Common Types of Tarmac Damage Biggin Hill
When properly installed, tarmac and asphalt surfaces can deliver decades of reliable performance; however, minor defects such as inadequate edging in critical areas, diesel spillage, or poor compaction can result in uneven surfaces, depressions, and material breakdown on your driveway in Biggin Hill.
Prior to commencing any repair work in Biggin Hill, our tarmac contractors evaluate the underlying cause of the damage. The most frequent issues we encounter include:
- Surface cracking resulting from weather exposure or ground settlement
- Potholes developing from water penetration and freeze-thaw action
- Edge degradation where the tarmac borders grass or gravel surfaces
- Depressed areas caused by inadequate sub-base preparation or excessive loading
- Surface ravelling where the bitumen binding agent has broken down
How We Repair The Tarmac / Asphalt
Initial Assessment
Our process begins with a thorough examination of the damaged area to establish whether a localised patch repair is appropriate or if resurfacing a larger section is necessary. Isolated defects can typically be patched effectively, while extensive cracking or numerous potholes generally suggest that complete resurfacing represents the most cost-effective long-term approach.
Preparation Work
Thorough preparation forms the foundation of any durable repair. We cut away the damaged section with a disc cutter to establish clean, vertical boundaries. This ensures the repair material integrates properly rather than merely overlaying compromised tarmac. When addressing potholes, we extract all loose debris and inspect the underlying sub-base. Should the sub-base prove inadequate, we excavate deeper and compact fresh aggregate material before applying any tarmac.
Applying the Repair Material
Our preference is hot bitumen tarmac for the majority of repairs, as it achieves far superior bonding compared to cold-lay alternatives. We prime the repair area with a tack coat of bitumen emulsion to enhance adhesion between the new material and the existing surface. The tarmac is then applied in successive layers, with each layer receiving thorough compaction using either a vibrating plate or roller, determined by the repair’s scale.
Finishing and Compaction
The final surface receives rolling to align with the level and texture of the surrounding area. We intentionally overfill the repair zone slightly, anticipating material settlement during the compaction process. Special attention is devoted to the edges—adequate compaction in these areas is crucial to prevent future deterioration.
When to Consider Full Resurfacing
Should your tarmac exhibit damage across multiple areas or the surface has exceeded 15-20 years of service, repairing individual spots may prove uneconomical. At Driveway Specialists Biggin Hill, we provide transparent guidance on whether repairs offer genuine value or if resurfacing the complete area represents the better investment.
For expert advice on tarmac repairs in Biggin Hill, reach us at 01959 477018.
