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New Tarmac driveway
What is the recommended thickness for hard core base; base bonding layer of tarmac and wearing layer of tarmac.? How the new driveway is sealed?
Also what is recommended thickness of wearing layer when resurfacing an existing tarmac drive way. What are the steps for resurfacing? Any guidance will be very much appreciated. Thank you
Expert Trade Answers
"For a residential tarmac driveway in Hull, aim for a 100-150mm hardcore base (type 1), a 50-80mm binder course, and a 20-40mm wearing course. Sealing is done with a specialized driveway sealer after the tarmac has fully cured.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Hardcore Base (Sub-base):
Recommended Thickness: 100-150mm (4-6 inches).Material: Type 1 hardcore (well-compacted, crushed rock).Purpose: Provides a stable, well-draining foundation for the tarmac.Compaction: Ensure the hardcore is properly compacted in layers (e.g., 2 layers of 50-75mm each).
2. Binder Course (Base Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 50-80mm (2-3 inches).Material: 20mm binder course tarmacadam.Purpose: Provides a load-bearing layer for the wearing course.Compaction: Thoroughly rolled and compacted.
3. Wearing Course (Top Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 20-40mm (1-1.5 inches).Material: 6mm SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) or similar.Purpose: Provides a durable, smooth surface for vehicle traffic.Compaction: Machine rolled and compacted.
4. Driveway Sealing:
Purpose: Protects the tarmac from water damage, UV rays, and wear and tear.Timing: Apply after the tarmac has fully cured (allow 2-3 weeks).Sealer Type: Use a specialized driveway sealer designed for tarmac.Application: Apply evenly to the surface using a brush, roller, or sprayer.Frequency: Reapply every 2-3 years, or as needed, to maintain protection."
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Hardcore Base (Sub-base):
Recommended Thickness: 100-150mm (4-6 inches).Material: Type 1 hardcore (well-compacted, crushed rock).Purpose: Provides a stable, well-draining foundation for the tarmac.Compaction: Ensure the hardcore is properly compacted in layers (e.g., 2 layers of 50-75mm each).
2. Binder Course (Base Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 50-80mm (2-3 inches).Material: 20mm binder course tarmacadam.Purpose: Provides a load-bearing layer for the wearing course.Compaction: Thoroughly rolled and compacted.
3. Wearing Course (Top Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 20-40mm (1-1.5 inches).Material: 6mm SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) or similar.Purpose: Provides a durable, smooth surface for vehicle traffic.Compaction: Machine rolled and compacted.
4. Driveway Sealing:
Purpose: Protects the tarmac from water damage, UV rays, and wear and tear.Timing: Apply after the tarmac has fully cured (allow 2-3 weeks).Sealer Type: Use a specialized driveway sealer designed for tarmac.Application: Apply evenly to the surface using a brush, roller, or sprayer.Frequency: Reapply every 2-3 years, or as needed, to maintain protection."
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 -
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"150mm sub-base, 50mm base coat and 30 mm top coat for a residential driveway is adequate"
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 -
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"Depending on the ground around 300mm to 150mm of type 1.80mm base and 20 to 30mm wearing"
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since May 2020 -
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"5.0mm thickness minimum I wouldn’t do it any less as need to drive on it ect so I wouldn’t I wouldn’t reccoment that u do it any less"
Answered on 12th Apr 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 -
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