Tarmac driveways, though resilient, often bear the brunt of time and elements, evident in the unsightly cracks that mar their surfaces. Not only are these cracks an aesthetic nuisance, but they also pose safety risks and can curtail the driveway’s lifespan.
Tarmac driveways, though resilient, often bear the brunt of time and elements, evident in the unsightly cracks that mar their surfaces. Not only are these cracks an aesthetic nuisance, but they also pose safety risks and can curtail the driveway’s lifespan.
This comprehensive guide unravels the causes of these problematic cracks, unveils strategies to prevent their emergence, and provides a meticulous roadmap for their effective repair.
Why Do Cracks Form On Tarmac Driveways?
Cracks on tarmac driveways can emerge for a multitude of reasons, including:
- Temperature Fluctuations: Tarmac, a flexible material, gracefully accommodates the ebb and flow of temperature variations. Yet, when these fluctuations reach extremes or occur too frequently, the tarmac, under duress, yields to stress and fractures.
- Water Damage: The infiltration of water into cracks, followed by freezing, causes these crevices to expand. Simultaneously, water’s relentless erosion of the driveway’s foundational layers renders them unstable and prone to cracking.
- Heavy Traffic: The weight of vehicles or objects exceeding the driveway’s capacity can exert undue pressure, damaging its surface layer and exacerbating existing cracks.
- Ageing: As tarmac ages, it loses its elasticity and becomes increasingly brittle, rendering it more susceptible to crack formation.
Preventing Cracks on Tarmac Driveways
Preventing cracks on your tarmac driveway is not only a proactive approach but also a prudent one. Here are some measures to maintain your driveway’s pristine condition:
- Sealcoat Your Driveway: Sealcoating, the application of an asphalt emulsion protective layer, not only fills minor cracks but also shields the tarmac from the perils of UV rays, water, oil, and chemicals. This process enhances the driveway’s aesthetics and should be repeated every 2-3 years, based on traffic and weather conditions.
- Beware of Heavy Loads: Vigilance in parking and placing heavy vehicles or objects on your driveway, such as trucks, trailers, boats, or dumpsters, is essential. Using plywood or weight-distribution materials can help avert damage to the tarmac.
- Clean Frequently: Regularly clearing your driveway of dirt, debris, leaves, or snow prevents water from pooling and freezing in cracks. Moreover, this upkeep combats unsightly stains and mould growth.
- Timely Repairs: Address minor cracks promptly before they metamorphose into complex problems. Timely repairs save you both effort and resources.
Fixing Cracks On Your Driveway
When cracks on your tarmac driveway outgrow the capabilities of seal coating, a systematic repair process becomes imperative. Here are some steps to follow:
- Clean the Crevices: Employ a broom, blower, or pressure washer to expunge dirt, debris, or loose material from the cracks. Ensuring that the cracks are dry is paramount before proceeding.
- Fill the Gaps: Choose a tar-based aggregate mixture or crack filler product compatible with tarmac, readily available at hardware stores or online. Follow the instructions meticulously, employing a caulking gun or trowel to apply the filler. The aim is to completely fill the cracks and achieve a smooth surface level with the surrounding area.
- Compact the Filler: Using a tamper, roller, rubber mallet, or even a judicious application of a hammer, compact the filler for a robust bond with the tarmac.
- Cure and Protect: Allow the filler to cure for at least 24 hours before subjecting it to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. To further strengthen the driveway, consider applying an additional sealcoat over the repaired area to fortify protection and durability.
Conclusion
Cracks on your tarmac driveway may present as an unattractive nuisance, but even worse, beneath their surface lies the potential for damaging hazards. This guide equips you with the knowledge to prevent, address, and adeptly repair these fissures, thereby elongating the lifespan of your driveway.
Should you require professional assistance for tarmac driveway repair in London, do not hesitate to reach out to Kane Construction Services – the industry-leading tarmac contractors London private homeowners and public firms entrust their driveway projects to for high-quality outcomes.
