Keep Your Tarmac Driveway in the Best Shape by Following These Maintenance Tips
Tarmac is one of the most common driveway materials used by homeowners all around the world. Its popularity is largely due to the amazing benefits that the material offers. From its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and skid resistance to its high durability and weather resistance, a tarmac driveway is definitely a worthy investment. However, like every other thing you spend good money on, you would want to ensure that your investment stays in the best condition for as long as possible.
The proper maintenance and installation of your tarmac driveway can help prolong its lifespan while also ensuring that it continues to look its best. The installation is down to the contractors you hire when you first get the driveway, companies with qualified teams like Kane Construction will be a great option, you just need to find one near you. You will need to take care of maintenance yourself, below are some maintenance tips to help keep your tarmac driveway in the best condition.
Allow it to dry Completely Before use
This mainly applies to a newly installed tarmac driveway. It is crucial that you let your freshly surfaced driveway dry completely before allowing any form of traffic on it (parking, driving or even just walking). Typically, it is recommended that you wait for at least 3-5 days before using it. The good news is, tarmac is pretty fast-drying so you won’t have to wait too long.
Clean Your Tarmac Driveway Regularly
Regularly sweep your tarmac driveway to remove dirt (fallen, dried leaves) and debris. Unless there are stains, water is enough to clean your tarmac driveway. Oil or chemical spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent the surface of the driveway from being damaged. When trying to clean oil spills, make sure to first soak up the spill with some sawdust or sand before proceeding to remove the stain with a power washer (a low-pressure water stream is advised).
Monitor it Closely During Weather Changes
Although tarmac driveways are highly durable and have good weather resistance, there are some cases where extreme weather conditions can damage them. For example, on those really hot summer days, the surface of the tarmac may soften due to excess heat from the sun. Parking a heavy vehicle on the driveway during this time can damage the driveway’s surface. To avoid this, spray some cool water on the driveway’s surface whenever it becomes too hot. This will ensure that the surface remains hard and less prone to damage.
Apply Tarmac Sealer
Tarmac sealers and restorers are special chemicals that are applied to the surface of a tarmac driveway to extend its lifespan. Applying a tarmac sealer protects the tarmac from loss of colour, cracking and fretting stones. It also re-introduces lost protective resins into the tarmac. The sealer can be applied onto the surface with either a roller or a brush. The tarmac restorer, once applied, creates a protective layer on top of the tarmac surface to improve its toughness and durability. It also adds to aesthetic appeal and makes the driveway weatherproof and free from plants and weeds.
Avoid Turning Wheels on the Driveway
With tarmac driveways, scuff marks can be quite noticeable and they can make your driveway look dated and unappealing. Prevent this by not turning the wheels while your vehicle remains stationary.
Conclusion:
Tarmac driveways are a great investment. They come with a host of benefits, such as high durability, easy installation, cost-effectiveness, weather resistance and recyclable properties. However, to get the best out of your investment, your tarmac driveway will need to be properly maintained. Following the maintenance tips above will ensure that your tarmac driveway remains in the best shape.
