Tarmac is a durable, practical and low maintenance solution...

THERE are many benefits to laying a tarmac drive, most of which are apparent at this time of year given the wet conditions. One of the main reasons why people in Ireland have a tarmac drive is because it is clean, practical and sturdy. It’s also a good solution for problem areas around homes and buildings where a muddy underfoot can be an absolute nightmare for carpets and wood floors. Having a tarmac drive negates this problem from the outset.

Tarmac is also extremely handy and can be laid over a majority of pre-existing surfaces. Instillation is also low which minimises time and labour to the consumer’s advantage. It’s equally a low cost, easy solution for problem areas that are an eyesore around property. It can also sustain heavy traffic and footfall in a way that grass or gravel drives cannot. Tarmac is also a great solution around patio areas giving a clean, smooth and lasting finish.

Some of the advantages tarmac has over other forms of underfoot is low maintenance. A stone or pebble driveway can look patchy and jaded over time and is prey to weeds that become an utter nuisance. Even cobbled stone paving and driveways get dislodged over time and need repair. However, with tarmac, if it does become dented or worn, it’s just a case of hiring a professional installer who will add another layer and roll through.

Tarmac is also a great commercial solution as it can be used to cover pathways around buildings, sports clubs, and smaller scale office car parks. Some installers do different tarmac colours such as dark purple or low-tone yellow. This makes for a slightly more attractive finish, but a well-kept black tarmac drive has its own distinct feel of uniformity and practicality to it.

Lastly, be sure to talk to your installer about drainage. Tarmac needs to be laid in a way that incorporates the natural fall of the land. This is because excess rainwater needs to be carried away from the property to drains and gullies. A good installer will assess this on site straight way, but as the property owner you are best placed to know exactly which parts of the driveway or garden gathers most water. It’s important to assess and discuss this aspect of installation as you don’t want water ponding in spots.

Kerry Tarmacadam Listowel is one such company who provide an unlimited countywide service in paving, asphalt, imprint driveways, walls/wheelchair ramps, all types of landscaping, tarmac repairs and power washing.