Bridgend has variety. Visitors enjoy the scenery and beaches and castles that this town has to offer. Local residents know there is another gem on offer. A driveway can improve the value and the beauty of a home but how long will the cost and care last? Tarmac driveways are resilient and neat and simple to care for. This article shares the true cost and the true life span of a tarmac driveway, as well as upkeep and drainage and design options. All that is needed to make the right choice when hiring any installation team will be learned by the end of this piece.
The Advantages of Tarmac
Tarmac has been used to lay road surfaces almost one hundservicred years. This means that it has been tested against the harshest conditions. As a driveway surface it provides a smooth dark finish. It is resistant to the weather in Wales. Rain will not erode or dissolve tarmac. Frost will not crack tarmac that has been properly laid.
Speed is another advantage. Tarmac driveways are usually laid in one to three days. It is possible to walk on the surface within hours of laying and to drive on it after a day or two. Other surfaces can take much longer to install. Tarmac is the choice when fast installation is of the utmost importance.
Costs of Installation
Price is the first concern of most homeowners. Tarmac offers excellent value for money. Prices can vary, but as a guideline between £45 and £75 per square metre is the average cost. A space for one car will cost less than the space for three cars. The factors that influence the final cost are as follows.
- The size of the driveway. The larger the space the more expensive the materials and time.
- The condition of the existing ground. The removal of old surfaces adds to the time and cost.
- The desired depth of the base. A thick base may add to the current cost but will reduce future bills.
- The edges and borders. Kerbs and block edges are pleasing to the eye and prevent damage but add to the cost.
- Access to the work site. Smaller access ways means that machinery cannot enter and the work takes longer.
- Tarmac comes with a lower price tag than block paving and resin. A written quote is invaluable and a professional company will always ask for a survey to be carried out. A low quote can mean a thinner base and a shorter lifespan for the driveway. This should be noted when the offer is made.
The Lifetime of a Tarmac Driveway
A properly installed tarmac driveway can last between fifteen and twenty five years. Some driveways can even last longer. The key to a long lasting driveway lies in the sub base. If this is not dug out and replaced with a thick bedding of stone then cracks are inevitable. Reputable installers dig out the old surface and lay a thick bedding of stone and compact this layer. The tarmac is added and rolled to finish the job.
It should also be noted that tarmac is slightly flexible. It moves with the ground during seasonal changes, reducing the risk of unsightly cracks. Vans and other heavy vehicles can be parked on a tarmac driveway with confidence. One caution applies. On a very hot day newly laid tarmac can soften. Heavy vehicles should not be parked in one place for days during a heatwave.
Maintenance of a Tarmac Driveway
Tarmac is a relatively easy material to maintain. It does not require hundreds of hours of annual maintenance to prolong its lifespan. A little common sense and regular cleaning and sealing will ensure that your driveway remains beautiful for many years.
- Make sure to clean the driveway by sweeping it to remove leaves and other undesirable materials
- Take out any weeds that make their way into the tarmac
- Remove oil spots right away with a degreaser
- Fill gaps to prevent water retention
- periodically reseal the road surface to restore its attractive black color.
It is worth investing time and money in resealing because it will protect the driveway from oil, sunrays, and freezing temperatures. Tarmac’s black color looks stunning after being resealed so you will not regret spending on it. Do not forget to use appropriate tools and means when cleaning the surface, and do not allow tree roots to grow on the driveway.
Drainage: A Commonly Overlooked Issue
The climate of Bridgend means that water is a serious problem. Water that pools on a driveway can cause serious damage and slippery patches. It can run down slopes and cause damp patches on buildings.
There are also national guidelines to be aware of. The national guidance on paving front gardens is a helpful starting point. Different rules apply in Wales and so a call to Bridgend County Borough Council is essential for an accurate understanding. The installation team should also advise on the drainage regulations in the area.
Professional installers will build in a fall to the driveway to direct the water away from buildings to soakaways and drains and borders. Porous tarmac is another popular option in areas where water can pool. This type of tarmac allows water to drain straight through to the bedding of stone underneath. It is an intelligent option for sloping driveways and areas that tend to flood. Drainage should always be discussed before any work begins.
Design Options
Tarmac driveways are no longer plain and boring. There are many design options available.
Block edging. A tidy block edge gives a smart finish to a driveway.
Aprons. A paved apron at the entrance to the driveway provides a nice contrast.
Coloured tarmac. A choice of vibrant reds and greens and buffs adds interest to the driveway and home.
Mixed surfaces. Mixing tarmac with gravel or paving adds variety and style.
Decorative lines. Lines can be added to a plain tarmac driveway to add interest.
Consider the style of the home when deciding on the design. A modern home benefits from the crisp edges of a tarmac driveway with a dark edge. Older cottages can be complemented by a stone border and a slightly lighter colour of tarmac. Planting along the sides of the driveway will add interest and fragrance to the area. Lights along the edge of the driveway will look pretty at night and will also increase security.
Tarmac or Resin?
Some homeowners want a more dramatic driveway. Resin bound surfacing is another popular alternative that has a smooth pebbly surface in a choice of colours. Resin driveways in Bridgend are becoming more and more popular as the smooth surface is both pleasing to the eye and easy to care for. Unlike tarmac, resin bound driveways have excellent drainage as water can seep through the gaps in the pebbles to the bedding underneath. Resin driveways Bridgend homeowners are choosing tend to suit modern homes and give a high end appearance to the property. Resin bound surfacing is more expensive than tarmac, but tarmac wins in the speed and value stakes. The choice really depends on what the homeowner wants.
The same dilemma faces homeowners all over West Wales. Resin bound driveways Llanelli is a sought after option in this area. Resin driveways Carmarthen is also in demand. Many driveway companies Llanelli can lay tarmac and resin bound surfacing and paving. Skilled landscapers Llanelli can build patios and paths and garden walls to complement the driveway. This means that one cohesive design can be achieved for the whole property.
When unsure, ask for a quote on both tarmac and resin bound surfacing. Comparing the two side by side will make the choice much easier. A good company will also bring samples so that the customer can see the differences in the daylight.
How to Choose an Installer
A good surface needs a good team. Take the time to find the right company for the job. These simple tips will help.
Ask if the company is fully insured.
Ask to see photographs of completed jobs in the local area.
Read reviews left by local customers.
Ask for a written quote that details all materials and costs.
Ask about a guarantee on the work.
Ask about the desired depth of the base.
A trustworthy company will answer all questions without hesitation. They will also be able to talk them through in simple terms. Pressure to sign contracts immediately and requests for cash payments only should be avoided at all costs. Reputable companies will always offer an obligation free survey and will not pressure the customer for any reason. They are proud of their work and happy to show potential customers.
Swansea Driveways is one such company. The team is fully insured and the work is guaranteed. This reputable company specialises in multi skilled hard landscapers, groundworkers, tarmacers and pavers. They operate all over Bridgend and Llanelli and Carmarthen and many other areas. They also offer obligation free surveys and quotes. If a trusted driveway company in Swansea and the surrounding area is needed then these experts are well worth a call.
Final Thoughts
Visitors to Bridgend enjoy the beaches and history of this coastal town. The best discoveries are always just on the doorstep. A tarmac driveway is a durable and affordable solution that is quick to lay and easy to care for. With the right sub base and drainage it can last for decades, providing years of enjoyment. With the right design it can also transform the appeal of the home.
It all starts with a survey to assess the needs of the new driveway. Costs and drainage and design can all be discussed. Tarmac versus resin can be weighed up. A little thought and planning will ensure that the driveway is a pleasure for years to come.
Contact
Name: Swansea Driveways
Phone: 07836 267 418
Email: info@swanseadriveways.com
Address: Swansea and Surrounding Areas
