Tarmac Driveway Finished With A Double Band Block Paved Edging In The Wrexham Area.

Tarmac driveways are amongst the most popular type of driveway chosen by UK homeowners. And for good reason! Not only do they provide great value for money, but tarmac driveways are also long lasting and hard wearing. Once installed, tarmac driveways require minimal ongoing maintenance, so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy.

What are the benefits of tarmacing?

• Increase the value of your property
• Durability, it will last for years
• Visually appealing
• Cost effectiveness
• Provides you with additional usable space
• Low maintenance

HIRING US

When hiring RDJ & Co (Wrexham) Ltd to complete your tarmac project in Wrexham, Chester, Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Cheshire and The North West, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that we are qualified and hold the necessary insurances. We can provide you with a no-obligation free quote and advise you on design and structural considerations before the work commences.

Tarmac Driveway Installation

With great prices and a proven track record of providing a hard wearing drive for consumers, it is no surprise that tarmac is one of the most popular materials used in new driveway installations. Below is some useful information to give you an understanding of the process of laying a tarmac drive.

Installation Steps for Laying a New Tarmac Driveway

Below is an overview of how to lay tarmac:

1. Excavation or removal or your current driveway.
2. Edging installation to keep the tarmac in place and prevent cracking. Timber and concrete are often used, but block paving can also be used to create a nicer finished effect.
3. Installation of a woven membrane, which prevents weed growth and strengthens the tarmac by preventing any sinking.
4. Crushed concrete is then layered on top of the membrane. It is compressed and rolled until the required depth is achieved.
5. If drainage is required, this will now be installed.
6. The tarmac will now be added. The base coat should be approximately 2 inches thick, with an additional top coat added. The tarmac is then rolled and compacted to achieve a smooth and durable finish.

How long does it take to install a tarmac drive?

Tarmac driveways typically take from 1 to 2 days to install. If your current driveway needs to be removed, this can add to the installation time. The installation requires preparation work, including the erecting of wooden edges and laying of the base, before the tarmac can be laid. If you are having block paved edges, this can also slightly increase the project length.

Due to the reduced preparation work, tarmac re-layering is significantly faster than a complete tarmac installation. In many cases, tarmac re-layering can be completed within a few hours.

How long do tarmac driveways last?

A professionally installed and well maintained tarmac driveway should last more than 15 years. Asphalt is extremely hard wearing and will last a considerable time when used on driveways and paths.

Different Finishes for Tarmac Driveways

When many people think of asphalt, they think of plain black roads. However, tarmac driveways can be finished in a number of different ways to create a modern and attractive drive. Below are a few popular asphalt driveway ideas.

Block Paved Edges

Integrating block paving into your tarmac driveway is a great way of improving the look and design. The most common use of block pavers is as a surrounding border along the edges of the drive. Pavers can also be used to create an attractive centrepiece in the middle of the driveway. You can see some more examples of how block paving and tarmac are used together in our driveway ideas and gallery.

Block paving costs more than tarmac, so the more block paving you choose to integrate, the more expensive your driveway installation will be.

If black asphalt isn’t for you, why not try coloured tarmac. Adding some colour can completely change the look of your drive, and will also help prevent the washed out grey appearance found on many older tarmacked roads and driveways.