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Concrete vs Tarmac Driveways
By admin | Uncategorized
Interested in a new concrete or tarmac drive?
At Bristol Driveway Services concrete and tarmac installations are two of the leading inquiries we receive. Many of our clients request a quote for both and a breakdown of pros and cons of these materials. This article will briefly summarize:
Cost
Durability
Aesthetics
Maintenance
In a time of inflation and as materials fluctuate in value, we’ll avoid offering hard figures. In simple terms, short-term tarmac is the most economical option.
Long-term? A concrete driveway may be your best choice.
The upfront costs of installing a tarmac drive are generally cheaper. Key aggregates, including bitumen, are more affordable and the installation process is less time intensive. However, tarmac can require more maintenance and resealing.
While concrete has a bigger initial outlay this cost is offset by lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan. We’ll expand on this below.
As a conservative measure, a tarmac drive has a lifespan of over 15 years. Meanwhile, concrete can endure for over 25 years.
The lifespan of a drive can depend on various factors. These include the climate, good maintenance and traffic conditions.
It’s thought a motorway is resurfaced every 5-7 years. Just as the burden of traffic and heavy loads on the M5 or around Cribbs Causeway will reduce the lifespan of roads, a residential drive will too.
Both concrete and tarmac have their own unique appeal.
Pattern imprinted concrete allows a drive to be customized with unique patterns and colours including tile, stone and cobbles. On the other hand, tarmac is sleek, smooth and uniform. It adds a clean finish to any property. View our gallery for more options.
While we offer an afforable drive care and cleaning service, ease of maintenance is a principle concern among our clients. Which surface is easier to maintain?
Both tarmac and concrete are easy to maintain. Tarmac tends to require more maintenance such as resealing and filling in potholes and cracks. This surface may also be more vulnerable to oil spills and require on the spot cleaning to prevent staining.
Our team have been executing driveway contracts in Bristol and Gloucestershire for over two decades. We’ll help you navigate the pros and cons of every driveway material and paving stone on the market. Contact us with your questions or in person estimate.