Having a driveway added to your home can bring plenty of advantages from improved functionality and aesthetic value to potentially increasing the value of your home.
Among the various types of driveways available include that of a tarmac drive. In this blog, we’ll discuss the cost, features and pros & cons of this option. Let’s dive in!
Pros and Cons of a Tarmac Driveway
There are a range of advantages and disadvantages to this type of driveway. By exploring some of the most common pros and cons, this can help you make an informed decision when determining whether having your driveway tarmaced is right for you!
Pros:
• A tarmac driveway is a particularly durable option
• Tarmac driveways often last a long time
• Installation generally takes just one to two days*
• Tarmac is cost-effective and relatively inexpensive
• This is a very weather-resistant choice
*You’ll still need to wait several more days (generally a week or so - depending on what is recommended by the driveway installation service) before parking cars on it.
Cons:
• UV light damage can occur over time
• Tarmac drives are susceptible to being damaged by automotive oils (e.g. petrol and diesel)
• Tarmac drives are prone to developing issues with weeds
• Moss and algae can also pose issues
Getting the Right Tarmac Driveway for You
Assuming you feel confident in going for a tarmac driveway, you’ll still want to carefully consider what colour and design is right for you and your property.
Among the most popular colours available include:
• Grey
• Red
• Green
• Blue
However, many other options are available in general. Of course, you’ll want to ensure that the contractor/company you opt for offers the design and colour you’d prefer.
If unsure as to what design/colour to opt for (or even whether to go with a tarmac drive in the first place), you can always chat with a driveway installation service to talk things through and weigh up your options.
It is ultimately important to consider your options carefully since a driveway, tarmac or otherwise, is a significant investment and you’ll likely be keeping it for 15-20 years or even more until having it replaced.
Of course, how long it will actually last will depend on factors such as how well it is maintained and whether you decide to have it replaced sooner than when it is technically beyond economical repair.
New Tarmac Driveway Pricing
Tarmacing a driveway costs approximately £1,000 to £3,500 on average. This price range covers some of the most common tarmac driveway surface areas, although an especially small drive can cost under £1,000. On the other hand, opting for a 50 square metre tarmac drive could cost up to £6,000 or more.
Along with the size of the tarmac drive in question, other key cost factors can include the design, colour, difficulty of the installation, and the price of labour. As for the cost of labour, this is generally above the UK average in the English southeast but below average in regions including northern England and Scotland.
Finding the Right Tarmac Driveway Service Near You
Last but not least, you’ll want to set aside sufficient time for finding the right person or company for the job.
We recommend securing 3+ quotes from tarmac driveway installers in your area. Once you’ve received these quotes, weigh up the pros and cons of each by looking at details such as their pricing and previous experience. This way you can make an informed decision in trying to decide which service offers the best value for money and is right for you.
Sources:
https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/costs/tarmacing-driveway
https://idream-solutions.co.uk/news/tarmac-driveways-pros-cons/
https://newstyledriveways.com/tarmac-driveways-the-advantages-and-disadvantages/
https://daressurfacing.co.uk/2023/03/15/how-long-do-tarmac-driveways-last/#:~:text=The%20lifespan%20of%20tarmac%20driveways,to%2020%20years%20or%20more.
https://marstellaroilconcrete.com/blog/long-concrete-driveway-last/#:~:text=The%20average%20life%20of%20your,wear%20and%20tear%20each%20season.