Our Tarmac aftercare guide will help you to look after your Tarmacadam product, combat any future problem and ensure many years of service.
Hot Weather
In hot weather a black driveway will absorb heat from the sun, which may cause the binding agent in the tarmac to become softer. This could cause your driveway to become more susceptible to ‘scuffing’ from tyres and denting from point loading.
Your driveway will be more prone to softening during its first summer. Even though the risk becomes less as your driveway ages, due to the materials hardening, it is important to take extra care during hot weather.
Scuffing damage to your driveway is usually superficial and will mostly disappear over time. Weathering of the surface will cause the scuffed areas to blend with the rest of the drive.
Tips:
- During hot weather avoid sharp turning of the wheels of your car when it is not moving.
- Take extra care during hot weather if your driveway is south facing or if you have a heavy vehicle, e.g. 4×4, people carrier.
Oil & Chemical Spills
Your tarmac driveway is resistant to occasional drops of oil, however, any major oil spillage will dissolve into the bitumen binding and cause it to soften.
What to do after an oil/ chemical spill:
- Soak up the oil as soon as possible, using absorbent materials, such as dry sand, sawdust, cat litter, paper, cloth, etc.
- If the oil has already soaked in, then protect the surface from any stress and allow time for the stain to evaporate.
- Where appropriate wash the mark with a brush and lukewarm water, but be aware not to brush away the asphalt itself.
- If chemicals have spilled onto the surface, read the guidelines on the product packaging with regard to dilution. In most cases, using large amounts of water to wash the drive is recommended.
Tips:
- If using cleaning products be sure to test a small patch before treating a larger area.
Point Loading, Trailers, Caravans, Motorbikes & Ladders
The jockey wheels of trailers and caravans and the feet of ladders can cause indentation to your driveway. This is due to having a heavy load over a small arm. Take extra care to avoid this is your driveway is south facing or if it is newly laid.
Tips:
- To avoid indentation, spread the load by using a block of wood, paving slab, etc.
Weeds, Vegetation & Soil Debris
As your driveway gets older it may become prone to vegetation growth through the asphalt. Use a leaf acting weed killer to remove the vegetation, or use water-based brushwood or root weed killer to treat the root.
To remove surface vegetation it is best to scrub with water, a general weed killer and a stiff brush. Be careful if you choose to use a power washer, as this could dislodge stones on an older driveway.
If you are placing soil onto your driveway, make sure you put down a plastic sheet to prevent soil from getting stuck in the surface. If it is placed directly onto the driveway, the surface should be brushed whilst still dry and anything remaining cleared with water and a stiff brush.
Tips:
- When removing dead foliage make sure to scrape, rather than pull the roots out, as this could disturb the driveway.
We hope that your Tarmacadam product offers you years of good service, and should you require any further advice or have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
