What You Need To Know About Tarmac Driveways
At Base Driveways, we can produce tarmac driveways in Kent. Tarmac has many benefits when used for a driveway, not the least of which is its’ durability and is virtually maintenance-free. Compared with other materials, tarmac is also low-cost and is often chosen for that reason.
The name itself is derived from John MacAdam and is why it is also known as tarmacadam. Tar is a natural binding material and was used to hold stones together. Tarmac is also quick to lay and is very quick drying. We can lay a tarmac driveway and have it ready for use within a couple of days, provided there are no obstacles such as having to dig out tree roots.
Tarmac is also extremely weatherproof and is impermeable, so heavy rain will not affect it, and nor will frosts damage it, provided it has been laid correctly in the first place. It is essential to dig down deep enough to lay a base layer of 250mm of stone, and possibly more, depending upon the ground conditions. This must then be thoroughly compacted using machinery. You may also require us to lay a weed-suppressing felt to prevent weeds from growing on the tarmac. In addition, it is necessary to lay a drainage channel connected to a soakaway to ensure that surface water seeps away.
Once the stone base has been compacted, we then lay a base layer of tarmac to a depth of 12.5mm and this is followed by a 25mm wearing course which will give you a superb looking driveway that should last for at least 20 years. Indeed, apart from anything else, we give you a five-year guarantee with your new drive.
Tarmac may not appeal to everyone from the point of view of aesthetics, but it has a look that goes well with contemporary homes. You could also incorporate brick, stone, or paving within the tarmac in order to produce an individual look for your home.
Tarmac is also environmentally friendly in the sense that it conserves natural resources since it can be recycled and reused time after time.
If you have an existing driveway that is looking worn and tired, you may be able to install a tarmac overlay. It is cheaper than installing a new tarmac driveway, but the existing one will need to be stable and strong enough. At Base Driveways we will be able to advise you.
