Cleaning Moss off Tarmac Driveways

For many years, tarmac has been a popular choice for driveways. Tarmac is an enticing choice because the installation cost is often affordable when compared to other materials. While it is aesthetically beautiful and provides an excellent surface for parking automobiles, it may also be a breeding ground for moss. You may be all too familiar with this situation if you own a private tarmac driveway in Dorset.

The rough texture of tarmac makes it an easy breeding ground for moss, which thrives on damp surfaces that hold water. Its uneven surface provides the perfect environment for moss to thrive in tarmac driveways, in that car tyres cannot destroy them as they remain in the gaps.

To clean moss off tarmac driveways in Dorset, it is important to know the right cleaning agents and cleaning tools to use, and the ones to avoid, to prevent damage on the surface. Also, you will want to use a cleaning method that gets rid of it and prevents a comeback in the future.

Treating your driveway with chemical solutions, using washing powder, or removing sunlight blockers can be ways of killing or preventing moss on tarmac driveways in Dorset. Getting rid of them is easy, keep reading, while we give you detailed steps on how to achieve this on tarmac driveways in Dorset. 

Step 1

Prepare the surface of your driveway by using a brush or gardening rake to remove any surface growth and loosen its formation to enable an easier cleaning process.

Step 2

While working in small sections with a hard-bristled brush, to enable you to reach the gaps. Pour some water on the tarmac surface and use either baking soda or sodium per-carbonate to scrub the surface. These options are best for your tarmac driveways in Dorset, as they are brilliant at breaking down moss without causing damage to the tarmac surface or environment.

Step 3

Allow the cleaning agent to stay on the surface for about 20 – 40 minutes before rinsing. Use a hose to thoroughly rinse out your tarmac driveway surface. Repeat the steps as required to ensure total removal.

To prevent a future comeback, you will have to consider the following:

• Do a pH level test of the soil on which your driveway is made. If it is between 6 and 7, it means it is not ideal for the growth of moss, if not consider using agricultural lime to control its acidity. 
• Consider allowing direct sunlight on your driveway, to enable heat to dry the dampness of the area, as most tarmac driveways in Dorset are often close to lawns. This is a sustainable way to completely get rid of moss, as they thrive on wet surfaces as earlier stated. Look to trim trees and bushes to stop the blockage of sunlight, making sure that your driveway is void of any shade.
• Avoid flooding your driveway when cleaning. You would want to consider washing it only when the sun is out during the day. This will keep it from being damp and allow for it to get fully dried.

 At Dares Surfacing, we are experts when it comes to building or maintaining tarmac driveways, especially in the Dorset area. Get in contact with one of our team today and let us help you create the driveway of your dreams! Call us now on 07970 027 614.

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 .