Does Weather Impact Your Tarmac Driveway? Tips for Extreme Climates

Tarmac driveways are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability and sleek appearance. However, like all outdoor surfaces, tarmac is subject to the effects of weather, and extreme conditions can impact its longevity and performance. At Arbury Driveways, we’ve installed and maintained tarmac driveways throughout Arbury, Cambridgeshire, and understand how the local climate can affect them. In this blog post, we’ll explore how weather impacts your tarmac driveway and offer tips for maintaining it in extreme climates.

1. Impact of Heat on Tarmac Driveways

During hot weather, particularly in summer, tarmac can soften and become more pliable. While this flexibility is generally beneficial, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause the surface to soften too much, potentially leading to indentations from heavy vehicles.

Tips for Managing Heat Impact:

• Avoid parking in the same spot: If possible, rotate where you park your car to prevent any one area from becoming too soft under the weight of the vehicle.
• Water the driveway: In cases of intense heat, lightly spraying water over the surface can help cool it down and maintain its integrity.

2. Effects of Cold and Freezing Temperatures

Cold weather and freezing temperatures can have a significant impact on tarmac driveways. The freeze-thaw cycle, in which water seeps into the surface, freezes, and then expands, can lead to cracks in the tarmac.

Tips for Winter Weather:

• Seal cracks early: If small cracks appear, have them sealed as soon as possible to prevent water from entering and freezing.
• Use salt sparingly: De-icing salts can be used on tarmac driveways, but overuse can cause damage. Opt for gentler methods, like using a sand-based grit to provide traction without eroding the surface.

3. Heavy Rain and Water Drainage Issues

Tarmac is water-resistant, but heavy and consistent rainfall can cause issues if proper drainage is not in place. Water pooling on the surface can lead to the formation of potholes and eventual structural weakening.

Tips for Managing Heavy Rain:

• Check for drainage issues: Ensure that your driveway has proper drainage channels to divert rainwater. Without these, water can accumulate and seep into the tarmac.
• Reapply sealant: Regularly applying a protective sealant will help maintain the water resistance of your tarmac driveway, keeping it resilient against heavy rainfall.

4. Frost Heave and Freezing Conditions

In areas that experience severe freezing conditions, frost heave can occur. This is when the ground beneath the tarmac expands due to frozen moisture, potentially causing the surface to crack or rise.

Tips for Frost Prevention:

• Proper installation: Ensure that your tarmac driveway is installed with a solid base that is designed to withstand frost heave. A properly installed base will help prevent movement during freezing conditions.
• Inspect regularly: After the winter season, inspect your driveway for any signs of frost heave or damage. Prompt repairs will prevent further deterioration.

5. UV Damage and Fading

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause tarmac to fade over time, leading to a dull and weathered appearance. Although this doesn’t usually affect the driveway’s performance, it can reduce its aesthetic appeal.

Tips for Managing UV Exposure:

• Reapply sealant: Applying a UV-resistant sealant can help protect the tarmac from fading and maintain its dark colour for longer.
• Consider shading: If possible, use natural or artificial shading to reduce the driveway’s direct exposure to the sun.

Conclusion

Extreme weather conditions can impact your tarmac driveway, but with the right preventative measures and maintenance, you can ensure its longevity and performance. At Arbury Driveways, we offer expert tarmac installation and maintenance services to help homeowners in Arbury, Cambridgeshire, protect their driveways from the effects of the weather. If you need assistance with maintaining your tarmac driveway or would like to schedule an inspection, contact us today for professional advice and service.

Call us on: 01223 857 079
Click here to find out more about Arbury Driveways
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your driveway.