Being one of Scotland’s premier road surfacing and civil engineering contractors it will come as no surprise that we can offer expert tarmac driveway installations. From construction or extension of a brand new driveway, repair and re-surfacing of a worn existing driveway, to the excavation and replacement of an old unwanted Monoblock surface, Roadlay has it covered. Working as a commercial civil engineering contractor we provide highly qualified operatives and tools, such as cable avoidance tools and signal generators to accurately locate all underground services during our excavation works, to prevent any costly disruptions, and to maintain the safety of our workforce. All our heights and set with laser technology, guaranteeing and even surface, which is essential to avoid water puddling, and enabling us to construct accurate falls for surface water to reach appropriate drainage.
On survey of your property, we will also inspect your current drainage, and establish whether you require additional any additional drainage installed as part of your renovation. We can also replace and repair any iron work, such as man holes and water toby boxes, for the most aesthetically pleasing finish
What is Tarmac?
The correct term for tarmac is actually Asphalt, and 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.
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.
Asphalt is the most used material 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) is 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.
There are many benefits of using asphalt over other surface materials:
- Asphalt is flexible, strong and durable – it’s more flexible than concrete, and therefore 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 areas of any shape and size. The larger the surface area, the more cost-effective the material is.
- It can be manufactured as a “porous” material, allowing the surface to self-drain into the natural ground
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.
Permanent Red Asphalt
At Roadlay we offer the only permanent red Asphalt using the vibrant red Cloburn Stone together with high performance red pigment to sustain an exceedingly durable, everlasting, and deeply attractive red asphalt.
Talk to us about whether a permanent red asphalt would be suitable for your project and book a no-obligation consultation.
