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—may result in surface depressions, raised sections, and material deterioration across your driveway in Staplehurst.
Prior to commencing any repair work in Staplehurst, our tarmac contractors thoroughly evaluate the underlying cause of the damage. The most frequently encountered issues include:
- Surface cracking resulting from weather exposure or ground settlement
- Potholes developing through water penetration and freeze-thaw action
- Edge breakdown where the tarmac borders grass or gravel surfaces
- Sunken areas caused by inadequate subbase preparation or excessive loading
- Surface ravelling occurring when the bitumen binding agent has deteriorated
How We Repair The Tarmac / Asphalt
Initial Assessment
Our process begins with a thorough inspection of the damaged area to establish whether a localised patch repair is appropriate or whether resurfacing a larger section is required. Isolated defects typically respond well to patching, while extensive cracking or numerous potholes generally suggest that complete resurfacing represents the more 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 ensures the repair material integrates properly rather than merely overlaying compromised tarmac. When addressing potholes, we extract all unstable material and inspect the underlying subbase. Should the subbase prove inadequate, we excavate deeper and compact fresh aggregate before applying any tarmac.
Applying the Repair Material
Our repairs utilise 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 apply the tarmac in successive layers, ensuring thorough compaction of each layer using a vibrating plate or roller, selected according to the repair’s scale.
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. Particular attention is devoted to the edges—adequate compaction in these areas prevents future deterioration and separation.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
When your tarmac exhibits damage across multiple areas or the surface has exceeded 15-20 years of age, repairing individual potholes may prove uneconomical. At Driveway Specialists Staplehurst, we provide straightforward guidance on whether targeted repairs offer genuine value or if resurfacing the complete area represents the better investment.
For expert advice on tarmac repairs in Staplehurst, reach us at 01580 475179.
