
Why UK Weather Is Tough on Tarmac
As with any type of driveway moisture can be an enemy to a tarmac surface. Rain can penetrate tiny fissures in the tarmac and widen these when the weather cools. Water is then trapped in these widened cracks and can cause further damage to the tarmac.
Heat can ruin your tarmac driveway too. The surface can become very soft on a hot summers day and can leave dents when heavy things are placed on it like a car or piece of furniture. The surface can also be bleached by the sunlight leaving ugly grey patches.
Leaves and mucky stuff can also cause problems. They can trap the tarmac’s surface in wetness encouraging weeds and moss to grow. Leaf stains can also occur but none of these problems are insurmountable. They just require a bit of elbow grease to resolve.
Installation Costs
As many people would be inclined to focus on how much a tarmac driveway will cost before anything else.Tarmac is generally one of the cheapest surfaces you can select but there is a big difference in the price according to the circumstances. An average price would be somewhere between £45-£75 for one square metre. Let’s take a look at some aspects that may change the price.
- First and foremost is the size. The bigger the driveway, the higher the price.
- Size. A larger tarmac driveway will always cost more than a smaller one.
- Condition of the old surface. The cost becomes more expensive if you need the old surface excavated.
- Depth of the base. Having a deep base is always a good idea, but it will add to the cost.
- Edging. Installing kerbs or block edging will also add to your bill.
- Access to the site. Works can become more expensive if there are difficult access issues.
- Always ask to see a detailed quote. A professional installer will always provide a written breakdown of costs and you should always ask to see one. A good sign is where a company is willing to give you a free survey. You should also be wary when a company provides a quote that seems too far too low. It may well be that they have skimped on the base depth, which will reduce the lifespan of your driveway. Another benefit of having a good base is that it provides protection from the elements.
How Long Will It Last?
With the right install and maintenance, a tarmac driveway can last 15-25 years. It is not unheard of for tarmac driveways to last much longer, but there are several crucial factors that will determine this. A strong base is the most important consideration. A good contractor will remove the old surface and lay a thick base of aggregate and compact it thoroughly. The existing tarmac is then laid on top and well compacted.Care and maintenance also play a big part.
A Simple Care Plan for Every Season
The easiest way to be up-to-date with your tarmac driveway maintenance schedule is to stick with the seasons. There are some simple jobs that should be completed at each time of year.
Spring
Spring is a good time to repairany winter damage and do some basic cleaning and clearing. Give your driveway a good walk over and look out for any cracks upturned edges and sunken patches. Just give a good surface rinse with a hose and wash away any grit and dirt. Clear any weeds you find as you go, and fill in any tiny cracks with some tarmac filler.
Summer
Summer is the perfect time to complete any major jobs on your tarmac driveway. With a settled, dry weather, most jobs can be completed easily. You can prevent indentations by laying boards down when laying vehicles up or securing a caravan jack.
Autumn
As autumn is leaf fall season, make sure you keep your driveway swept clear of leaves. Wet leaves will stick to the tarmac’s surface and leave unsightly marks. They can also leave stains in the tarmac. It is also a good time to clear any clogged drains or gullies.
Winter
In winter, the main jobs are about protection. Always make sure the drains are clear to avoid any large build-up of surface water that will inevitably freeze. You can improve grip on icy surfaces by laying sand or grit, but always avoid using chemical deicers. You should clear any snow using a plastic shovel, since a metal shovel can damage the tarmac surface. Always work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the driveway.
Fixing Small Problems Early
Preventing small problems from ballooning into expensive jobs is always the best policy. Here are some common issues and the best ways to deal with them.
Hairline cracks. Simply clear out any debris and fill with a suitable tarmac crack filler.
Potholes. Simply clear the hole of any loose tarmac and fill with cold lay repair mix. Always press down firmly and evenly.
Oil stains. Soak up any excess oil with cat litter or sand first. Always clean the stain with a low-alkaline degreaser.
Weeds. Hand-pull any weeds and apply a suitable tarmac-friendly weed killer.
Crumbling edges. Edges have nowhere to grip so will suffer the most erosion. Ask a professional about installing a block border to help protect the edges.
The Role of Sealing
A tarmac sealer is essentially a thin coat that protects the tarmac from the elements. Sealers provide protection from UV rays oil and moisture, and they also bring out the deep black sheen. Most tarmac driveways benefit from a fresh coat every few years, but there are some things to bear in mind. Always lay a sealer coat at least a year after new tarmac has been laid. This allows the new surface to cure first.
Getting Drainage Right
Good drainage is the best defense against Britain’s fickle weather. This could run down to a soakaway or a flowerbed, but it must not simply pool on the surface.
There are building regulations around paving over front gardens. The government guidance on paving front gardens should be read in conjunction with any Welsh Government guidance as regulations can differ in Wales. This is something you can discuss with Bridgend County Borough Council before any works commence, and your installer should also be able to help.Porous tarmac is another great alternative to traditional tarmac.
Design Options
While many people see tarmac as a fairly basic option, there are a few simple tweaks that can make a huge difference. Some of the popular design elements include:
Block borders.
Block borders can help to frame and protect the tarmac driveway.
Paved aprons.
Paved aprons are a great way to create a striking feature at the front gate.
Coloured tarmac
Coloured tarmac can be found in reds, greens and buffs.
Mixed finishes.
A mix of tarmac and gravel or paving can offer a striking contrast.
Lights.
Lights can be a great way to illuminate your driveway at night.
Tarmac or Resin?
Some people opt for a resin bound surface for a bolder look. Resin bound surfacing is a smooth surface that uses aggregates bound with a polyurethane resin. It can provide a bold alternative to traditional tarmac driveways as it is available in a wide range of colours. It has to be applied to a prepared sub-base in much the same way as Tarmac. Resin driveways also offer excellent drainage as water can pass through the surface to the aggregate below.
Resin driveway Bridgend homeowners opt for can provide a bold statement for their home, but they tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional tarmac driveways. Tarmac driveways are much faster to install and can be more cost-effective. It really is a matter of personal preference, but the same considerations apply to all driveway surfacing.
West Wales is full of people who are interested in installing a new driveway, and the same choices have to be made throughout the area too. Interest in resin bound driveways Llanelli is growing all the time, and many people in the area are turning to resin driveways Carmarthen. Many firms that offer driveways Llanelli can lay tarmac, resin bound surfacing and paving, and a good team of landscapers Llanelli can also lay paths, patios and low walls which can tie everything together. It might be that you are undecided, but it is always good to request a quote for both tarmac and resin bound paving.
How to Pick the Right Team
A great driveway requires a great installer, and it is always good to ask yourself the following questions to narrow down your shortlist.
- Are they fully insured?
- Do they have examples of work completed in your area?
- Do they have good online reviews?
- Do they provide a written quote?
- Do they answer any questions about base depth and materials?
- Do they offer a guarantee?
A good contractor will always be able to answer any questions with ease. They will always take the time to explain things clearly and in simple terms, and you should run away from anyone who tries to pressure you into signing a contract or paying cash up front. The best landscapers always offer a free survey and quotation, with no obligation.
Swansea Driveways is one reputable company that fits this description. They are fully insured and offer a guarantee on all of their work. The team consists of experienced hard landscapers, groundworkers, tarmacers and pavers. They work across Bridgend and Llanelli and Carmarthen and many other areas. If you are looking for a trusted driveway company in Swansea, or the surrounding area, call them and ask for a free quotation.
Final Thoughts
UK weather will always be unforgiving on a driveway, but it is reassuring to know that tarmac driveways can withstand the elements if they are installed and maintained properly. Sweeping your driveway on a regular basis and attending to any small issues can prolong the life of your tarmac driveway and save you money. Sealing your driveway every couple of years will also help to preserve the tarmac.
Contact
Name: Swansea Driveways
Phone: 07836 267 418
Email: info@swanseadriveways.com
Address: Swansea and Surrounding Areas
