A tarmac driveway, like all other types of driveways, gets damaged and worn out over time. To ensure your drive’s longevity, you have to be diligent when it comes to its maintenance. A well-maintained tarmacadam driveway can last 15 to 20 years.
Proper and regular maintenance does not just keep your driveway pristine but also minimises your expenses. It allows you to detect problems before they become severe and more expensive to repair.
If you are unsure on how to keep it in excellent condition, here are some tips on how to maintain tarmac driveways in Dublin.
Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #1: Apply a Coat of Sealant
A good practical solution to maintain this type of driveway is to apply a coat of sealant regularly. It is recommended that you initially apply the sealant a year after it is installed. Then, a new coat should be applied every 1 to 2 years.
What’s the sealant for? It helps your driveway become resistant to damage caused by foreign elements like water, oil, fuel, other fluids, heat and ultraviolet rays. It does not only protect your driveway but also improves its aesthetics, making it look brand new.
During the winter months, the sealant helps snow and ice melt faster, thereby preventing any damage that can be caused by water and ice.
Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #2: Keep It Clean
One of the things that can shorten the service life of a tarmac driveway is standing water. While a sealant can make your driveway water resistant, it is still possible for some of the water to seep through.
With lower temperatures, this water will turn into ice and expand which will cause cracks on your driveway. Crevices may also appear due to plants or weeds growing through the small cracks.
So, you have to ensure that your driveway is always clean. Remove any standing water, as well as loose leaves, as these can cause water to pool. Clear out plants as soon as you see them through small cracks.
You also have to watch out for any oil or gasoline spillage on your driveway. These liquids can cause the most damage on your drive as they could cause the tarmac to soften and break down quickly.
You need to wash them quickly with an oil cleaner. You may also use baking soda or dishwashing liquid with water. Another alternative is a material that can soak it from the surface like sawdust or sand. For gasoline spillage, you can use water to wash it off.
Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #3: Watch Out for Damages
Another key to a long-lasting tarmac driveway is to keep a watchful eye on the early signs of damage, so you can address them immediately.
After the installation of the tarmac driveway, some people make the mistake of putting heavy items on it before it completely dries up and hardens. This can cause indentations on the surface where water can accumulate.
Similarly, the use of items like jacks, ladders and other heavy equipment or vehicles can cause the same type of indentation damage. This can happen even if the drive was used after the tarmac has already set.
How do you prevent these issues? You can place wooden planks or a sheet of plywood on the driveway first before putting the heavy item on top of it. This distributes the weight of the heavy item and prevents damage on the surface of your driveway.
Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #4: Get Professional Maintenance Services
Even if you religiously clean your driveway, it is best practice to ask professionals to deep clean it at least once a year. Cleaning companies have tools which can successfully remove stains and other stuff on your drive that can compromise its integrity.
It is also highly recommended that you let trusted driveway pavers fix damages on your tarmac drive. Letting professionals do the repair is all about ensuring that the problems are fixed properly.
Tarmac Driveways Dublin Tip #5: Keep It Cool on Hot Days
One of the things you have to know about tarmacadam drives is that they are sensitive to high temperatures. Exposure to heat can make the tarmac soft and prone to damage.
So, it is highly recommended to hose cool water over your tarmac driveway during hot summer days. Doing this helps the soften tarmac to harden again.
Need help keeping your tarmac driveway in tiptop condition? Contact New Style Driveways for top-notch installation, repair and cleaning of tarmac driveways in Dublin. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to request a quote!
