What to do with a bad tarmac job?

Question

I fear my father has just got a bad job done by a group of chancers. So be it, it is now done, but I am wondering what I could do it to ensure it lasts a bit longer than I expect it will. Can I coat it with something? it does look a bit course, how do I make it shiney?

Any help greatly appreciated,
Mike

Answer 1

yep, you can seal coat it. It's basically just liquid(or somewhat liquid) tar that you brush or roll on. You'll have to do this almost every year to keep it looking as good as possible, and last as long as possible. And, as the years go on, you'll have to fill any cracks with some sort of compound, as well as seal coating it. Things to help also are to refrain from driving over the edge of it onto the lawn(this tends to break the edge off) and, if you live in a climate with snow- to avoid using salt on it if at all possible. The salt causes snow to melt(at below freezing temps), and water to get in the little voids between the rocks and eventually freeze, popping the rocks out and making it look like crap. Sadly enough, the thing that's most important is the prep work- if that wasn't done right, then the end result doesn't have a prayer. If the company didn't properly get the dirt below the tar compacted, then as that dirt settles it'll cause pot holes, divits, and cracks. There's no fix to that, aside from tearing it all out and starting over. I hope that's not the case in your father's driveway. If you ever consider doing it again- look at concrete- it's more expensive, sure, but in the long run once you've done it, it's done. No more maintenance. No more seal coat. No more worries. And asphalt only has a lifespan of about 10-15 years. Concrete can hang around for a hundred (if it's a good reputable company that put it in). So actually, concrete is cheaper in the long run.

Answer 2

Normally a cowboy tarmac job is a very thin coat of tarmac with no base.You can improve it by putting a thicker coat on top.BUT,otherwise just wait till it goes to pot and relay it properly,some of these fast rubbish jobs can last years before they crack up and subside.It should have been dug out and a crushed stone or white stone foundation laid about 6 inches in depth before the tarmac was applied on top.

Answer 3

If its a bad job you can guarantee its a bad job from stage one, cowboys never do any of the job right especially the foundations. It's sad but you'll have to bite the bullet and start again, use a reputable company and go and see other jobs they have completed (make sure the owners are in and they're not just showing you any old job that someone else has done).

P.S. If they seem dodgy they probably are, good luck !

Answer 4

You could be putting good money after bad, trying to add anything, if the first layer is also wrong, then whatever is put on top will crack and break up eventually under any pressure or ground sinking. I would get a reputable company in to take a look and give you advice on if you can add something or if it would work out cheaper to have the whole lot ripped up and relayed.

Answer 5

Afraid your dad will be stuck with tinkers bad fraud.
best get a proper contractors in who will give you an estimate for the job and a genuine guarantee for all materials
and work done.Nothing you do will put or make better
what as been put down on your fathers property so
dont spend good money after bad.
Penny Foolish Pound Wise.

Answer 6

Being president of Syria while HMG blows hot and cold over weather to arm El Quaida to destroy any sign of confessional tolerance in Syria (or anwhere else in Islam) and replace your government with an intolerant Sunni theocracy. It is going to be a long hot summer..

Answer 7

Hi,you could try putting another layer of tarmac over it.Good Luck

Answer 8

you ain't gonna like this

but the best thing is to rip it up and start again

the problem with these jobs is that the basic foundation that it is laid on is wrong , so it will never be right no matter how much you try and rectify it

all the best
Ian

Answer 9

get a top coat ..this can be applied on top of existing providing it is sound and clean