When it comes to driveways, you’ll want a surface which is durable, easy to lay and will come at a relatively cheap price. If all three tick the boxes then tarmac could be your answer.
The driveway can make a huge difference to the kerb appeal of your home. If you’re looking at yours thinking it has seen better days, then this cheap and easy alternative will save money and last well for years. As with anything these days there are plenty of options to consider with the drive and as well as tarmac you could have gravel, clay, concrete or natural stone.
But if you want to freshen things up and improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, make sure to look into the tarmac option as a simple way to resurface the driveway.
Tarmac has a very dark appearance and is laid as a hot liquid, which is then levelled and compacted to conform to the shape needed. As the surface cools it creates a solid and hard wearing finish.
What are the benefits of tarmac driveways?
Whilst tarmac may not be the best looking of the driveway surfaces available, there are clear-cut benefits you should consider:
- Easy to install
Tarmac can set on any surface and is laid directly, whereas other driveways such as pavement or concrete would require full depth bedding first. The only exception for tarmac is if you have a lawn where you want the driveway to go and this would need removing prior to tarmacking.
- Quick turnaround
Professional driveway specialists will be able to mix the tarmac at extremely high temperatures and the surface can be laid within just hours. This has the added benefit of little disruption for you and less inconvenience and noise for your neighbours.
- Long lasting finish
Tarmac drives are notorious for their durable nature and are very strong. They’re also resilient to the heavy loads of vehicles passing over them, which could crack and damage concrete driveways.
- Impermeable
With this quality, tarmac driveways won’t suffer water damage and flooding can be avoided, as well as the aftereffects this would cause.
- Easy to maintain
Despite tarmac being an extremely durable material you could experience scratches or dents from time to time. The beauty with this surface though that these can quickly be repaired either by you or with the help of a professional through the use of polish. Even extensive damage isn’t too big an issue as fresh tarmac can be laid directly on top.
- Can integrate with other materials
Some homeowners will look to edge their tarmac driveway with stone, brickwork or clay tiles to create an even better aesthetic appeal. With tarmac this is very easy to do.
- Weather resistant
With Britain’s ever-changing weather conditions it’s important to having a surface that will be resistant to high wind loads and pouring rain. Whatever the weather your tarmac drive will look impeccable for many years.
How much does a tarmac driveway cost?
As with anything, a tarmac driveway will depend on the size space you need to fill. What’s essential is avoiding cowboys and rogue traders so you can ensure not to be ripped off and expect to pay at least £1,000. If you’re quoted less than this then be wary because it could be unauthorised mixture and there’s the risk of it coming apart within just months. Using reputable driveway specialists is paramount.
Saying this, you don’t have to choose a company quoting a high price through fear. Getting the best deal is always advised and to do this it’s wise to compare quotes from at least four companies. You also want a guarantee to be included in the contract and look to a company who has been in operation for at least five years.
Referrals from friends and relatives are another option and this will help you keep peace of mind. Of course, with any company you can ask for referrals from past customers too and make sure to follow these up, by either having a look first-hand at the company’s work or speaking with these clients.
Get everything right and your new tarmac driveway could be ready within just weeks so start planning today.