Common Types of Tarmac Damage Deeside
When properly installed, tarmac and asphalt surfaces can deliver decades of reliable service; however, minor installation issues such as inadequate edging in critical areas, diesel spillage damage, or poor compaction can result in surface irregularities, depressions, and deterioration of your driveway in Deeside.
Prior to commencing any repair work in Deeside, our tarmac contractors thoroughly 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 surfaces
- Subsidence in areas with inadequate subbase or excessive weight bearing
- Surface disintegration where the bitumen binding material has broken down
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 adequate or if resurfacing a larger section is required. Isolated defects in small areas typically respond well to patching, while extensive cracking or numerous potholes generally 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 overlaying compromised tarmac. When addressing potholes, we extract all loose material and inspect the underlying subbase. Should the subbase prove inadequate, we excavate deeper and install freshly compacted stone 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 promote adhesion between the new material and the existing surface. We then apply the tarmac in successive layers, ensuring thorough compaction of each layer using either a vibrating plate or roller, selected according to the repair 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 the compaction process. Special attention is devoted to the edges—adequate compaction in these areas prevents future deterioration and separation.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
Should your tarmac exhibit damage across multiple areas or if the surface has exceeded 15-20 years of age, repairing individual locations may prove uneconomical. At Driveways Deeside, we provide straightforward guidance on whether repairs offer genuine value or if resurfacing the complete area represents the better investment.
For expert advice on tarmac repairs in Deeside, contact us at 01352 382015.
