Common Types of Tarmac Damage
Properly installed tarmac and asphalt surfaces can deliver decades of reliable service; however, minor installation defects—such as inadequate edging in critical areas, diesel spillage damage, or poor compaction—can result in dips, uneven surfaces, and material deterioration across your driveway in Buckley.
Prior to commencing any repair work in Buckley, our tarmac contractors evaluate the underlying cause of the damage. The most frequently encountered problems include:
- Surface cracking resulting from weather exposure or ground settlement
- Potholes developing from water penetration and freeze-thaw action
- Edge breakdown where the tarmac borders grass or gravel areas
- Sunken sections caused by inadequate subbase preparation or excessive loading
- Surface ravelling where the bitumen binding material has broken down
How We Repair The Tarmac / Asphalt
Initial Assessment
Our process begins with a thorough examination of the damaged area to establish whether a localized patch repair is suitable or if resurfacing a larger section is necessary. Isolated defects in a small area can typically be patched effectively, while extensive cracking or numerous potholes across multiple areas often suggest that complete resurfacing represents the most cost-effective long-term approach.
Preparation Work
Thorough preparation forms the foundation of any durable repair. We use a disc cutter to remove the damaged section, creating clean, vertical edges. This technique ensures the repair material integrates properly rather than merely sitting atop compromised tarmac. When addressing potholes, we extract all loose material and inspect the subbase beneath. Should the subbase show signs of failure, we excavate deeper and compact fresh aggregate stone before applying any tarmac material.
Applying the Repair Material
Our repairs utilize hot bitumen tarmac, which provides superior bonding compared to cold-lay alternatives. The repair area receives a tack coat of bitumen emulsion to enhance adhesion between the new material and the existing surface. We then install the tarmac in successive layers, ensuring thorough compaction of each layer using either a vibrating plate or roller, selected according to the repair area size.
Finishing and Compaction
The final surface undergoes rolling to achieve a level and finish consistent with the surrounding area. We intentionally overfill the repair slightly, accounting for material settlement during compaction. Special attention is paid to the edges—adequate compaction in these areas prevents premature failure and separation.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
When your tarmac exhibits damage across multiple areas or the surface has aged beyond 15-20 years, repairing individual potholes and defects may prove uneconomical. At Buckley Driveways, we provide transparent assessments regarding whether targeted repairs offer genuine value or if resurfacing the complete area represents the superior solution.
For expert guidance on tarmac repairs in Buckley, reach us at 01352 382015.
