Tarmac driveways have been a staple feature of roads and homes for over a century. Tarmac is a budget-friendly and versatile option, and it’s no surprise that it’s chosen by many as the material of choice for a hard-wearing and functional driveway.
These types of driveways can be laid within one to two days, and can be ready for full use in as little as four to five days, making them a time-efficient choice for homeowners.
Once laid, a tarmac driveway is a low maintenance surfacing option as it is strong enough to withstand cracking and fissures that could be caused by regular use, heavy vehicles, and extreme weather conditions.
But what is a tarmac driveway’s lifespan? And when can you expect it to need its first repair? We’ve got everything you need to know in this blog.
What is the lifespan of a tarmac driveway?
A well laid, carefully cured, and sealed tarmac driveway should last around 15 years – possibly even 20 years. However, it’s important to remember that the lifespan of a tarmac driveway is dependent on several factors.
To maximise the lifespan of your newly laid tarmac driveway, you’ll need to consider the following factors.
Factors that can affect the lifespan of your tarmac driveway
- The quality of its installation: Any driveway requires a stable base that has been compacted to achieve density and strength. Ideally, your driveway would be prepared and installed by a professional company with expertise in laying tarmac driveways.
- Traffic volume and type: The amount of traffic your driveway handles on a day to day basis, along with the kind of vehicles using your driveway, can cause wear and tear. The heavier and more frequent the traffic on your tarmac driveway, the quicker you can expect your driveway to deteriorate.
- Extreme weather: High temperatures, freezing conditions, and heavy rainfall can lead to the softening, cracking and erosion of your tarmac driveway’s surface over time.
How to prevent tarmac driveway repairs
There are small, low-maintenance jobs that can be done to extend the lifespan and usability of your tarmac driveway.
Maintaining your tarmac driveway with care and consideration could even increase its lifespan from 15 years to over 20 years, making your driveway investment even better value for money!
- Clean your driveway regularly and thoroughly: Remove any dirt and leaves, and wash away any oil, petrol, or spilt liquids as soon as they happen. Have a look at our guide on how to clean a tarmac driveway for a step-by-step guide on the best way to clean and care for your driveway.
- Fill any small cracks or dents in your tarmac driveway: Small cracks and dents in the tarmac can be filled quickly and sufficiently with a special crack filler. Alternatively, a hot or cold patch repair can be used to cover and seal small to medium areas of damage. Leave any major fissures or breaks to the expertise of our tarmac driveway specialists.
- Top up your driveway’s sealant every 3-5 years: You may need to do this more frequently if there has been a prolonged period of extreme weather conditions.
- Check your drainage frequently: This ensures that surface water can run off freely and not soak into the foundations of your tarmac driveway, potentially causing structural damage.
How do you know when your tarmac driveway needs a professional repair?
Sometimes, even with regular care and maintenance, you might need to call in the professionals if your driveway has sustained larger areas of damage than the odd crack or break.
Our surfacing specialists will be more than happy to guide you on the most suitable repair method for your tarmac driveway.
Our tarmac driveway repair services include:
- The complete resurfacing of a large area of your driveway
- A full professional resealing of your whole driveway
- Installation of new drainage solutions
- Applying industry strength chemicals, weed killers and pesticides to keep your driveway clean and clear
Trust in North West Surfacing Contractors
Our friendly, knowledgeable, and expert team at North West Surfacing has over 30 years of experience in laying, maintaining, and repairing tarmac driveways – as well as all other types of driveways!
Take a look at our case studies to see how we apply our skills and expertise to a range of different driveway installations in the North West.
Whether your driveway is large or small, and regardless of the type of assistance you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us today for expert advice and comprehensive driveway services.
We’ll always be here to make sure that your tarmac driveway is around for a long time!