Common Types of Tarmac Damage Sittingbourne
When properly installed, tarmac and asphalt surfaces can deliver decades of reliable service; however, minor defects such as inadequate edging in critical areas, diesel spillage, or poor compaction can result in uneven surfaces, depressions, and deterioration of your driveway in Sittingbourne.
Prior to commencing any repair work in Sittingbourne, our tarmac contractors 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
- Subsided areas caused by inadequate sub-base or excessive weight
- Surface degradation where the bitumen binding agent 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 can typically be patched effectively, 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 sub-base. Should the sub-base prove inadequate, we excavate deeper and compact fresh aggregate before applying any tarmac.
Applying the Repair Material
For the majority of repairs, we utilise hot bitumen tarmac due to its superior bonding properties 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 dimensions.
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. Special attention is paid to the edges—adequate compaction at these points is crucial to prevent future deterioration.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
When your tarmac exhibits numerous damaged areas or the surface has exceeded 15-20 years of age, repairing individual sections may prove uneconomical. At Driveways Sittingbourne, we provide transparent assessments regarding whether repairs offer genuine value or if resurfacing the complete area represents the better investment.
For guidance on tarmac repairs in Sittingbourne, reach us at 01622 925141.
