11

May

Tarmac vs Block Paving

Tarmac vs Block Paving

With time to ponder and think about certain cosmetics your home may need, you may be looking into getting a new driveway. This begs the question, which driveway is best for you? This article will provide some insight on the pros of each paving method to aid you in your choice.

Before continuing to the article, be sure to contact Dares Surfacing for any enquiries on surfacing services. We design, supply and install all of our services, from tarmac driveways to paving slabs. Our friendly team can provide you with a quote, based on your scenario, budget and cosmetic requirements. Our expert team will aid you in coming to a solution on the best paving method for you.

Block Paving

Block paving has become very popular over the last few years, and a stunning driveway can be created whilst getting value for money. Ideal for driveways, patios and pathways, this product can also be sealed to protect its surface. The downsides are that it is prone to moss and weeds growing up through it and requires maintenance.

Block Paving benefits:

  • Highly durable and attractive
  • Many different colours, styles and textures available
  • Can be used almost anywhere
  • Blocks can be used to provide a very smooth finish

Tarmac

Tarmac will provide the ideal surface for most driveways, if it is going to have heavy usage, this product is best suitable as it is required for most road surfaces. It will provide a flat surface with enough grip in most weather conditions. Consisting of tar and broken stone, it is naturally dark coloured, but you can have the option of having a coloured tarmac driveway.

Tarmac benefits:

  • Very hard-wearing and long-lasting
  • Fast curing
  • Ideal for driveways and paths
  • Can be mixed with block paving
  • Flat surface, ideal for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Can be cheaper than other surfaces

 The Verdict – Tarmac or Block Paving?

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. If you are more interested in the overall look then block paving will give you more options in terms of colour and pattern. Contact us !

09

Apr

How To Maintain Tarmac Driveway

Maintaining Tarmac Driveway

As time goes by, your tarmac driveway may begin looking worse for wear. Or maybe you have recently moved into a house with a less-than-peak condition driveway. The good news is that this article will aid you in restoring your driveway to its former glory, as well as maintaining its new look in the future.

Before continuing to the article, be sure to contact Dares Surfacing for any enquiries on surfacing services. We design, supply and install all of our services, from tarmac driveways to paving slabs.

Maintenance, Cleaning & Repairs

One of the simple signs to look out for with driveways is it becoming cracked and the material getting loose. There are a variety of things that may cause this and you can do things to prevent it. If you start to notice cracks, make sure you clean them regularly and pull up any plant life. The roots may get deeper into the driveway and cause more issues in the future. If you have loose gravel like material, you may need to think about resurfacing or sanding and resealing.

You should always keep your drive as clear as possible and avoid the build up of things like leaves and standing water. If you get your hands on a good sealant you should find you don’t need to perform as much maintenance. A new coat of sealant can make your drive look refreshed again.

Protect Tarmac With Sealant

To extend the life of your tarmac driveway, you can apply a sealant to its surface. Most professionals will apply it after a year of its installation. The sealant works as a barrier to the elements that can cause damage to the surface and allow the driveway to stay fresh and clean.

By maintaining your tarmac driveway properly, you are protecting your investment. You are also allowing your property to look good and not have to think about replacing the driveway entirely for a long time to come. If you do not have time to do everything on your own, it is best to bring in a professional who can come in and check your driveway from time to time. They have knowledge and expertise to maintain your driveway in a way that it looks good all the time.

Different Forms Of Tarmac Damage

Tarmac scuffs

As tarmac driveway ages, the black part of the material will fade away. One of the reasons for tarmac scuffing is the turning of vehicle wheels while it is standing on the driveway. You can reduce the amount of beating that the driveway takes by simply avoiding turning wheels when it is stationary.

Spillage on tarmac driveway

Even though a small amount of spillage of gasoline or oil will not adversely affect your driveway, a large amount will greatly weaken the base and also cause cracks on the surface which then has to be repaired by a professional. It is best to remove any oil spillage using sand or sawdust that can soak it from the surface. If there is a gasoline spillage, it is best to use water to wash it.

Tarmac indentation and spot damage

A newly laid tarmac driveway will be prone to dents if heavy items are administered over it before it sets. Even after that, constant use of weighty products such as ladders, caravans, trailers, car jacks, and others can cause depression on the driveway. You can avoid it by using a piece of plywood before using heavy items so that the weight is more evenly distributed. Contact us for more detail .