Is Tarmac a Good Option for a Driveway?

When it comes to laying a new driveway, you have to think about the size, durability, and, most importantly, material. There are some great options for laying a drive, from resin to block paving. But what about tarmac? In this post, we’ll answer all your questions about tarmac and answer the burning question: is tarmac a good option for a drive?

Is tarmac ideal for a driveway?

The short answer is yes! Tarmac is strong, durable, and incredibly resilient to heavy use. Tarmac has been a chosen material for driveways for years, and it’s usually the popular choice in commercial areas where heavy goods vehicles are frequently used.

If you’re looking for a material that lasts the test of time, tarmac can be a great option.

Is tarmac easy to maintain?

It’s relatively easy to maintain a tarmac driveway. We usually recommend a bi-annual jetwash to keep it looking its best. In between, just regular sweeping is all you need to keep your drive dust and debris-free.

Block paving is more susceptible to weeds and moss growing through the cracks, but this isn’t such an issue with tarmac.

What is the lifespan of a tarmac driveway?

On average, a tarmac driveway will last between ten and fifteen years before it will need repair work or a full replacement. However, with some regular maintenance, it can last much longer.

Over the years, tarmac can begin to crack, especially with extremely cold or hot weather conditions. It’s usually pretty easy and affordable to repair these small cracks, so you won’t need to replace your tarmac driveway for some time.

Is tarmac environmentally friendly?

Contrary to popular belief, tarmac is a recyclable material, and since it is so long-lasting, it’s an environmentally friendly option. There are some great asphalt options that reduce carbon emissions, which means your new driveway won’t have a negative impact on the environment.

What are the alternatives to tarmac for driveways?

If you’re looking to get a new driveway laid, you’re not limited to tarmac. At J Davies Building, we have a range of driveway options for your property, including:

• Block paving
• Modern resin
• Tarmac
• Thermoplastic lining

The right option for your property will depend on the look you’re going for and your budget. But we’ll be happy to walk you through all your options to help you make the best choice.

Get a quote for a new driveway today

Our team of driveway specialists installs tarmac driveways throughout Brighton, Burgess Hill the Brighton and Sussex areas. Whether you’re looking for a new tarmac driveway or you’re interested in a different material, we can help.

Call our team today to arrange a free consultation, and we’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote for a stunning new driveway: 01444 873 080

Affordable Paving Options for Your Patio

Many people believe that to have a quality patio, it needs to be expensive. In reality, you can have cheap paving without compromising on quality. In fact, many of the most popular options for garden patios are also some of the cheapest materials available. If you’re looking for affordable paving options for your patio, this post will show you some of the best materials to use.

Most affordable patio paving materials

There are three materials that are popular for paving and cheap options for those on a budget.

Limestone

Limestone is one of the cheapest paving materials on the market and the perfect choice for a bold finish. Limestone comes in various colours, with deep tones looking stunning in the sun and rain.

Black limestone, in particular, is rising in popularity and is great for disguising spills and marks.

Sandstone

Another affordable option is sandstone. Perfect for a classic look, sandstone looks modern but won’t break the bank. Sandstone has all the charm of a natural stone, with beautiful colour variations. You can get tones of brown and grey and really brighten up a space in the summer.

Brick

For a rustic but timeless option, brick is incredibly affordable. It takes more time to lay than slabs but has more variety when it comes to patterns. Brick is very affordable (especially if you get it salvaged) and will last for years.

Brick is porous, and since there are more grout lines, it does take more upkeep than other options, but it’s great if you’re looking for a stylish patio on a budget.

Cheap paving to avoid

It’s great to find affordable paving for a budget garden makeover, but there are a few red flags you should look out for when choosing paving slabs.

Uncalibrated paving

Uncalibrated paving has variations in the thickness of each slab, making it very difficult to lay flat. A good landscaper will be able to get a level finish, but it will take longer and bump up the price of the installation.

Thin paving slabs

Very cheap paving slabs are usually thin, which is how the price is kept low. Although you’ll pay less upfront, thin slabs are much more likely to crack over time, which means costly repairs in the future. Look for slabs above 15mm for the best finish.

Used paving slabs

Salvaged brick can be a great option for a patio but used paving slabs can have issues. Often referred to as “seconds”, these slabs have already been used and likely have some damage. Hairline cracks and chips can be difficult to spot but will almost certainly lead to bigger problems in the future.

Get a quote for a new patio in Brighton

If you’re looking to get a new patio for your garden, we’d be happy to give you a quote. At J Davies Building, we are experts at patio paving and have a range of options to suit all budgets.

No matter the size, shape, or customisations you’re looking for, we guarantee you’ll be happy with the work. Call us today to get a free quote: 01444 873 080

How to Choose a Commercial Tarmacking Company

Tarmac is an extremely popular choice for surfaces that see a lot of use. Its strength and durability make it the ideal choice for our roads, pathways, and motorways. But the results you get will heavily depend on the quality of the commercial tarmacking company you choose. A poor-quality pour will lead to cracks and potholes quickly, so it’s important to choose the right contractor for the job. Here are five factors to check when choosing a commercial tarmacking company in Sussex.

Flexibility

When it comes to commercial road laying, a flexible approach is required. Commercial jobs often run over schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, and contractors will sometimes be required to work at late or early hours to accommodate local residents, etc.

The commercial tarmacking firm you hire should have a flexible, personalised approach that caters to your requirements. Each project is slightly different, so choose a firm that looks at the finer details.

Experience

In such a competitive industry, experience is key. Trusted firms are around for the long run because they provide quality materials and an excellent service. Safety and reliability are never compromised when a firm has a track record of great results. Not to mention that expertise usually means quicker completion times, saving you time and money on your project.

Commercial capabilities

Domestic tarmacking has totally different requirements from commercial tarmacking. So, make sure the contractors you work with have the capabilities to handle larger, commercial projects.

At J Davies Driveways, we work with both domestic and commercial clients throughout Sussex. We have the team, materials, and equipment to take on large commercial projects and focus on delivering quality no matter the size.

A friendly team

Large commercial contracts can take time to complete, so it’s important you have the right chemistry with the team you choose. During your initial consultation, make sure you gel with the contractor and the team are easy to speak to. Gauge how open the contractors are by asking questions; openness and a willingness to communicate are important on any commercial project.

Pricing

It’s important to keep costs down on commercial projects without compromising on quality. We aim to provide a stellar service for an affordable price, which is why we are the chosen contractor for countless commercial tarmacking projects throughout Sussex.

Your local, professional commercial tarmac company

At J Davies Building, we specialise in commercial tarmacking. We have an outstanding reputation in Sussex for our services and regularly work with businesses and local authorities. We take a personalised approach to each commercial contract and will tailor our services to your needs, no matter how large or small the project.

To arrange a free consultation and to talk to someone about your commercial tarmacking needs, call our team today: 01444 873 080