Edenthorpe Driveway

Tarmacadam is typically black in colour. This is because the binder that is mixed with the chosen aggregates, bitumen, is a viscous black liquid. However, tarmac surface courses can also be produced in a range of colour variations. This is achieved by adding coloured pigment in the mixing process.

It’s good practice to provide maintenance to your driveway usually in the form of regular sweeping, jet washing and the occasional sanding.

Tarmac is renowned for being easy to maintain as regular jet washing should be all that’s needed to keep it looking great and functioning effectively.

As a completely natural and fully recyclable material, tarmac can be considered one of the most environmentally friendly methods of surfacing available.

On average, the lifespan of tarmac is between 12-15 years before it will need to be replaced or undergo major repair work. Through years of heavy use and exposure to the elements, minor repairs to cracks and potholes may need to be completed, however other than this, very little maintenance work is required.

Before you start, make sure to select the right sealant for the specific type of paving you have – concrete or clay. There are a wide range of sealants available and you would be best advised to select one that is specifically suited to your type of paving, to minimise issues from arising.

Despite their name, all-purpose sealants are actually largely ineffective, offering a one-size fits all approach, as opposed to more targeted tackling of weed growth. Select the sealant that will give you the effect you are looking for: matt, wet look, damp look, low sheen or neutral.

In terms of cost, you really do get what you pay for. Generally speaking, the more expensive the sealant, the better it will be.

• Clean the patio area.
• Check weather conditions and temperature.
• Wear protective clothing and consider masking.
• Perform a test in a small area.
• Apply the paving sealant.
• Apply a second coat of paving sealant.
• Allow drying for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours.

It is normally recommended that a waiting period of 24-48 hours passes before driving or parking on your new driveway but walking across is fine after 2-3 hours.

One of the main reasons why your block paving sunk is because the drive was not done properly. In most cases, the reason is ground preparation. Your company probably didn’t dig enough out. To get a good block paving, the company setting your driveway needs to dig out down to good solid ground.

Block paving laid on a subbase is stronger than concrete itself. You should expect it to last a lifetime as long as due care is taken with your driveway in the form of regular maintenance.

Unlike block paved or concrete driveways, tarmac can be laid directly onto any existing surface, whereas the other materials require a full depth bedding layer before work can even begin.