If you’ve decided to make the leap from a concrete or brick driveway to a tarred one, rest assured that you’re making a good investment. As you will see from our blog and our domestic driveways service offering, a tarred driveway has many benefits over other surfaces. Before you call us to get started, however, here are 5 important tips to bear in mind.
1. Choose the Right Time
Tar is most responsive to heat and is thus easiest to work with in warmer weather. The warmer the temperature, the longer the tar remains pliable and spreadable and that’s important to ensure that the job gets done well. The work team needs time to spread the tar over the space evenly. If they lack that time, either because the tar is hardening too quickly, or because inclement weather is forcing them to rush the job, then you may end up with bumps and cracks in your driveway. It depends where you live but, as a rule of thumb, tar only in the spring or summer months, in dry conditions.
2. Ensure a Clean Surface Before You Start
Before you get started laying the driveway, it is very important to ensure that the surface is swept and brushed as clear and clean as possible and that pebbles and other debris are removed. Clean away grease with a strong detergent too. All this is to ensure that the tar adheres properly to the driveway.
3. Repair Existing Cracks and Holes
If your existing driveway has cracks or holes, these will likely appear in the new tar surface as well. Avoid this by carefully repairing them. Fill holes with sand, stones or caulk and make sure they are packed tightly and smoothed over.
4. Consider the Long Term
When considering a tarred driveway, however, do think about the aesthetics and resale of your property. How will tar look in your yard? Will you need to make some adjustments to the lawn, flower beds and fringes surrounding your driveway? You should also frame your driveway with concrete edges to make them look neat and squared off. The choice to go with tar will be well worth it but you should consider that your driveway is part of a bigger picture and needs to blend into your property. Resale is all about perception.
5. Know all the Benefits
Finally, if you need more convincing, think about these factors that make tar a very desirable option for your new driveway. Firstly, it’s more flexible than concrete, which means it’s less prone to cracking. Secondly, it’s cheaper than concrete or bricks by a considerable margin. Thirdly, for you as a homeowner, it’s much easier to maintain. Fourthly, once it’s set, it’s less susceptible to changes in temperature than concrete.
That’s about all you need to know before you make the move to tar your driveway. If you’re ready to get going, contact us. We can assure you, you will not regret it.
