Everything You Need to Know About Tarmac Driveways

Although your tarmac driveway is often the first thing visitors see, its appearance and quality is frequently overlooked by property owners.

Granted, your driveway isn't where you spend much of your time - it's not where you eat, relax or sleep - but it does leave a lasting impression on anyone that visits your home. 

And it is not only the aesthetic to be considered; A low quality driveway is more susceptible to damage from adverse weather or weight-bearing. The existing driveway surface might become cracked, which invites weeds and other unsightly pests.

If your existing driveway has fallen into disrepair, it not only looks terrible, but it's often no longer fit for purpose. If you plan to sell your property any time in the future, an attractive and functional driveway can make a huge difference to "kerb appeal", which is a big draw for many perspective buyers.

At MAM Contracting, we pride ourselves as a trusted contractor of high-quality tarmac driveways in the country. After years of experience, we're well acquainted with tarmac and its many benefits. Read on to find out more!
 

What is tarmac?

Tarmac is essentially broken stones that are pressed together tightly. In the past, tarmac was mixed with cement, aggregate, and tar, but nowadays (in spite of the name) tarmac does not contain tar.

A smooth, silky finish is achieved by compacting the materials with steam rollers and coating them with finer broken stones.
 

What are the benefits of a tarmac driveway?

There are many benefits of using this durable and functional material for your driveway, including:

Strong

Tarmac is one of the strongest materials on the market; there's a reason it's the go-to for roads, car parks and even airports all over the country. It can withstand enormous amounts of weight and isn't remotely affected by the weather.

Tarmac is also skid resistant making it safe to use in all kinds of conditions.
 

Recyclable

In terms of recycling, tarmac is superior to concrete as it can be reused indefinitely. You can literally use it over and over again without losing a single piece. For those of us who care about the environment, this is great news.
 

Looks fantastic

Tarmac surface is smooth, neat and pristine. It looks immaculate in front of your home.

What's more, tarmac is very neutral-looking; meaning it can be easily customised according to your personal style - block paving round the edges, flowers and trees surrounding it. The possibilities are endless.
 

Easy to maintain

Unlike other driveway solutions, such as concrete or gravel driveways, the tarmac surface has no cracks or joints. This means it won't produce weeds, and should your driveway begin to look tired, all you need to do is call your trusted driveway contractor, and we can add another layer on top. Your driveway will look as good as new in no time at all.
 

Quick to lay

It's easy and fast to lay tarmac, especially if you're an experienced specialist contractor like MAM. Compared to other solutions, such as block paving or monoblocking, tarmac is particularly quick and non-disruptive to your life and home.
 

Cost-effective

Tarmac is known for being extremely affordable to buy, install and maintain. Tarmac is a great solution for your home or business if you're looking for something economical.
 

What are the disadvantages of tarmac driveways?

While tarmac driveways offer many benefits, it's important to also consider some of their potential drawbacks.

Understanding the disadvantages of tarmac driveways will help you make a well-informed decision when choosing the best surface for your driveway. 
 

Maintenance requirements 

Although tarmac driveways are relatively low maintenance compared to other options, they still need regular upkeep to retain their appearance and functionality. Over time, tarmac can develop cracks and potholes, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or extreme weather conditions. These need to be promptly repaired to prevent further deterioration.
 

Susceptibility to weather conditions 

Tarmac driveways can be affected by extreme weather conditions. In hot climates, tarmac can soften, which makes it more susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles. On the other hand, freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates can cause the tarmac to crack and deteriorate over time. Proper installation and maintenance can prevent these issues, but they remain a consideration for homeowners in regions with extreme weather patterns. 
 

Potential for oil stains 

Tarmac driveways can be prone to staining from oil leaks or spills from vehicles. While resealing can provide some protection, these stains can be difficult to remove completely and may detract from the overall appearance of the driveway. 
 

What is the process of tarmac driveway installation?

Tarmac driveways are constructed by excavating the base, laying kerbs or edging stones, compacting a sub-base of aggregate, laying a compacted binder course, and then compacting a topcoat of tarmac.

It is possible to pour tarmac over almost any surface without having to perform in-depth bedding or resurfacing work first. This makes it a quick and non-invasive procedure. Hot mix tarmac is poured onto your chosen surface, flattened, smoothed, and allowed to cool.
 

How do I repair a tarmac driveway?

It's possible to conduct repair work by yourself using cold lay tarmac, however we would never recommend this.

All too often we see damage to tarmac driveways caused by shoddy DIY repair work, and ultimately the home owner has to pay for a professional driveway installer to come in and reverse the problem.

At MAM Contracting, we offer a contract repair service for your new tarmac driveway. This means that should there be any problems with your driveway in the future, we will be there to rectify the issue quickly, efficiently and effectively.

 

Tarmac driveway vs concrete driveway

If you're planning on installing a new driveway, you might be asking yourself "should I go for concrete or tarmac?", here are a few things to consider:

• Appearance: There are more design options available for concrete driveways, however tarmac driveways are much more stain resistant.
• Maintenance: Your tarmac driveway will need to be resealed every once in a while, whereas concrete can be left to its own devices. However, concrete is more susceptible to weed growth.
• Repairs: A tarmac drive is very easily and quickly repaired, whereas it might be easier to replace a concrete driveway rather than fix it.
• Lifespan: If properly maintained, concrete driveways can last 40+ years, whereas tarmac tends to last around 20-30.
• Cost: The average tarmac driveway cost is much lower than for concrete driveways.
   

Are tarmac driveways expensive?

The cost of installing a tarmac driveway can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of the driveway, the quality of materials used, and the complexity of the installation.

The initial cost of installing a tarmac driveway is generally lower compared to other materials such as block paving or concrete surfaces. According to myjobquote, the price ranges from £70 to £120 per square metre for a standard tarmac driveway installation in the UK. The final cost can increase if you opt for additional features or customisation. 
 

Factors influencing the cost of tarmac driveways

Several factors can influence the overall cost of a tarmac driveway:

• Size of the driveway 
• Quality of materials 
• Site preparation 
• Labour costs 
• Additional features 

While the upfront cost of a tarmac driveway is relatively affordable, it's also wise to consider its long-term value. Tarmac driveways are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, which can result in cost savings over time.

Regular maintenance, such as sealing and minor repairs, can prolong the lifespan of the driveway, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. 
 

Build your dream driveway in Glasgow with MAM 

When it comes to creating the perfect tarmac driveway, hiring a professional contractor is essential. Expert installation will guarantee a visually appealing finish and the longevity and durability of the driveway.

With our two decades of experience, our team ensures that the foundation is properly prepared. This process is necessary to prevent issues like cracks and potholes in the future. We use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver a smooth, even surface that enhances your property’s curb appeal. 

Moreover, we take pride in our customer-focused approach, working closely with you from the initial consultation to the final inspection. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and provide a tarmac driveway that you will enjoy for years to come. 
 

Get your free quote today 

Ready to build your dream driveway?

Contact MAM Contracting today for a free, no-obligation quote on our tarmac driveway services. We are here to answer any questions you may have and to provide expert guidance throughout the process. Let us help you transform your property with a high-quality tarmac driveway that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. 

Get in touch with us now to start your project and experience the MAM difference!