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Tarmac driveways in Crawley
The budget friendly hard surface, quick to lay on larger drives.
Tarmac is hot asphalt laid over a compacted stone base and rolled smooth. It is the lowest cost hard surface and quick to lay, so it suits long or wide drives on bigger plots in places like Pound Hill.
Drainage
Tarmac is not permeable. The drive should fall to a channel at the boundary that takes water to a soakaway or approved outlet, never onto the pavement.
Watch out for
- Doorstep offers of cheap "leftover" tarmac, a common scam
- Thin layers over a weak base, which crack within a few years on clay
- Soft spots in hot weather if the tarmac is too thin
Rough cost
| Per m², supplied and laid | £45 to £80 |
|---|---|
| Time on site | 1 to 3 days |
Breaking out, drainage and a dropped kerb are extra. See the cost guide.
Common questions
Why has my old tarmac drive gone bumpy?
Usually a thin layer over a weak base, made worse by clay movement and tree roots.
Is red tarmac more expensive?
A little, as coloured material costs more, but it can lift the look of a long drive.