Cold tarmac repair you can do yourself and save money
As soon as you see that your drive is in need of tarmac repair it is best to do it then and there and not delay. Most homeowners have relatively small driveways so DIY tarmac repair using a cold tarmac repair product is the most cost effect method of fixing it. It is very expensive getting a professional paving contractor in to fix small tarmac repairs of only a couple of square metres.
Most home driveways during the course of their life will suffer from one or all of the following defects at one time or another:
• Cracking
• Potholing
• Fuel and Oil Spillages
Of course the magnitude of the defects depends a lot on how the driveway was constructed in the first place. If the underlying foundation layers were constructed properly, the edges of the driveway kerbed and a suitable thickness of tarmac laid then it should be a long time before repairs are needed. But there will come a time when you will need to do some repairs. And when that time comes don’t delay as the defects will only get worse.
Cracks
crocodile cracked tarmac
When cracks start appearing it can be as a result of several causes. Most of them though are probably not within the capability of the DIY tarmac repair man to handle. However what you can do is seal the cracks before they get any worse. If you don’t, moisture will get into the layers beneath the surface and weaken them. This will eventually create more problems with the surface. As a result more cracking and even potholes will appear.
There are many tarmac repair products on the market that you can use. Ask around and make sure you get the most suitable tarmac repair kit for your needs.
Potholes
cold mix pothole repair
Potholes can start out as a small crack or may come from a weakness in the tarmac surface. Either way you need to fix them promptly because if left to themselves they will deteriorate and grow. And the resultant repair works may well be beyond the scope of the DIYer.
To repair a pothole mark out a square around the actual hole and dig down to the underlying firm layer. You will then need a cold bitumen product to coat the bottom and sides of the excavated patch before putting a cold tarmac mix into the hole. This you will need to compact and leave slightly proud of the surrounding area. This will ensure water does not collect there and cause further problems. There are many products easily available to carry out a cold tarmac repair. They come with complete instructions so don’t be afraid of doing small tarmac repairs like this yourself.
Fuel and Oil Spillage
This can be a problem right from day one after your driveway was laid if you have an older model car that has the odd leak or two. If your car does leak then it is best to get a drip tray that you can leave underneath the car whilst it is parked in your driveway.
If left to themselves areas with fuel and oil spillages will become soft. If left to themselves they will disintegrate and develop into potholes. So take corrective action as soon as you see any of these spots on your drive. Repair these as you would repair a pothole. It’s a good idea to have a couple of tarmac repair bags stashed away in case you need them.
As with most things DIY tarmac repair is best done as soon as the need for it is evident. A stitch in time saves nine as the saying goes. Turning a blind eye to the defects appearing in your driveway will only make matters worse and may mean having to call in the professionals. Why spend more money than you have to?