Asphalt is a popular material used to surface roads, carparks and driveways throughout the UK due to the ease of installation, cost effectiveness and durability.
Originally, Tarmac (a brand name derivative of asphalt) was used commercially in roads and highways and today in the UK over 90% of roads, paths and driveways are surfaced in asphalt. Asphalt should last up to 20 years if specified and installed properly.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is essentially a combination of aggregate (crushed rock and/or sand) and bitumen which is derived from crude oil. It often incorporates other substances to improve its performance, such as fibres, wax, polymers and pigments. Asphalt is commonly used in the construction of roads, pathways, car parks, driveways and play areas. Typically, asphalt is black, but it also available in other colours, often popular in the residential market.
Many customers ask us what the difference between asphalt and Tarmac is and are surprised to learn that Tarmac is a trademark name that has slipped into common usage and is actually composed of asphalt concrete. Bitmac uses bitumen as a binding agent instead of tar but they are essentially the same thing.
There are many benefits of using asphalt over other surface materials:
- Asphalt is flexible, strong and durable – it’s much more flexible than concrete, and therefore much less prone to cracking.
- Asphalt is comparatively less expensive than other popular surfacing materials.
- It sets quickly, so takes less time overall to install. You can drive on it within 24 hours.
- It can be easily maintained and repaired. In fact, asphalt will look as good in 10 years as the day it was laid, unlike mono block and gravel.
- It is suitable for driveways of any shape and size. The larger the surface area of your driveway, the more cost-effective the material is.
- Available in a range of colours enabling you to blend your driveway in with its surroundings; complementing brick colour, outbuildings and property finishes.
Roadlay only supplies asphalts in accordance with BS EN 13108 shall be CE marked and will be laid in accordance with BS 594987 and our company’s Quality Management System. Roadlay only supplies asphalts in accordance with BS EN 13108 shall be CE marked and will be laid in accordance with BS 594987 and our company’s Quality Management System.
Asphalt & Tarmac driveways
We have seen increasing demand for asphalt (tarmac) driveways from our residential clients in Glasgow due to its low cost, sustainability, longevity, low maintenance and ease of repair. Another factor is the wide range of colours and finishes which are now available. If the appearance of your project is your priority, a resin-bound surface could be a great option for you. They are suitable for any driveway, patio or path and you could talk to us about incorporating asphalt with a resin bound surface along with other types of materials such as block paving or installing a new garage base into the one project. This can allow for a beautiful, bespoke, fast installed design.
If you’re looking for a highly reputable local, Glasgow based company to create a surface with a difference, contact us at Roadlay, your surfacing specialist.
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