Rainy weather is a frequent occurrence in Wales. Overcast days and wet roads are the norm and frosty mornings are not unusual in the winter months. Hot weather in the summer can appear too. So the question is posed will a tarmac driveway be able to handle the Welsh weather?
A tarmac driveway can indeed cope with the Welsh weather if its prepared to the appropriate standard. we at swansea driveway lay tarmac drives all over South Wales throughout the year. Read on for everything you need to know about cost and maintenance.
What Effect Does Welsh Weather Have on a Driveway?
Water, frost and heat are the three main culprits that cause damage to a driveway.
Water will find its way into any crevice and can remain trapped on the surface and soak into the tarmac. This will invariably lead to the formation of ice when the temperature falls below freezing. Frost will cause expansion of the trapped water which in turn will exert pressure on the tarmac until cracks form or the surface is pitted. Heat can also be a culprit. Too much exposure can lead to a distortion of cheaper tarmacs.
Wales tends to see more of the first two and a visit to the Met Office website will provide the information on the local weather patterns. Bridgend being on the coast experiences relatively warm winters but also sees an ample amount of rainfall. So your driveway is going to need to be prepared to handle these conditions.
Why is Tarmac Particularly Resilient to Rain and Frost in Wales?
Tarmac is manufacture by aggregate and a binding agent called bitumen. The binding agent ensures that the tarmac binds together but also gives it flexibility. This flexibility is a great attribute as it allows the tarmac to flex rather than crack in cold wintry conditions.
Tarmac driveways are also simple to repair. Any cracks or depressions can quickly and cheaply be repaired. A skilled professional will be able to fill any imperfections and re-profile the surface with specialist equipment. The repair should be completed in just a matter of hours and will be significantly cheaper than laying a new tarmac driveway.
Tarmac also provides excellent grip in wet conditions. Its slightly uneven surface provides a secure surface for both pedestrians and vehicles. It is also safer than some other surfaces.
Tarmac Driveway Cost in Bridgend
Cost is always an important consideration and we’ve included some helpful information below to help you understand the approximate cost of a tarmac driveway in the Bridgend area.
A tarmac driveway in South Wales costs anywhere between £45 and £75 per square metre. For a standard size single car driveway, the cost would be anything between £1,500 and £2,500. A larger three car driveway would start to exceed £5,000. The exact price can vary depending on a number of factors so a quote should always be sought.
The following factors are likely to affect the price:
• The size of the driveway
• Ground conditions
• The removal of any existing surface
• The access to the worksite
• Any additional works that may be required
Correct specification for local weather conditions can also have a bearing on the final cost. A higher standard of preparation will incur a higher cost but should provide additional benefits such as increased surface longevity. Cheap workmanship that doesn’t consider local ground conditions is likely to lead to an unsatisfactory result after only a few years.
How is a Tarmac Driveway Prepared to Handle Wet and Icy Conditions?
Any reputable contractor will have undertaken a number of specialist preparations prior to laying a tarmac driveway.
In order of construction, these should include:
1. Excavation
2. Base build
3. Edging
4. Tarmac laying
5. Setting time
Excavation is the initial step where the existing surface is removed and the sub grade is dug out to a specified depth. Typically a depth between 150mm and 250mm is dug out. In wet areas it may be necessary to dig out more soil.
The laying of a tarmac driveway should only be done on a dry day and not on frozen ground. A competent contractor will always take into account the weather when laying a driveway.Once laid this will provide better drainage and prevent the ground becoming water logged.
The third step is the laying of kerbs or edging. This serves to hold the edges of the tarmac in place and to provide additional strength. This is especially important as most erosion and damage to a driveway starts at the edges.
The laying of the tarmac follows next. A layer of coarse tarmac is laid and then a fine layer is added on top. Both layers are then compacted or rolled while hot.
The final stage is the setting time. The driveway needs to be left undisturbed for a day or two before it is used.
The laying of a tarmac driveway should only be completed on a dry day and never on frozen ground. A competent contractor will always consider the weather when laying a driveway. They will avoid laying a driveway when any rain is expected or when the ground is frozen.
How Long Will a Tarmac Driveway Last in Wales?
A tarmac driveway should last anywhere between 15 and 25 years. Weather in Wales should not affect the lifespan if the driveway has been constructed correctly. It is important to utilise a correctly prepared base when building a driveway. The sub-base is vital as it prevents the tarmac from becoming water logged. A good quality sub-base made up of the correct depth and type of aggregate will ensure that the tarmac remains compacted and stable.
Poorly constructed driveways will fail prematurely. Thin tarmac and an incorrectly prepared sub base will crack and erode more easily and water will penetrate the surface with greater ease. This will lead to a shorter lifespan. That is why it is important to always seek a contractor that prepares a driveway to the correct standard.
Drainage Is the Key to Withstanding Wet Weather
Drainage is the most important consideration for a driveway in a wet climate. It is essential to ensure that the surface water has somewhere to go or it will lead to problems with your driveway.
Driveways should be laid with a fall or gradient to enable the surface water to run off the driveway. Water should run off the driveway and into either a garden or lawn or into a soakaway. Drains can also be built at the base of the driveway to remove the water from the surface.
There are other considerations regarding drainage. A front garden driveway larger than 5 square metres may require planning permission if its fall runs into the road. The government provides good advice on permeable front gardens. If you are looking to install a front garden driveway with a lowered kerb then you should speak to Bridgend County Borough Council for more information.
Keeping Your Driveway in Good Condition Across All Seasons
A tarmac driveway is relatively simple to maintain. A few simple tasks can ensure a long lifespan and a good appearance.
In the spring, clear away any debris that has accumulated over the winter. Any cracks that have formed should be repaired. As the tarmac is warmed up through the spring and summer months it will expand. This expansion will cause additional cracks. It is important these are repaired.
In the summer period vehicles should be kept off the tarmac driveway on hot days in order to avoid marking.
In the autumn clear debris such as leaves from the driveway. Wet leaves can become trapped on the tarmac leading to staining. Any plants or weeds should also be removed.
In the winter, snow should be removed using a plastic shovel. Metal shovels can scratch the surface of your driveway. Where you have icy conditions, sand or grit should be used on the surface. Avoid using harsh salt as it will erode the surface.
Spillage of oil should be cleaned off as soon as possible to avoid staining the tarmac.
Design Ideas to Suit Wet Weather
Tarmac driveways are often thought of as utilitarian and black. That is no longer the case. There are a variety of ways to enhance the appearance of your driveway while ensuring its integrity in the wet Welsh weather.
Tarmac driveways can be bordered with bricks or block paving. A block paved edge gives the driveway a clean finish while providing additional protection against damage. It is also possible to incorporate a curve into the design of your driveway.
Coloured tarmac is also an option with a variety of colours such as red, green, and buff available. Green can be a particularly good choice if you have a green garden as it provides a cohesive look. It is possible to use different materials in the construction of your driveway. A tarmac centre with stone on the edge can provide a stylish contrast without breaking the bank.
Small solar powered lights can be used to provide gentle illumination. Plants can also be incorporated into the design of a tarmac driveway to provide a soft edge to the driveway that also helps to soak up any surface water.
Tarmac or Resin Bound Driveways for Wet Weather?
Resin driveways are the alternative to tarmac driveways. Our team at Swansea Driveways specialises in laying resin driveways in Bridgend. We also provide resin bound driveways in Llanelli and resin driveways in Carmarthen.
Resin is a mixture of aggregate and binder. The binder allows for excellent drainage as the water is able to pass straight through the surface. This makes it an excellent option for wet areas. Resin drives can also provide an excellent range of colours.
Below is a comparison chart between tarmac driveways and resin driveways.
Cost Drainage Speed Appearance Lifespan Tarmac Driveway Cheap Good Fast Traditional Long lasting Resin Driveway Expensive Excellent Slow Modern Very long lasting
If you’re looking for the best value option, then a tarmac driveway is a far superior choice. If you’re looking for the best drainage then a resin driveway is the option for you. Many homeowners choose both tarmac driveways and resin bound driveways. They tend to utilise tarmac driveways for the larger driveway and use a resin driveway for the smaller paths and patios.
Planning the Entire Garden
A new driveway is a great opportunity to plan the entire garden layout. Many landscapers in Llanelli and across Wales provide a complete service for paths, patios, and fences in one visit. This saves time and money as well as ensuring a seamless design throughout your outdoor space. Check out our page for Driveways Llanelli to see what we offer.
How to Choose the Right Tarmac Driveway Contractor?
Having covered the importance of the materials used it’s time to look at selecting a reputable contractor.
Ask to see examples of finished jobs. Reputable contractors will be confident of their workmanship.
Read reviews to get an independent opinion on the standard of a contractor.
Request three quotes and compare them.
Ask to see a public liability certificate to protect yourself against any claims.
Ask how they are going to deal with drainage.
Request a written quote that will outline the products, the depth of material and the timeframe for completion.
Avoid any contractor that turns up unannounced and tries to sell you a service on the day.
Final Thoughts
So, the perfect tarmac driveway in the Welsh weather? Let’s just say that tarmac driveways are a great option for the Welsh weather.
Tarmac is more flexible, which provides resilience against frost. It is also resistant to water and provides excellent grip in wet weather. Tarmac driveways can be repaired easily and are relatively affordable to install.
The most important element of a good driveway is to work with a reputable contractor that will lay a driveway to the correct specification. Planning the drainage and the ongoing maintenance should be a top priority to achieve maximum longevity.A well constructed tarmac driveway built with a correctly prepared base and a good fall will provide excellent results.
Contact
Name: Swansea Driveways
Phone: 07836 267 418
Email: info@swanseadriveways.com
Areas: Swansea and Surrounding Areas
