If you’re investing in a new driveway, it pays to do a bit of research first. Is it better to go for good, old-fashioned tarmac, or should you opt for the more modern epoxy resin look? There are a few factors that are worth considering:
Why Was Tarmac So Popular For Driveways?
Tarmac became a logical choice for driveways when it started being widely used for roads. It is quick to make, and easy to apply, creating a smooth surface for vehicles in as little as a day. Freshly applied tarmac is also reasonably smart, with its uniform black looking neat and tidy for the first couple of years. The dark colour of fresh tarmac also allows for striking contrasts with line markings, making it a popular material for multiple-vehicle parking areas.
This is all quite old-fashioned now. Modern epoxy resin driveways can have parking spaces and colour contrasts, and have the benefit that the colours are integrated. As such, line marks won’t chip or wear away as they do on tarmac.
Why Is Tarmac Becoming Less Popular?
Just like tarmac driveways, our tarmac roads are a crumbling mess of over 1 million potholes. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, cost-cutting measures mean the quality of tarmac has plummeted over the years. This is a critical problem, because tarmac is highly vulnerable to damage from both hot and cold weather. Tarmac’s melting point is 46oC, but due to the absorption of solar radiation the temperature of tarmac can soar to a staggering 60oC on a warm day, turning surfaces to sticky liquid. Other factors, such as engine oil, can disrupt the chemical balance of tar, resulting in holes, a gooey mess, or both.
The melting point problem is one of the main reasons that resin driveways are increasingly popular. Resin melts at around 120oC, and can be manufactured to withstand even higher temperatures.
Can Good Maintenance Keep a Tarmac Driveway Looking Smart?
Tarmac will fade, crack, and dent over time. This is due to the soft, malleable properties of the material, so no amount of care and investment can prevent it. Thankfully, excellent maintenance can stop cracks from turning into potholes, but the aesthetic result is a patchwork driveway. This is not necessarily a problem, but if you want your property to look smart, it’s best to just replace the whole driveway and swallow the cost.
Resin driveways can be seamlessly repaired, which can help keep the driveway looking smarter for longer, and keep expensive driveway replacements at bay.
Is Resin Better Than Tarmac?
If you’re wondering how much a resin driveway costs, it’s typically around the same as tarmac. However, resin is a more modern material that was designed to respond to some of the drawbacks of traditional tarmac. Epoxy resin is widely used in environments with extreme heat, and where durability and chemical resistance are key. The result is a resin flooring that has intense durability while maintaining its vibrant look over time. In many cases, this translates to a better long-term investment for a driveway.
Next Steps
If you’re wondering whether your home might be better with a tarmac or a resin driveway, why not ask an expert? Get in touch today to find out more.
