Whether you’ve just had a new tarmac driveway installed or you’re considering upgrading your current driveway with this durable alternative, it’s always worth having a few tarmac driveway maintenance tips available.
Driveway maintenance is what will keep your tarmac parking area looking sleek and polished for years to come. It’s also a great way to extend the lifespan of your driveway. For instance, tarmac driveways can last between 15 and 20 years with the right care.
If you want to keep your tarmac driveway looking as good as new, here are the steps to follow.
1. Clean your tarmac driveway regularly
Although tarmac is one of the lowest maintenance driveway surfacing materials, it still requires occasional cleaning. We recommend giving your driveway a thorough clean on a weekly or fortnightly basis, especially during the winter months when dirt, algae, and moss can accumulate.
As you’ll see, it doesn’t take much time and effort – a bit of elbow grease can go a long way in protecting your drive.
- Use a stiff bristled brush to sweep away any leaves or other debris.
- Hose down the surface (or use a pressure washer on the lowest possible setting to prevent damage).
That’s really all there is to a tarmac driveway clean. Just make sure you don’t use harsh chemical cleaners, as this could damage the tarmac. You can always conduct a small patch test on an inconspicuous part of your drive just to be on the safe side.
2. Don’t ignore moss and weeds
Weeds love driveways – especially those with small cracks. The issue is that once weeds start growing in these cracks, they start to expand, potentially causing serious structural damage to your driveway.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for any signs of moss and algae growth, as they can become slippery and dangerous in damp weather. The last thing you want is for your tarmac driveway to become a safety hazard.
With this in mind, you should always remove any weeds as soon as you spot them, either by hand or using a tarmac friendly weed killer. The same goes for moss and algae, so we recommend applying a moss and algae remover in spring or autumn to keep build-ups at bay.
3. Get rid of stains and spills promptly
Whether it’s oil, fuel, or other vehicle fluids, it’s essential to clean up any spills quickly and properly. These liquids can easily stain the surface of your tarmac and potentially even soften the bitumen compounds within the tarmac, which can lead to crumbling and unsightly discolouration.
If you’ve spotted a fluid spill on your drive, grab some sand, sawdust, or a paper towel, and blot the area thoroughly. Next, go back over the spot with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
If all else fails and you’re left with a stain, use a tarmac safe degreaser and avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damage.
4. Keep an eye out for cracks
Even the best laid tarmac driveways can develop small cracks or holes over time. This is because they’re exposed to the weather, the weight of heavy vehicles, and are susceptible to general wear and tear damage.
It’s best to conduct regular inspections to assess whether any cracks or holes are present, especially if your tarmac driveway is quite old. If left untreated, these weaknesses can expand, reducing the durability and function of your driveway.
If the crack or hole is quite small, there are DIY solutions available, like cold pour tarmac crack filler. However, we only recommend doing this yourself if you feel confident.
For large holes or deep cracks, or if you want to make sure the driveway repair is done right the first time around, it’s best to call in your local surfacing professionals.
If you’re based in the North West, that’s us. We can assess the damage and repair the crack or hole to a high-quality standard.
5. Know your seasonal driveway maintenance tips
If you want to keep your tarmac driveway in the best condition all year round, you’ll need to tailor your tarmac driveway maintenance to the seasons. Like any outdoor surface, tarmac requires different maintenance at different times of the year.
- Spring is the best time for clearing away any lingering winter debris and applying moss remover or weed killer.
- Summer is ideal for tarmac driveway repairs, thanks to the warmer weather speeding up the bonding process.
- Autumn is the time for regular cleaning to prevent debris build up, algae and moss growth, and staining.
- Winter is the season for conducting regular checks for cracks or holes caused by frost heave, which is common in colder, icier weather.
Leave your tarmac driveway maintenance in good hands with North West Surfacing
At North West Surfacing, our surfacing contractors have over 30 years of award-winning experience in maintaining and repairing tarmac driveways across the North West.
So, if you need help with your tarmac driveway maintenance, don’t hesitate to get in touch.