Tarmac driveways: Step by Step & Types

The best Surface for my Driveway

When it comes to driveway options we can offer a helpful advice service with tips on what type of paving could suit your property best. We have many years of experience assisting customers to make the best decision for practical, cost and aesthetic appeal.

Read more about our team of tarmac contractors:

‘Over the last ten years, we have delivered tarmac driveways to the highest of standards to our customers in Dublin and the surrounding area. In combination with our high-quality standards, we offer cost-efficient and affordable solutions for all property owners that plan to increase their property value.

Tarmac Driveways: Step by step

In this section we will go through the main steps from start to finish that are necessary in the completion of proper hard wearing Tarmac Driveways.

What is the process of tarmac installation carried out by trusted tarmac contractors?

1. Excavation and cart away of the area where the tarmac will be applied – appropriate machinery will be utilised to prepare the area for the sub base installation.

2. Removing all the created waste from the excavation – we must remove the waste to clear the area for incoming materials.

3. Installation of edging to create the right fall and levels and support the edge of the tarmac surface.

4. Backing of edging with concrete – the block paving or kerb border will be lay in wet mortar or concrete and may need to be haunched with it also.

5. Application of membrane for killing weed and stabilising weight – in some circumstances we may utilise a membrane under the tarmac.

6. Layering of crushed foundation – we install a layer of crushed hardcore to form the sub base.

7. Adjustment of iron processes

8. Application of tarmac binder and surface course

9. Rolling of the area with the machine

10. Sealing of joints

What are the types/mixture formulations of asphalt?

Many manufacturers offer their own brand mixtures but will have similar characteristics as those below.

Below, there are the most well-known methods of asphalt and aggregate mixtures.

1. Hot-Mix Asphalt Concrete (HMA): commonly used on high traffic highways, racetracks and airfields

2. Warm-Mix Asphalt Concrete (WMA): produced and applied at a temperature of 20-40 celsius degrees lower than the Hot Mix Asphalt. It is a sustainable solution for driveways and roadways

3. Cold-Mix Asphalt Concrete: it is an eco-friendly way of production, and the outcome of this method is a product suitable for less-trafficked driveways.

4. Cut-Back Asphalt Concrete: it is another product of cold mix formation that has started to be replaced by asphalt emulsion

5. Mastic Asphalt Concrete: this product is applicable for footpaths, floors, and roofs

6. High-Modulus Asphalt Concrete: it is ideal for medium and high for thanks to the fact that it contains higher portion mineral powder, it has a layer with a high modulus of elasticity, and the thickness of base can be reduced up to 25%

7. Reduced Emission Asphalt (REA): range of products that minimise the environmental footprint

8. Coloured Asphalt: ideal option for driveways, footpaths, parks, parking slots and public spaces.

9. Crack Resisting Polymer Modified Asphalt: thanks to its flexibility and durability, it is used for highly trafficked roads

With What Other Techniques Can A Tarmac Project Be Combined?

First and essential is the driveway apron, also known as an approach, between the kerb section of the road and the property line.

Usually, the driveway and the driveway apron are made to compliment or contrast with each other. However, you can still be creative and get a unique design that agrees with your aesthetic and the building codes.

It is also common to achieve a more impressive finished appearance and for practical reasons to combine different materials and paving techniques in your driveway or patio, roadway, etc.

For example, you can have a tarmac driveway, and an entrance area paved with porcelain, in the between of them a border of blocks, and unique edging design. Also, tarmac driveways can be a fantastic choice for a long driveway going through a large grass area.

The contrast between the light green colour of the grass and the dark colour of tarmac is eye-catching.

Many customers also like to add tarmac area to their gravel driveways.

This is often incorporated close to the house so there is a smooth surface to step out of the car onto, while the larger gravel area offers a softer look for bigger properties.