Common Types of Tarmac Damage Holywell
When properly installed, tarmac and asphalt surfaces can deliver decades of reliable performance. However, minor installation issues—such as inadequate edging in critical areas, exposure to diesel spills, or improper compaction—can result in surface depressions, uneven areas, and deterioration of your driveway in Holywell.
Prior to commencing any repair work in Holywell, our tarmac contractors carefully evaluate the underlying cause of the damage. The typical problems we encounter include:
- Surface cracks resulting from weather exposure or ground settlement
- Potholes developing from water penetration and freeze-thaw action
- Edge breakdown where tarmac borders grass or gravel areas
- Subsided areas caused by inadequate subbase or excessive weight
- Surface deterioration where the bitumen binding material 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 localized patch repair is adequate or if resurfacing a larger section is necessary. Isolated defects in small areas typically respond well to patching, while extensive cracking or numerous potholes across multiple areas usually suggest that complete resurfacing represents the more cost-effective long-term approach.
Preparation Work
Thorough preparation forms the foundation of any durable repair. We utilize a disc cutter to remove the damaged section, creating clean, vertical boundaries. This technique ensures the repair material integrates properly rather than merely overlaying compromised tarmac. When addressing potholes, we extract all loose material and inspect the subbase beneath. Should the subbase show signs of failure, we excavate deeper, install and compact fresh aggregate before applying any tarmac surface material.
Applying the Repair Material
For the majority of repairs, we utilize hot bitumen tarmac due to its superior bonding properties compared to cold-lay alternatives. The repair area receives a tack coat of bitumen emulsion, which promotes adhesion between the new material and the existing surface. We then install the tarmac in successive layers, ensuring thorough compaction of each layer using either a vibrating plate or roller, selected according to the repair area size.
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 during initial application, accounting for material settlement under roller compaction. Special attention is paid to the edges—adequate compaction in these areas is critical to prevent future deterioration and separation.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
When your tarmac exhibits damage across multiple areas or the surface has exceeded 15-20 years of age, repairing individual potholes and damaged sections may prove uneconomical. At Driveways Holywell, we provide transparent assessments regarding whether targeted repairs deliver genuine value or if resurfacing the complete area represents the better investment.
For expert guidance on tarmac repairs in Holywell, reach us at 01352 382015.
