Introduction to Tarmac
Tarmac is actually a trademark name that has slipped into common usage, much like Hoover, Astro-Turf and Jacuzzi, and is often used as a generic term with a lowercase t. A lot of people use the term tarmac when actually they mean asphalt concrete. You may see the term bitmac used instead of tarmac because now, bitumen is used as a binding agent instead of tar but you basically get the same effect. Tarmac is widely considered to be the cheapest material to use if you have a large surface area to cover as you can achieve economies of scale. This is because tarmacing a surface requires specific machinery and equipment, and is time-consuming. Creating a tarmac surface is also not something you can feasibly do yourself so it’s wise to call a professional in to get the job done.Is Tarmac Suitable for All Driveways?
Tarmac is a common material in a variety of commercial settings but more and more residential properties are choosing this material for their driveways. However, tarmac is not suitable for every driveway and every home and it’s worth having a good think about whether it’s the best option for you. For example, oil, petrol or diesel spills on tarmac will break down the top surface and begin to eat their way through the layers underneath. Unfortunately, once this happens, there’s no way to reverse it and you’ll soon end up with your aggregates spilling out of the ever-growing hole. Of course, you can patch the hole but that can ruin the whole driveway aesthetic. With that in mind, if you’re going to be working on cars or motorcycles out on your driveway, it would be better to choose another material. It’s not uncommon for people to incorporate tarmac and other types of materials such as block paving, into one driveway. This can allow for beautiful and bespoke driveway designsIs There Just One Colour Available?
Despite what a lot of people think, tarmac is actually available in different colours. This means you can make your tarmac driveway fit into the existing aesthetic of your house and even you street. By using a specific coloured aggregate, you can make your new driveway blend into its surroundings.Tarmac Benefits At a Glance
If you’re thinking about getting a tarmac driveway there are some key benefits to consider:- Tarmac is a low maintenance option which means once it is installed there will be no extra costs or time that has to be spent keeping it looking as fresh as when it was first laid.
- No matter what shape your area is, tarmac can be easily laid down which makes it a convenient option. The larger the surface area of your driveway, the more cost-effective the material is.
- Tarmac is flexible, strong and durable so you won’t have to worry about it breaking, cracking or wearing down any time soon. As long as you don’t spill any oil or petrol on the surface.
