Is Tarmacing a Cost-Effective Option for Your Driveway?

When it comes to resurfacing your driveway, the material is an incredibly important decision. With a wide variety of options available for you to choose from, it can often feel overwhelming. Tarmac is a popular choice for property owners, thanks to its cost-effective nature. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what tarmac is and why it is a great, cost-effective option for the home.

What is Tarmacing?

Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is a popular road surfacing material made by combining tar and crushed stone. Tarmacadam surfacing, or tarmacing, is therefore the process of applying a durable, smooth layer of material in outdoor areas, such as driveways, roads, and car parks.

Tarmacing provides a smooth, even finish that improves the overall appearance and functionality of a surface. The flexibility of tarmac allows it to be easily adapted to different needs, and offers excellent performance and value, making it an excellent choice for covering driveways.

Factors Impacting the Overall Cost

If you’re considering tarmacing your property’s driveway, it’s important to understand that the costs can vary. No two projects are exactly the same, each presenting its own set of challenges. Tarmacing is generally a cost-effective process, however, certain factors can impact the final cost. In this section, we will explore the different factors that will impact the overall cost.

Size and Scale

The size and scale of a driveway will significantly impact the overall cost of a tarmacing project. Large areas will require more materials, which will increase the total cost of the materials. Additionally, large projects will also need greater amounts of labour, raising the costs of labour.

Condition of the Driveway

A driveway cannot be tarmaced before it is completely ready. The preparation stage is essential to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish, and it can involve several steps. If your driveway needs to be cleared, levelled or repaired before the tarmacing can start, it will increase the total cost of the project. Each task in the preparation stage can increase the total cost of the project; however, cutting corners can lead to more expensive problems later down the line, typically making thorough preparation a worthwhile investment.

Location

In some cases, the location of your driveway can have an impact on the cost of the project. If your property is in a remote or hard-to-reach location, the professionals tarmacing your driveway may need to include additional travel time and fuel costs. On the other hand, urban properties can present challenges such as restricted access and limited parking for machinery.

The best way to get a realistic idea of how much the tarmacing service will cost is to source a professional quote. Our team at Edwards Surfacing can provide you with a realistic estimate of our services.

The Cost Benefits of Tarmacing

When it comes to surfacing a driveway, tarmacing stands out as a cost-effective solution. Not only is it quicker to install than other solutions, but it also offers excellent durability. Read on to discover the key cost benefits of tarmacing the driveway of a property.

Low Initial Installation Cost

While the cost of tarmacing can vary depending on the size, scale and type of project, it is relatively low when compared to other solutions. Tarmac requires fewer materials and less-labour intensive groundwork than many other solutions, which can help to keep initial costs down. This makes tarmacing an attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.

Quick Installation

The speed of tarmacing is one of its key advantages and a major contribution to its cost-effectiveness. Tarmacing is a quick process, typically lasting between one to two days. Tarmac can be applied and set rapidly, allowing for a quicker turnaround. In turn, this results in the team spending less time on your driveway and therefore helps to keep labour costs down. For homeowners, this also means less disruption to daily life, conveying the convenience of tarmacing.

Long-Term Maintenance Savings

One of the greatest benefits of tarmac is that it requires minimal maintenance once laid. Unlike gravel, which can easily become uneven and scatter over time, tarmac typically remains in place with very little attention. As such, tarmac driveways are great options for busy households in particular. Occasional resealing can help to extend its life, plus repairs are mostly straightforward. Fewer call-outs and lower maintenance bills can result in less hassle over the years.

Aesthetic Appeal

The smooth finish of tarmac offers a smart and professional appearance that can help to improve the appeal of any property. For homeowners, this can often result in increased resale value. While some other surface options can offer intricate designs, often these come with a substantial price tag. Tarmac provides a sleek and uniform look for a reasonable cost, offering visual appeal without the heavy cost.

Vehicle Maintenance Benefits

The smooth surface of a tarmac driveway can be incredibly beneficial to the vehicles that drive and park on it. The even layer helps to reduce strain on vehicle suspension and car tyres, which can reduce the need for frequent tyre replacements and suspension repairs, helping to lower the maintenance costs of your vehicle.

Loose gravel and stones can often get kicked up by vehicles as they drive, increasing the risk of scratches and dents. This damage will require potentially costly repairs. On the other hand, the smooth surface of tarmac is completely secure, ensuring that the car can be easily driven on and no damage will be caused to the vehicle body.

Why Choose Edwards Surfacing

At Edwards Surfacing, we offer complete tarmac driveway installations, suited to both residential and commercial needs. Our services are available across the country, allowing us to help a wide range of homeowners achieve their dream driveways.

Looking for a tarmac company in the UK you can trust? Here’s why you should consider hiring our tarmac contractors to create your new driveway.

Over 40 Years of Experience

With over 40 years of experience in the surfacing industry, you can trust our team to deliver quality services. Our lengthy experience translates into a deep understanding of materials, techniques and client needs, ensuring our team delivers durable and appealing results that stand the test of time.

Comprehensive Residential Services

Edwards Surfacing offers tailored solutions to meet individual client requirements. Whether you need a new driveway installation, repair, or resurfacing, we can help by providing expert advice and quality workmanship.

Free Quotations and Consultations

At Edwards Surfacing, we understand the importance of making an informed decision. We offer free quotations and consultations, allowing you to get a realistic understanding of the cost before committing to our services. We are here to provide expert advice and ensure your driveway meets both your expectations and your budget.

Customer Satisfaction

We take pride in ensuring our customers are happy with our work at Edwards Surfacing. With a reputation for delivering high-quality service, our multiple positive customer reviews act as a testament to our dedication and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Contact Us

Ready to start your journey toward a quality driveway? Please visit our website to learn more about our team and our services. Here, you can also discover more useful blog posts. Alternatively, please get in touch with us directly for a free quote or consultation on our services.