Common Types of Tarmac Damage
When correctly installed, tarmac and asphalt surfaces can provide many years of dependable performance; however, small installation errors—including insufficient edging in key areas, damage from diesel spills, or substandard compaction—can lead to surface depressions, raised portions, and material breakdown across your driveway in Staplehurst.
Before starting any repair work in Staplehurst, our tarmac contractors carefully assess the root cause of the damage. The most commonly observed problems include:
- Surface cracking caused by weather conditions or ground movement
- Potholes forming through water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles
- Edge deterioration where the tarmac meets grass or gravel areas
- Sunken sections resulting from insufficient subbase preparation or excessive weight
- Surface ravelling when the bitumen binder has broken down
How We Repair The Tarmac / Asphalt
Initial Assessment
Our approach starts with a comprehensive inspection of the damaged area to determine whether a targeted patch repair is suitable or whether resurfacing a broader section is necessary. Individual defects usually respond effectively to patching, while widespread cracking or multiple potholes typically indicate that complete resurfacing offers the more economical long-term solution.
Preparation Work
Comprehensive preparation establishes the basis of any lasting repair. We employ a disc cutter to extract the damaged section, producing clean, vertical boundaries. This guarantees the repair material bonds correctly rather than simply covering deteriorated tarmac. When dealing with potholes, we remove all loose material and examine the subbase beneath. If the subbase is found to be inadequate, we excavate further and compact new aggregate before laying any tarmac.
Applying the Repair Material
Our repairs employ hot bitumen tarmac, which delivers superior adhesion compared to cold-lay options. The repair area is treated with a tack coat of bitumen emulsion to improve bonding between the new material and the current surface. We then lay the tarmac in successive layers, guaranteeing complete compaction of each layer using a vibrating plate or roller, chosen based on the repair’s size.
Finishing and Compaction
The finished surface is rolled to achieve a smooth and consistent finish matching the surrounding area. We deliberately overfill the repair marginally, allowing for material settlement throughout compaction. Special attention is given to the edges—proper compaction in these areas prevents subsequent deterioration and separation.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
When your tarmac displays damage in several areas or the surface has surpassed 15-20 years of service, repairing individual potholes may be impractical. At Driveway Specialists Staplehurst, we offer clear guidance on whether targeted repairs deliver true value or if resurfacing the entire area constitutes the superior investment.
For professional advice on tarmac repairs in Staplehurst, contact us at 01580 475179.
