How Much To Tarmac A Drive

Is it cheaper to tarmac a drive?

Advantages of Tarmac: –

Low cost – less per square metre than other driveway surfacesDurable and weather-resistant – tarmac will last more than 15 years if properly taken care ofQuick and easy to install – can be completed within a couple of days, depending on sizeLow-cost maintenance – apart from patching up, tarmac driveways are long-lasting and durableWith tarmac, you can enjoy a durable surface for at least 15 years maintenance-free.

How much does it cost to lay tarmac per m2?

For tarmac or asphalt, you can expect costs to sit at around £60 per m². Although this is slightly more expensive than gravel (£35 per m²), tarmac driveways are considered the most hard-wearing and durable option, making the upfront cost a worthwhile investment.

Is it cheaper to slab or tarmac?

Price – A tarmac or tarmacadam driveway will almost always be cheaper than a driveway made using block paving. The difference in price is because tarmac is a cheaper material and is often easier to install than block paving. Tarmac driveways usually take around one day to install compared to block paving in the same-sized driveway which can take several days.

Is a tarmac drive cheaper than block paving?

At Southway Construction we do both block paving driveways and tarmac driveways, People often ask us which type of driveway is the best for their property. There is no hard and fast rule as there are pros and cons to both block paving and tarmac driveways.

1. Before we get into the pros and cons of each option it is worth saying that both block paving driveways and tarmac driveways depend on having a good base.
2. This will mean ensuring that proper thought has been given to drainage, that a proper sub-base has been out down and that there is a level surface onto which to lay the top layer.

Without this work being done to the correct standards you will not get a long lasting or hard wearing driveway regardless of whether you choose block paving or tarmac for the top layer. Block Paving Driveways Pros and Cons Block paving has become increasingly popular for driveways in recent years.

1. One of the major reasons for its popularity is that the range of blocks available, and range of patterns in which they can be laid, makes it easy to pick a look that will perfectly compliment your house.
2. As you will see from our projects page the type of block chosen for the driveway can have a big impact on the finished look.

As well as looking good block paving is also a very hard wearing surface when it is properly installed and can often last a lot longer than a tarmac driveway. Block paving also has the advantage that it can be repaired. If a few block come loose or get damaged it is relatively easy to lift and relay or replace them.

If this is done properly it should be virtually impossible to tell when a repair has been done. The major disadvantage of block paving is that it is more expensive than tarmac or gravel driveways to install. The blocks themselves can be quite expensive and they obviously take time to install. With block paving it is really important to have a very level base to lay the block on which takes time to prepare.

It will then take more time to lay the individual block and make sure each of them is level, especially if you want a more complicated pattern. Tarmac Driveways Pros and Cons ‘Tarmac’ is a trademark and refers to a particular brand of the materials made by the Tarmac company,

For this reason you will often see people referring to tarmacadam, macadam, bitmac or asphalt as these terms describe the material rather than the company that makes a particular type of it. Tarmacadam driveways are usually substantially cheaper than block paving driveways. This is partly to do with the price of the materials but is mainly determined by the time it takes to install.

Once the base has been properly prepared a tarmacadam driveway is often installed in the space of a day whereas block paving the same area may take several days. As well as the reduced cost there is also a degree of convenience here as your driveway is going to be out of action for less time.

• For really speedy installs it is also possible to do overlay tarmacadam driveways.
• This is simply where a new layer of tarmacadam is laid over the top of an older surface which might have become cracked or uneven.
• Overlay tarmacadam driveways are really quick, and pretty cheap, to install.
• A properly installed tarmacadam driveway should last for a very long time.

They do have a reputation is some quarters for becoming cracked or developing puddles but this is nearly always caused by poor installation and the base not being properly prepared. An area where block paving can have an advantage over tarmacadam driveways is in very small or awkwardly shaped drives.

1. To lay tarmacadam properly usually requires a few different machines and bits of kit.
2. For very small driveways it is sometimes not worth the expense of bringing these machines to site and on awkwardly shaped ones they sometimes can’t be used properly.
3. However these occasions are fairly rare.
4. Which is best? Ultimately there are three factors which usually determine whether a block paving or tarmacadam driveway is installed.

The first is the look of the finished driveway and whether it will fit in with the house and the neighbours. The second is the time it will take to do the installation and the third is the cost. If speed and cost are the main issues for you then tarmacadam is nearly always the best way to go.

Can I lay tarmac yourself?

While it is possible to lay tarmac yourself, it is often easier and faster to hire a paving contractor. A tarmac contractor will have access to professional paving machinery and liability coverage. Additionally, tarmac contractors will be able to lay a driveway in a much shorter amount of time than you could.

How many layers of tarmac on a drive?

If your home has a driveway, it’s likely that it’s going to make up a significant section of your property’s facade. With this in mind, if your drive is looking a bit worse for wear, it’s going to affect the overall appearance of your home. What’s worse, a low-quality driveway is extremely susceptible to damage over time due to a variety of factors, from the influx of weeds to being battered by the elements – all of this can lead to an ugly space at the front of your property.

• A tired looking driveway can also have other negative effects on your property, especially when it comes to what is known as ‘kerb appeal’.
• If you’re considering putting your property on the market, kerb appeal is an essential part of the process as it considers how prospective buyers first view your home.

A worn out drive can significantly affect kerb appeal and even the asking price for your property; therefore, it’s in your best interest to give your drive an upgrade. These days, it’s becoming increasingly common to see driveways made from tarmac due to the huge array of benefits the material has over its competitors.

However, you may be wondering what the whole process of tarmacking your driveway would entail. As experts in driveway construction and repairs, we at D. McCarthy Brothers Ltd know a thing or two about tarmac drives which is why we’ve decided to put together this handy guide detailing everything you need to know, from the tarmacking process to the material itself.

What exactly is tarmac? Before investing in the material for your driveway resurfacing, it can be helpful to better understand what tarmac actually is. Although we use the term tarmac when referring to the roads and pavements up and down the country, its actual name is concrete asphalt.

• Made from a composite mixture of some form of aggregate, such as stone or sand, and mixed with asphalt which is a by-product of crude oil.
• The mixture is then heated and transported to the work site to be laid and compacted into a strong and durable surface.
• The benefits of a tarmac driveway Now we have an understanding of what tarmac and asphalt concrete is, you may be wondering what the actual benefits of using it for your driveway update are.

There are a variety of advantages of using asphalt to pave your new driveway in comparison to other materials; here are just a few: – Cost effective: Due to its simple design, an asphalt driveway is one of the cheapest options on the market today, beating even concrete which in itself is an extremely cost-effective choice.

• On average, it will cost you around £50 – £65 per square metre to tarmac your driveway, however, it can be useful to pick up a few quotes in your local area beforehand.
• Speedy installation: It can be irritating to have to work your life around a construction site, especially if you rely on your driveway for parking.

Luckily, as tarmac dries exceptionally quickly, cooling and hardening after about five to eight hours. On the other hand, concrete can take several days to fully cure, meaning that, if you’re looking for the quickest installation, tarmac is the material for you.

– Durable material: As a composite substance, tarmac is extremely durable, making it the go-to material for roads and motorways up and down the countries. If laid effectively by a specialist, tarmac becomes very resistant to cracking, even under the constant weight of your vehicle and is able to competently withstand the elements, be it hot or cold.

The tarmacking process As we’ve already mentioned, the tarmacking process is one of the quickest options you can choose from when upgrading your driveway. However, there are a few steps involved to ensure that you’re completely happy with the finished product.

• To start with, the driveway must first be excavated to a formation level before paving can begin.
• The formation level is usually around 175mm below the paving level, however, this can vary depending on the integrity of the ground itself.
• The next step will be to carry out the process known as edging which helps to keep the tarmac from crumbling away.

This can be done by adding kerbstones, concrete or even timber before the tarmac is laid. The tarmac is then set in two layers, known as the base layer and the ‘wearing’ course. The base layer is transported to the site via a heated truck and laid roughly around the driveway; it is then spread fully across the drive with large rakes.

The base is then finally compacted with an industrial roller. The wearing course is made from finer aggregates which helps to make the tarmac look smoother and more finished whilst also making it much more durable. The wearing course is then layered in much the same way as the base, however, contractors will pay much closer attention to the finished product, ensuring its spread consistently and evenly.

Finding a quality tarmac contractor Although tarmacking your driveway is a great way to rejuvenate the front of your property, it’s essential that you work with a trained specialist with the skills and knowledge to carry out the job effectively. A badly laid tarmac driveway is prone to damage and could end up costing you more in the long run.

With this in mind, keep these tips in mind to ensure you’re working with quality. – Source quotes: A useful tip for any kind of work you need to be done, it’s always a good idea to source at least three quotes from contractors in your area before starting any work. This allows you to gain an understanding of a fair price for the work at hand and weed out quotes that may seem suspiciously low or unreasonably high.

– Check for reviews: With the internet readily at our fingertips, it’s now easier than ever for customers to do a bit of preliminary research on contractors to help paint a picture of their previous work. Review sites such as Yell can be a great place to start so consider getting online.

1. Are they accredited? Laying driveways is an extremely specialist job to carry out so it’s important that you feel comfortable you’re working with quality.
2. Luckily, there is a range of accredited associations which help to monitor such contractors and their work, ensuring it’s up to the high standards expected.

If your contractor is a member of organisations such as the Federation of Master Builders or Construction Online, you can be sure you’re working with quality. Looking to invest in a tarmac or asphalt driveway? Get in touch with D McCarthy Brothers Ltd today Tarmacking your driveway can truly make the difference between a great looking property and one that looks tired and worn down, however, as we’ve mentioned, it is crucial that you work with a quality contractor to get the most for your money and finished job you can be completely happy with.

• Since opening our doors in 1984, we have been offering countless happy customers bespoke tarmacking solutions and are truly passionate about what we do.
• Our team has both the skills and resources to tackle a wide variety of tarmacking jobs, so whether you’re looking to resurface your driveway or create a multi-purpose sports area, we’re the contractors to call.

To learn more about our extensive range of services, check out our website or get in touch with our team on 01543 254 860.

How long will a tarmac drive last?

Why Choose a Tarmac Driveway? – Tarmac is easy to install and requires very little in terms of maintenance. It’s also a cost-efficient driveway option, particularly for those with large-scale projects. Furthermore, you won’t have to wait long to park vehicles on your new driveway due to tarmac being quick to cure.

How thick should tarmac be for a driveway?

Surface course – This is the top layer of the bitmac pavement, the layer that is seen and trafficked. It needs to be fairly regular to provide a smooth ride for wheeled vehicles, although this is much more important on higher speed pavements than on residential driveways.

• A macadam surface course should consist of a small, hard aggregate, usually 6mm or 10mm, in a bitumen or asphalt binder.
• Alternatively, an asphalt may be used; this material is also known as a sand carpet or asphalt carpet, and is prepared in a to a specified recipe, consisting of selected sands and grits mixed into an asphalt matrix, with coated chippings sprinkled over the surface and rolled into the asphalt as part of the compaction process.

Again, it may be machine or hand laid, depending on area and access. Hardstone 6mm Dense Surface Course The wearing course should be at least 20-25mm thick when rolled, and should not deviate from the correct level by more than ± 6mm. There should be no roller marks in the finished surface. We recommend a minimum fall of 1:80 for tarmac areas, although a fall in the range 1:40-1:60 is preferred.

Limestone Surface Course Cornish Granite Surface Course Surface courses that use limestone or other light coloured aggregates will wear over time to give a greyish appearance to the surface, as the tar binder is gradually eroded by traffic and exposure to the elements, to reveal the grey-white aggregate.

Hardstone based macadams, such as that shown above, are generally much darker, relying on a basalt or other hard, dark aggregate, and so when they wear and weather, they tend to remain dark in appearance.

What is the cheapest type of driveway?

Bottom Line – Installing a new driveway is a significant project that should be researched carefully. The total cost to pave a driveway is determined by the size of the driveway, desired material and installation factors. The average homeowner may spend about $1,800 to $9,000 for a new driveway installation.

When deciding on a material, consider the home’s location, exterior and possible excavation. Always ask for quotes from contractors to compare and contrast costs and check credentials before making a decision. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors Free, No-commitment Estimates Gravel is the least costly material to pave a driveway.

The price ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. The average total cost is usually around $1,200, though this number may not account for the fact that gravel is usually used to pave much larger driveways as a cost-reduction solution. It depends on the material used to pave the driveway.

1. Gravel can last up to 100 years with a solid foundation and regular maintenance.
2. Concrete can last 30 to 40 years, while asphalt lasts for 15 to 30 years with regular sealing every few years.
3. Different materials require different times to cure.
4. Asphalt takes at least 48 to 72 hours to fully cure while concrete can take seven to 10 days.

Gravel and paver driveways are typically ready to drive on immediately after installation. Asphalt and blacktop driveways appear to be essentially the same. However, a blacktop driveway has a higher mixture of stone than asphalt, which ultimately makes the difference between the two.

1. By sealing your driveway, you protect it from the elements and preserve its quality and durability.
2. If your driveway has pavers, asphalt, concrete, tarmac or exposed aggregate, it is recommended to sealcoat it once every one to three years to maximize its lifespan.
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What are the disadvantages of tarmac driveways?

Disadvantages of a Tarmac Driveway – Just like other surfacing solutions, tarmac also has its drawbacks. For one, while it can withstand heat, ultraviolet (UV) light can cause tarmac degradation. It can become brittle and eventually, potholes may appear.

Aside from UV light, tarmac can also be damaged by diesel, petrol or other automotive oils. These oils can weaken and dissolve the binder in tarmac, resulting in cracks. Another potential issue you might encounter is the growth of weeds. This usually happens when the cracks on your tarmac driveway are not immediately repaired.

When this happens, the crack is likely to get bigger. Similarly, moss and algae may grow on it, especially if the surface does not get dry quickly. These can make your slippery, turning it into a safety hazard. Despite these disadvantages, many property owners still choose tarmac for their drives.

1. This is mainly because the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
2. Furthermore, many of these so-called issues with tarmac drives are avoidable and solvable.
3. For example, fixing cracks would not require overhauling the entire drive unlike what happens with concrete drives.
4. When it comes to oil spillage, you can simply cut out and patch the affected area and resurface the drive to restore its impeccable appearance.

For weeds, all you need to do is to ensure that cracks are fixed immediately. Meanwhile, cleaning your driveway regularly can prevent moss and algae growth. In conclusion, these so-called disadvantages are not really dealbreakers as they can easily be resolved.

Is a tarmac drive a good idea?

Pros – Tarmac driveways are an extremely neat and durable driveway surface that will leave the exterior of your home looking sophisticated for years to come, thanks to its weather-resistant qualities. What’s more, tarmac driveways are normally a lot cheaper than block paved driveways, due to being quick and efficient to install.

Why choose tarmac driveway?

April 2, 2019 / / in Tarmac, Uncategorized / Tarmac driveways are cost effective, more cost effective than concrete. Besides it’s cost efficiency you can also receive a quicker turn around of job completion as it takes less time to install a tarmac driveway when compared to other driveway solutions saving both time and money. Tarmac is highly weather resistant and can survive anything from storms to hail and ice. The tarmac is also highly durable when parking large vehicles and the smooth finish of the driveway provides skid resistance. This skid resistance also helps to accumulation less snow and ice.

Tarmac driveways installed with block paving perimeters offer a sophisticated appearance. Tarmac is even better than concrete for recycling as it can be used infinitely. It can be used literally over and over again, without losing a single piece. This is great news for the environmentally conscious among us.

Construction of a tarmac driveway helps to preserve natural resources. Unlike other materials, tarmac doesn’t run into waterways. When looking for a tarmac driveway company you need to be sure they are experienced and have the relevant qualifications to perform the work, the wrong people for the job can leave you in a heap of trouble.

What is an alternative to tarmac driveways?

1. Resin driveways usually require less prep – To prevent water run-off from damaging your home, tarmac surfaces must be excavated to a depth of at least 175mm. Whereas resin can often be installed straight onto the solid base, saving considerable time and energy in the process.

How much is tarmac per ton UK?

Materials Costs – Tarmac prices can vary, but the average cost for hot-mix tarmac is around £45-60 per tonne. It’s easy enough to get your hands on most materials yourself, though you may not get as good of a deal as a tradesperson with inside knowledge can.

Tarmac Type	Cost
Hot-Mix Tarmac	£7-£15/ 25kg
Cold Lay Tarmac	£45-£60/ tonne

Hot-mix tarmac is best-suited for tarmacking a new driveway – and it’s also more affordable than cold-lay tarmac. However, hot-mix tarmac requires specialist transport, and you’ll struggle to find it in high street stores. It is usually sold by the tonne, and will need to be delivered in a suitable vehicle.

When should you not lay tarmac?

How does cold weather affect tarmac? – When weather conditions allow, asphalt – including bagged tarmac such as as cold-lay surfacing material – can be applied during colder temperatures. However, if the ground is frozen or the temperature is likely to drop below freezing, we highly recommend delaying your repair work until the outdoor temperature improves.

1. The ground must always be free of frost when patching potholes (we’ll explain why in just a moment).
2. Springtime and summer tend to be the best times of year for road and highway repairs as they often bring some milder weather.
3. But especially here in the UK, we can’t always guarantee clear days and warmer temperatures even at that time of year! Given that some potholes on busy roads or paths need to be fixed as a matter of urgency, emergency repair work is often required throughout the year.

Read on to delve more into when to avoid laying asphalt, and extra cold weather advice to ensure your team can continue their operations without causing any extra pothole failures.

Do you need a membrane under tarmac?

A common misconception – There is a simple answer to the frequently asked question of whether a weed control fabric should be laid beneath a new driveway surface and it is, no, you don’t. There is a common misconception that a weed membrane is an essential element to laying a new driveway.

1. But a well-prepared surface and a properly laid driveway will do the job of preventing below-ground weed growth, without the need to lay a weed control fabric.
2. A properly laid driveway should have a sub-base of 100-200mm (depending on the traffic usage) of type 1 aggregate or similar.
3. Once compacted and levelled, the sub-base itself will prevent weed growth from below.

What you do need, however, is a geotextile fabric to stabilise the ground beneath the surface finish of the driveway. A specialist geotextile fabric, such as Drivetex from Growtivation’s Product That Works professional landscaping range, laid beneath the sub-base acts as a separation layer between the soil (sub-grade) and the aggregate (sub-base) material, to spread the imposed load and prevent sinking and rutting.

How quickly can you walk on tarmac?

Completion and Making Good – The newly laid bitmac can be walked upon immediately after rolling. For residential driveways, it is often wise to allow at least an hour or so for the surface course to completely cool before trafficking with vehicles. Most contractors would prefer vehicles to be kept off the newly completed surface for 24 hours, and this is generally good advice.

1. Also, it should be noted that with driveways, extra care should be taken with cars and other vehicles for the first week or so, especially if a “cut-back” surface course has been used.
2. Wheel spins, sudden acceleration or deceleration, and sharp turning at speed or “on the spot” can scuff or “tear” the wearing course.

It can be impossible to invisibly repair such scuffing, and no contractor is likely to accept any liability for damage caused in this way. Finally, the site should be cleaned and cleared of all detritus, dregs, bits of spilled or surplus bitmac, and any other construction materials.

The haunching to edging kerbs should be covered over with topsoil, turf or other suitable material, taking care not to contaminate the new surface. Completed bitmac footpath On wider jobs, it’s often possible to spot the ‘seams’ formed by individual passes of the paver machine Making good to the soft-landscaping (lawn, garden, etc) is often a source of problems on private driveway projects.

Many of the better blacktop gangs do not undertake soft-landscaping. They are often brought in to lay the ‘mac and any restoration or making-good is left to another contractor. However, some gangs do offer a full service and will re-lay lawn or make good to planter beds that may have been disturbed during construction works.

1. So, it is a good idea to establish beforehand just what services will be provided by the contractor, to ensure there is no misunderstanding or ill-feeling at the end of the job.
2. Which raises the issue of just when should any ‘making-good’ take place? Many blacktop contractors would be less than happy at the thought of their freshly laid blacktop being sullied by some gardener bringing in topsoil or plants, which inevitably dirties the surface and can be hard to clean.

Accordingly, some of the better organised projects see the soil and other softscape requisites brought into the site before the final surfacing is undertaken, even though it means stockpiling the materials until the surfacing is complete and the ‘making good’ can be effectively completed without the need to traffic the new surfacing.

How long before you can drive on a new tarmac driveway?

How long do you have to leave tarmac before you can drive on it? – Once your tarmac driveway has been installed, we recommend you leave it at least 48 hours before parking any vehicles on it. After initially finishing your driveway, the tarmac will be soft – so any heavy vehicles could cause this to sink or indent.

Do I need drainage for tarmac driveway?

A drainage system is important in any driveway, whether it’s natural like a lawn or hard like an Aco drain. Rain is a big issue for driveways, so it’s vital that water drains away. If water is unable to drain away properly, it can cause damage to the driveway, tarmac or block paving.

Can you put new tarmac on old tarmac?

smarter driveway solutions nw ltd tarmac installation and overlay If you would like a brand new Tarmac driveway installed then give Smarter Driveway Solutions NW Ltd a call, Tarmac is a fuss free and easy to maintain finish in either Black or Red.

If your tarmac driveway is past its best why not overlay with a new tarmac top this is a cost effective way to smarten up your home and give instant kerb appeal. ​ Resurfacing a driveway also know as a tarmac overlay is the process of installing a new layer of tarmac directly over the top of the existing layer. The basic process is:- ​ • Clean existing driveway of all loose material • Repair any edging courses that are damaged or loose • Repair any minor damage on the existing surface • Cut any required joints to reduce heights or increase clearance • Make up any areas prone to water collection • Weed treat any problem areas if required • Cover existing driveway surface with Bitumen Emulsion (AKA tack coat) which bonds the new layer to the old one • Lay tarmac.

: smarter driveway solutions nw ltd tarmac installation and overlay

Is it cheaper to tarmac or concrete a driveway?

Tarmac and asphalt are both cost effective when applied to a driveway. Both materials require regular maintenance, but tarmac is less expensive than concrete for a smaller project. Both materials last longer and don’t need sealant, which is a significant consideration for most homeowners.

What is the cheapest way to lay a driveway?

1. Lay budget-friendly gravel – Red valerian brings color and a wilder feel to this country driveway (Image credit: Yola Watrucka/Alamy Stock Photo) Laying gravel for your driveway is one of the most affordable, easy, and practical approaches. Plus, it looks great, complementing all sorts of gardens.

And, as demonstrated here, you can plant straight into it to bring more color to your driveway – there are many drought-tolerant picks that will thrive (and won’t need much maintenance, either). ‘ Gravel driveways are a great option if you are looking to remove the contractor part of the installation process,’ says the team at We Buy Any House,

By opting to use this method, you can dramatically lower the cost of your driveway in comparison to alternative choices, they explain. ‘If you wanted to do this DIY style, then be aware that the gravel driveway would have to be dug lower by inches, and you would have to add a weed-protective barrier to prevent any weeds growing through.

Is tarmac a good choice for a driveway?

Pros – Tarmac driveways are an extremely neat and durable driveway surface that will leave the exterior of your home looking sophisticated for years to come, thanks to its weather-resistant qualities. What’s more, tarmac driveways are normally a lot cheaper than block paved driveways, due to being quick and efficient to install.

What time of year is best to tarmac a driveway?

When is the best time to lay asphalt? – The spring and summer months are ideal, with warm, dry weather and no chance of rain for 12-24 hours after laying the tarmac.