Driveways
Tarmac driveways in Southport
Smooth, hard wearing tarmac drives, laid hot in two layers on a properly dug out and compacted base, with the edges and drainage done right. Good value on bigger and longer drives. We take the old drive away on our own grab lorries.
New drive, overlay or resurface?
A new tarmac drive
Everything dug out down to firm ground and built up from scratch: sub-base, edging, drainage, then two layers of tarmac. The right answer if the old drive has sunk, cracked badly or drains the wrong way.
Tarmac over an old drive
If the old concrete or tarmac underneath is sound and the levels work, new tarmac can sometimes go straight over it. Quicker and cheaper, but only if what is underneath is solid. We will tell you honestly if it is.
Resurfacing and repairs
A tired drive with a good base can have a new top layer, and potholes and cracks can be cut out and patched. See tarmac repairs.
How we lay a tarmac drive
Two layers of tarmac on a proper sub-base. The tarmac is only as good as what is under it.
- 1
Look and measure
Levels, ground, access and where the rain will go. Then a written quote.
- 2
Dig out
Down to firm ground. The spoil goes on our grab lorries.
- 3
Sub-base
A membrane and Type 1 sub-base, compacted in layers to the falls.
- 4
Edging and drainage
Kerbs or edging set in concrete, plus channel drains or gullies where they are needed.
- 5
Base course
The first, coarser layer of tarmac, laid hot and rolled.
- 6
Surface course
The finer top layer, laid hot and rolled to a smooth, tight finish.
- 7
Seal the edges
The joints and edges are sealed so water cannot get in under the surface.
- 8
Clear up
We tidy up and tell you when it is ready to drive on.
Questions people ask
How soon can I drive on new tarmac?
Once it has cooled and hardened. We will tell you on the day. For the first few weeks, especially in hot weather, avoid turning the steering wheel while the car is standing still, as it can scuff the surface.
Do I need planning permission for a tarmac drive?
Standard tarmac does not let rain soak through. If the front drive is over 5 square metres and the water would run onto the road, you need planning permission, unless the rain runs off onto a lawn or border on your land, or you use porous tarmac. We will tell you which applies.
What colours does tarmac come in?
Black is the most common. Red is also available, and a border of block paving or a different edging can make a tarmac drive look much smarter.
Why does tarmac crack?
Usually because the ground or sub-base underneath has moved, water has got in under the edges, or the layer is too thin. Getting the base, the edging and the drainage right is what stops it.
Is tarmac good for a long or sloping drive?
Yes. Tarmac suits long runs and slopes well, and it is good value on bigger areas. On steep slopes the drainage at the bottom needs thought so water does not run into the garage or house.
What should I avoid on a new tarmac drive?
Fuel and oil spills, which soften tarmac, and point loads like skip feet or motorbike stands in hot weather. Put a board under anything heavy with small feet.
Also worth a look
Send us a photo of your drive
Phone lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm. WhatsApp a photo of the job any time.