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Tarmac concerns
Thinking about having a Tarmac drive at my house. Worried about the durability, would/should the Tarmac be impermeable or is tarmac for domestic residence of different quality. Would I need to ask for anything specific? If the tarmac is permeable is it susceptible to cracking?
Expert Trade Answers
"Hello Lara tarmac is very durable if done correctly and should not crack and I have recently done some you just need to make sure the prep work is correct and enough tarmac base is down"
Answered on 8th May 2025 - Member since Mar 2021 -
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"Pay for what you get I Go for the best tarmac and put a good hardcore base down"
Answered on 9th May 2025 - Member since Jun 2023 -
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"Hi Lara,
Tarmac is a good choice for a driveway if it’s laid properly. For homes, it’s usually impermeable, meaning water won’t soak through — so drainage (like a slight slope or channels) is important.
There is a permeable version of tarmac, but it’s not very common for domestic driveways. It can clog up over time and may not last as long unless maintained well.
To get the best result, make sure to ask for:
• A solid sub-base (like compacted MOT Type 1)
• Two layers of tarmac (base and top)
• Proper drainage
• Edge restraints to stop crumbling
Cracks usually happen when the base isn’t strong or drainage is poor — not just from the tarmac type."
Tarmac is a good choice for a driveway if it’s laid properly. For homes, it’s usually impermeable, meaning water won’t soak through — so drainage (like a slight slope or channels) is important.
There is a permeable version of tarmac, but it’s not very common for domestic driveways. It can clog up over time and may not last as long unless maintained well.
To get the best result, make sure to ask for:
• A solid sub-base (like compacted MOT Type 1)
• Two layers of tarmac (base and top)
• Proper drainage
• Edge restraints to stop crumbling
Cracks usually happen when the base isn’t strong or drainage is poor — not just from the tarmac type."
Answered on 8th May 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 -
report
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