Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac Driveways in North Yorkshire

We install new tarmac driveways across North Yorkshire. Every job is properly prepared, properly drained and built to last. Whether you are replacing an old gravel drive, resurfacing a tired tarmac drive, or paving a new property, we handle the full job from excavation to finished surface.

What We Do

A good tarmac driveway is mostly invisible work. The quality of the sub-base, the drainage, the edging and the compaction all matter more than the surface course you can see. We take the time to get these right, because a driveway that has been built properly will last decades, while one that has been rushed will fail in a few winters.

  • Free, no-obligation site visit and written quote
  • Proper sub-base preparation and drainage planning included
  • Quality bitumen-bound asphalt, compacted hot for a lasting finish
  • Edging and kerbing installed where needed
  • Site cleared and waste removed at the end of every job
  • Workmanship guarantee on every driveway we install

Our Process

How a typical job runs from first contact to finished surface.

  1. Site visit and quote

    We visit the site, look at the existing surface, check ground conditions and access, and put together a written, itemised quote. The visit is free and no-obligation.

  2. Excavation and sub-base

    We excavate to the right depth for the use of the driveway, removing the old surface and any soft material. We then lay and compact a proper sub-base. This is the foundation that determines how long the surface will last.

  3. Edging and drainage

    We install kerbs or edging where needed, and plan drainage so that water runs off the surface to where it belongs. Standing water is the single biggest cause of premature failure on tarmac drives.

  4. Binder course

    We lay a binder course of dense asphalt to provide structural strength under the surface course. This is compacted hot to lock the aggregate together.

  5. Surface course

    We lay the finished surface course, the layer you see and drive on, and compact it to a smooth, even finish. The colour and texture depend on the mix specified.

  6. Clean down and handover

    We clean the site, remove all waste, and walk you through the finished job. We will give you guidance on when you can drive on it and how to look after it.

Materials and Options

Tarmac driveways come in several specifications, and the right one depends on how the drive will be used. A residential drive that takes one or two cars has different needs to a long rural drive that has to support oil tankers or agricultural vehicles. We will spec the build-up correctly for your situation.

Standard finishes are dense bitumen-bound asphalt in black. Coloured tarmac (red, green) is available at extra cost. Stone-aggregate finishes (resin-bound, tar-and-chip) are different products with different properties. We are happy to discuss whether they might suit your job better than standard tarmac.

Looking After Your Surface

A properly installed tarmac driveway needs very little day-to-day maintenance. Sweep it regularly to remove leaves and debris that hold moisture. Treat oil and fuel spills quickly, because they can soften the bitumen binder. Avoid sharp turns from stationary on hot days, and avoid dragging heavy point loads (skip corners, ladder feet) across the surface.

Hairline cracks can appear over time as the surface ages. Small cracks can be sealed quickly and cheaply; large or growing cracks indicate something has gone wrong below the surface and should be looked at properly.

Photos from completed jobs.

Get a Free Quote

Get a free, no-obligation quote for any tarmac driveways work in North Yorkshire. We visit the site before quoting and respond within one working day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a tarmac driveway last?

A properly installed tarmac driveway, with the right sub-base and edging, will typically last 15 to 20 years or more before needing significant work. The biggest factors are the quality of the sub-base, drainage, and how it is maintained.

Do I need planning permission for a tarmac driveway?

In most cases, no. But there are exceptions. If your driveway is over 5 square metres and the surface does not allow water to drain through it, you may need planning permission unless rainwater is directed to a permeable area on your property. We can talk you through this when we visit, but for definitive advice you should check with your local planning authority.

Can I tarmac over an existing driveway?

Sometimes. If the existing surface is sound, level and properly drained, an overlay may be possible and will save cost. If the existing surface is broken, sunken or has drainage problems, an overlay will not last and a full excavation and rebuild is the better option. We will tell you honestly which is right for your site.

What is the difference between tarmac and asphalt?

In everyday UK use the words are often used interchangeably. Strictly, 'tarmac' originally referred to a surface bound with tar, while modern surfaces use bitumen, technically called asphalt, but the trade still calls it tarmac. The product we install is a bitumen-bound asphalt mix.

How soon can I drive on a new tarmac driveway?

You can usually drive on a new tarmac driveway within 24 to 48 hours of installation, but we recommend avoiding heavy vehicles or sharp turns for the first week or so while the surface fully cures. We will give you specific guidance for your job.

What does a tarmac driveway cost?

Costs vary widely depending on the size of the area, the existing surface, ground conditions, edging requirements and access. We do not give over-the-phone estimates because they are rarely accurate. We visit the site, look at the job and give you a written quote. The visit and quote are free.

Areas We Cover

Click your nearest town for area-specific information.

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  • Written, itemised quote every time
  • Response within one working day

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