Are you thinking about having a tarmac driveway installed at your residential and commercial property? Wanting to weigh up the pros and cons of this type of surface for a driveway? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we explore why you should consider our installation team if you are seeking a new driveway, before getting into the main advantages of tarmac driveways as well as the disadvantages of tarmac driveways.

As a team of tarmac driveway installation experts that have spearheaded countless surfacing projects in the South West, no one knows the benefits and drawbacks of tarmac quite like our team at iDream Solutions! From small and straightforward installations to larger, more complex tarmac driveways, our team has the aptitude and commitment to carry out all types of tarmac related projects. Check out the tarmac section of our gallery , to see some snaps from previous projects.

Those that commission us to carry out their tarmac laying comment on our professionalism, attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond to provide a driveway surface that they envisioned upon initial contact. We serve areas throughout the South West and in particular Devon, including Sidmouth, Exeter, and Plymouth, but our information on the pros and cons of tarmac driveways is of use to all, regardless of where you live!

Those that commission us to carry out their tarmac laying comment on our professionalism, attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond to provide a driveway surface that they envisioned upon initial contact. We serve areas throughout the South West and in particular Devon, including Sidmouth, Exeter, and Plymouth, but our information on the pros and cons of tarmac driveways is of use to all, regardless of where you live!

Fun Fact : did you know that the term tarmac derives from the original name for the surface type, which is tarmacadam?

Pros Of Tarmac Driveways

When considering any type of driveway surfacing, we always advise customers to be in the clear about the stand out benefits and the potential shortcomings of the surface type. There are many pros to tarmac driveways and there is a reason as to why the surface type is so popular amongst residents and business owners!

Durability

Starting with a benefit that many people look for in a surface type when it comes to driveways. Tarmac is a really durable surface, when laid correctly by a team of professionals. As a weather resistant surface, it is perfect for enduring tough winters in the UK, when rain, hail and ice come about. If you want a surface that can last through extreme weather and the parking of large vehicles, consider tarmac.

Easy To Repair

Should your tarmac driveway start to lose its appeal or integrity over the years, it is easy to repair. Many people ask us, can you repair damaged tarmac? The answer is yes! When your tarmac requires patching, our team can carry out the work in no time at all and, what’s more, the nature of the surface ensures that the repairs aren’t visible. Your tarmac driveway will simply be restored without anyone being able to tell that there was ever an issue!

Low Cost

Tarmac is one of the most cost-effective surface types out there today. When compared to other widely used surface types, such as concrete, there is no competition. Not only is the surface type cost-effective, but so are the services of our professional installers. If you choose to have a tarmac driveway laid by iDream Solutions, you’ll receive a great finish from a highly reputable company.

Quick Turnaround

Unlike with other surface types, a tarmac driveway project can be completed swiftly. Tarmac is a fast drying surface type and turns into a solid mass rapidly, therefore we won’t have to wait long at all before adding any finishing touches that you may require. So, if you are looking to complete the driveway section of a commercial or residential project within tight time restrictions, consider tarmac.

Environmentally Friendly

A problem that occurs with other surface types is the fact that they can run into waterways and therefore negatively impact the environment. However, there are no such concerns with tarmac, since the surface type is quick drying. Additionally, tarmac can be used time and time again without the need for it to be disposed of, which means there is no need to dump it as waste and affect the environment.

Yes, there are many reasons why you should consider installing a tarmac driveway at your property. Yet, there are also some cons of tarmac as a surface type, which we like to make our clients aware of before they commit to a project. It’s important to note at this stage that each surface type has its drawbacks, so weigh up the pros against the cons before making a final decision. Below, we’ve outlined some of the disadvantages of this surface type.

Issues With Weeds

Probably the most common disadvantage of tarmac surfacing is the growth of weeds between the surface. It’s not only weeds you need to be wary of but moss and algae. This can be a real irritant and is a pet hate of some homeowners who have tarmac driveways. Weeds, algae and moss usually appear in areas that do not see much sunlight. It’s these shaded areas that homeowners need to keep any eye on to monitor if weeds are starting to poke through. These areas can also become damp and provide a slip hazard, so be wary of that also.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Damage

While tarmac driveways will be just fine with taking the heat, they can be damaged by ultraviolet (UV) light. If exposed to too much UV light, tarmac surfacing may become brittle, degrade and finally break up. If this happens and potholes start appearing, our tarmac team is on hand to see you right and ensure a repair that is not noticeable in the slightest.

Damage From Diesel, Petrol & Oils

Another source of damage for your tarmac driveway is diesel, petrol and oils. These liquids can lead to the weakening of the binder in the tarmac which, in turn, can result in cracks emerging. So, if you are planning on doing a lot of mechanical work on your driveway, you may wish to consider an alternative to tarmac.

Now that you’ve been informed about the pros and cons of a tarmac driveway, why not speak to our team to determine which surface type will benefit your home? If you wish to speak to us in further detail about the benefits and drawbacks of tarmac, give us a call on 01626 680 194. Or, if you’d like to book a date and time for us to assess your project, give the same number a ring today.