Common Types of Tarmac Damage
Tarmac and asphalt, when installed correctly, can provide a lifetime of service; however, small failures, such as no edging in the correct areas, diesel damage, or insufficient compaction, can lead to dips, bumps, and crumbling in your driveway in Town.
Before we start any repair work in Town, our tarmac contractors assess the cause of the problem. The most common issues we see include:
- Surface cracks from weathering or ground movement
- Potholes caused by water ingress and freeze-thaw cycles
- Edge deterioration where the tarmac meets grass or gravel
- Sunken areas due to poor sub-base or heavy loads
- Surface ravelling where the bitumen binder has degraded
How We Repair The Tarmac / Asphalt
Initial Assessment
We start by examining the damaged area to determine whether a patch repair will suffice or if a larger section needs resurfacing. Small isolated defects can usually be patched, whilst widespread cracking or multiple potholes often indicate that a full resurface is the more economical long-term solution.
Preparation Work
Proper preparation is essential for a lasting repair. We cut out the damaged section using a disc cutter to create clean, vertical edges. This prevents the repair material from simply sitting on top of broken tarmac. For potholes, we remove all loose material and check the sub-base underneath. If the sub-base has failed, we excavate further and compact fresh stone before laying any tarmac.
Applying the Repair Material
We use hot bitumen tarmac for most repairs because it bonds much better than cold-lay products. The repair area is primed with a tack coat of bitumen emulsion to help the new material adhere to the existing surface. We then lay the tarmac in layers, compacting each one thoroughly with a vibrating plate or roller, depending on the size of the repair.
Finishing and Compaction
The final surface is rolled to match the level and finish of the surrounding area. We slightly overfill the repair initially, as the material will compact down under the roller. The edges are particularly important—proper compaction is needed to prevent them from breaking away later.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
If your tarmac has multiple damaged areas or the surface is more than 15-20 years old, patching individual spots may not be worthwhile. At Company One, we’ll give you an honest assessment of whether repairs will provide good value or if resurfacing the entire area makes more sense.
For advice on tarmac repairs in Town, contact us at 0123 456 7890.
