What are the benefits of installing a tarmac driveway? From durability to affordability, discover why tarmac is a popular choice for enhancing curb appeal and functionality.
What is the difference between asphalt and tarmac?
While 'asphalt' and 'tarmac' are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they do refer to distinct construction materials. Both consist of the same two base components—aggregate stones and bitumen (a binding substance)—but differ in their composition and applications.
Tarmac, short for 'tarmacadam', features a higher percentage of aggregate stones, making it ideal for lighter, residential traffic such as on driveways and private paths. Asphalt, on the other hand, contains more bitumen, making it more malleable and resilient under heavy, repetitive stresses, making it the go-to choice for roadways, carparks, and airport runways.
How is a tarmac driveway installed?
Installing a tarmac driveway is a thorough, multi-step process that needs the skills, experience, and expertise of a professional. Commencing with the excavation of the existing driveway to shape a level foundation, the process requires detailed planning and precision.
After excavation, a high-quality sub-base is systematically laid and tightly compacted. This step is absolutely crucial as it ensures the tarmac will have a solid, stable, and long-lasting base.
The use of the correct tools and techniques during compaction prevents future issues such as cracking and sinking, therefore prolongs the lifespan of your tarmac driveway.
Equipping your driveway with tarmac not only enhances the admirability of your home but also provides a resilient and robust surface for vehicles. The smooth finish of a tarmac driveway is eye-catching and delivers a polished aesthetic to the exterior of your home.
Following that, an additional binder layer is meticulously applied to reinforce the driveway's durability. This layer's strength derives from a collection of large aggregate stones, bound together firmly by a strong bitumen binder. The function of this binder layer is highly important. It provides a substantial foundation against potential water damage.
It also fortifies the driveway against the UK's unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions. Notably severe rain, snow falls and scorching sun can cause significant damage to driveways. This binder layer is thus a crucial part of the overall driveway construction, offering a thick and robust layer of protection.
Lastly, the topmost layer, often referred to as the 'wearing course', is applied. It incorporates finer aggregate stones mixed with a bitumen compound, offering a smoother, more engaging visual end product. Unlike the other layers, this one is noticeably finely-grained, affording a far more uniform and polished look that homeowners and visitors find attractive. Crucially, it's not just about the aesthetics - this layer plays a major role in crafting a sturdy, damage-resistant driveway capable of coping with the rigours of daily use (vehicles, foot traffic, weather etc.).
How much do tarmac driveways cost?
The overall costs of a new tarmac driveway in the UK are influenced by numerous factors. Firstly, the size of the driveway is crucial. Larger driveways require more material resources and labour, which naturally drives up costs. The location also plays a role in cost determination. If your location is remote, transport costs will increase. In addition, if landscaping tasks such as levelling, clearing or adding drainage systems are needed, the costs will rise further.
Furthermore, extra costs may be added if the driveway has a complex layout, requiring intricate design and construction work. The price can change significantly if you decide to incorporate additional features onto the driveway.
For instance, adding borders or patterns to individualise your driveway can increase aesthetics but will raise the total costs. Moreover, more durable, high-lasting tarmac types are costlier, but they bring longevity, saving on future maintenance and repair costs. The figures provided here are an average range and actual prices can fluctuate depending on these influencing factors. Therefore, it's advisable to get several quotations from reputed driveway installation companies, like Gaskells Groundworks, to ensure you get a fair price and quality service.
Advantages of tarmac driveways
Tarmac driveways offer numerous advantages for homeowners, proving particularly beneficial due to easy and efficient installation. One of the primary benefits is the surprisingly straightforward installation process, especially when compared to other driveway materials such as gravel or paving.
In fact, tarmac can typically be prepared and laid in a single day, which ensures minimal disruption for homeowners and users. Tarmac driveways are not only cost-effective, but they also offer a sleek and professional appearance.
Consisting of a mix of crushed stones and tar, they're known for their durability and ease of maintenance. The materials as well as the workmanship required to install a tarmac driveway are competitively priced. This makes it an affordable option for a variety of homeowners.
Additionally, well-maintained tarmac driveways can indeed enhance the value of a property. They provide a clean, neat, and appealing aspect to any home. Impressively, their resilience to wear and tear further adds to prospective homeowners' assurances, thus potentially elevating the property's market value.
Consequently, installing a tarmac driveway can be a sound investment. Tarmac is a construction material hailed for its remarkable toughness and resilience. The toughness quotient is so high that it can bear the burden of several vehicles simultaneously without showing any signs of cracking or erosion. Testifying to its exquisite sturdiness and force-withstanding capacity, it's extensively utilised for building airport runways and road networks. This implies that tarmac, unlike other materials, withstands not just the weight of standard vehicles but also the colossal weight of commercial aeroplanes.
So the next time you see a tarmac roadway, know that you're experiencing the power of a truly robust, durable, and versatile construction material. A tarmac driveway boasts several advantageous properties, especially compared to other driveway materials. One of the key attributes of a tarmac driveway is its impressive durability. Made to withstand the weight of multiple vehicles, it's tougher than alternate materials like gravel or block paving. Maintenance of a tarmac driveway is also much easier. Only occasional sweeping and the infrequent power washing are needed to keep it spotless.
Furthermore, any minor repairs can be managed easily without professional intervention, assuring longevity. In comparison, gravel driveways require frequent topping up to compensate for shifting and settling. Block paving, although attractive, has a propensity for weed growth which necessitates ongoing maintenance. Finally, tarmacs heavier weight and flexibility outperforms concrete, which is prone to cracking in harsh weather. Therefore, it's fair to say that a tarmac driveway is a solid, reliable option that offers excellent value for money, especially when compared to its alternatives.
How long does it take a professional to install tarmac?
The duration of installing a tarmac driveway can vary greatly and is influenced by several factors. It is important to understand that although an experienced professional may typically complete the project in one to three days, individual circumstances could affect this timeframe. The biggest influence on the installation time is the weather. Tarmac cannot be laid in wet or freezing conditions, as this can cause it to set incorrectly, leading to potential problems in the future.
Therefore, unforeseen changes in the weather could cause delays to your project. Additionally, the complexity of the driveway design can also affect the duration of the project. If the design includes aspects such as intricate patterns, different colours or borders, extra time will be needed to ensure these elements are beautifully incorporated. The process begins with the removal of the existing driveway, if there is one. The ground is then excavated to the correct level and a sub-base is laid.
Following this, the tarmac is applied. Each layer must be given time to set before the next one is added, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish. Choosing a tarmac driveway could provide you with a practical and cost-effective solution for your property. If you're contemplating your options, get in touch with the professionals today to discuss your requirements. With our experience and proficiency, they can help guide you to make the best choice for your home.
At Gaskells Groundworks, we're not just a landscaping business - we're a family run team of garden enthusiasts dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces. We work passionately, applying our knowledge to create your dream landscape. Whether you're considering a complete garden makeover or just need some advice, we're here to help!
