Tarmac vs Asphalt: What’s the difference?
To the outside world of road surfacing, tarmac, tar or tarmacadam and asphalt have a different name – but they are actually very similar.
What is the difference between Tarmac and Asphalt?
Tarmac
Tarmac and tar, which is short for tarmacadam, is a durable substance used for road surfacing. Tarmac is made when a layer of crushed stone or aggregate which is coated and mixed with tar.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a more modern variation of tar and is a sticky, black and highly thick liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum; the bitumen variety, which is a product of the oil industry. Tar is replaced by bitumen to offer Asphalt.
Here are the most common questions
Which product is more popular?
The differences really end above which gives both products the ability to provide a great surfacing result.
Where is Tarmac and Asphalt Used?
Both tarmac and asphalt products are widely used for roads (including highways, motorways, car parks, private roads, caravan parks etc.). They are also used on driveways and pavements. Both products are widely used for the corporate and domestic world.
What are the benefits of Tarmac and Asphalt?
Both products offer durability, longevity and ease of installation compared to other surfacing products such as Block Paving.
Which product is cheaper?
For smaller surfaces, asphalt is slightly more expensive than tarmac. However, it is also harder wearing, making it more resistant to various weather conditions which in the long run, makes the product more cost effective.
Which product is more environmentally friendly?
Asphalt is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Any other questions?
If you would like us to answer any further questions with regards to tarmac and asphalt products, please feel free to call a member of our team on 01992 652 477 today.
Alternatively, if you are considering a surfacing project and are looking for a surfacing contractor with an outstanding reputation for both delivery and service, we’d love to hear from you. For a free, no obligation quotation
Residential driveway in Chigwell, Essex
Chigwell, Essex
Providing residential driveways to homes in Chigwell
Bestco Surfacing have been providing residential driveways for numerous years and were pleased to be awarded the contract to deliver a new driveway access for a stately home in Manor Road, Chigwell, Essex for a private client.
Not only do we as a business offer a range of road and paving surfacing solutions across the commercial sector, but we also work alongside residential property owners to deliver complete driveway solutions including property access, driveways, car ports, sports courts and more.
This driveway access surfacing project took the Bestco Surfacing team 4 days to complete. This included taking up the existing road, preparing the area for new materials and resurfacing the asphalt driveway with a resin finish.
Materials used included:
- Geotextile terram
- Type 1 granite subbase
- 14 mm open graded binder course
- Resin bound finish
The client was absolutely delighted with the end result, as were the team here at Bestco. With Manor Road dubbed one of the ‘millionaires’ row’ of Essex, it was of high importance that the driveway was finished to the highest standard, which is something we always strive to achieve no matter what project here at Bestco.
Are you a homeowner in need of a quotation?
If you’re a residential property owner looking to resurface your residential driveway, we’d be delighted to assist. Get a free no obligation quotation or call a member of the team on 01992 652 477 today.
Related projects & information…
About Us
A Family Run Surfacing Company
We are a family run business that has delivered tarmac and asphalt surfacing since our business was first initiated in 1978. We have been an unparalleled local surfacing and tarmac company operating across Hertfordshire, Essex, London, Bedfordshire and the Home Counties for several decades and our range of specialist services include:
Our Team
Our team of esteemed paving contractors pride themselves on their experience, efficiency and exceptionally high standards that set them apart from other surfacing companies in the area. As a company, we are extremely proud of our team, their work ethic and their commitment and determination to provide the very best possible outcome for both commercial and residential clients.
Our Promise To You
Our business has been built upon our reputation. Something we are extremely proud of and continue to be proud of each day. Our directors not only work daily ‘on the business’ but also ‘in the business’ ensuring service delivery at all times. As a company, when retaining the services of Bestco Surfacing, the tarmac company you can rely on – we promise the following:
Exceptional customer care
We will always strive to provide a professional service supported by extensive industry expertise to give you seamless support when making the best choice for your road surfacing project. Not only do we want to meet customers’ expectations – we want to exceed them.
State of the art equipment
By using an impressive range of technology, our dedicated team of highly skilled professionals ensure we deliver outstanding workmanship and customer service to offer a broad range of services from residential driveways / driveway ideas right through to commercial road surfacing at all times. No matter how small or large the project is, state of the art equipment will be used at all times.
A tailored service to suit everyone
Whether you are a commercial or residential client seeking assistance in road surfacing, tarmac drives or groundwork projects, we’ve got it covered. We are your ‘go to’ driveway ideas company.
The same approach to every project
We approach each and every new project with the same meticulous, passionate approach to advise you on the most suited application no matter how large or small the project and budget are.
Complete transparency
There will be no hidden costs within our quotations. We will be totally transparent in our costs to you from the outset. You only have to take a look at our testimonial page to see real reviews from our customers who have enjoyed the Bestco service.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT OUR FOUNDER, CLIFF BEST
Cliff founded Bestco Surfacing Ltd in 1978 and has since spent over four decades working in and around Hertfordshire, Essex, London, Bedfordshire and the Home Counties.
During this time, Cliff dedicated himself to enhancing the aesthetics and practicality of homes and commercial spaces. He has worked on a wide range of projects, ranging from tar spraying and surface dressing right through to resurfacing large-scale commercial spaces such as car parks.
Cliff works daily ‘in the business’ and ‘on the business’ and is committed to delivering first class tarmac drives and surfaces across the region.
ARRANGE A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERT ADVISORS
To discuss your project needs and receive your unique, no obligation quote, please feel free to contact us. A member of our team can also arrange a free visit to build an on-site quote if your project needs to consider specific requirements.
Home
BESTCO SURFACING LTD – EXPERTS IN MACADAM PAVING SOLUTIONS
Welcome to Bestco Surfacing Ltd – tarmac and surfacing contractors based in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.
We work with both commercial and residential clients across Hertfordshire, Essex, London, Bedfordshire and the Home Counties, providing professionalism backed up by extensive expertise across the tarmacadam and asphalt industry.
Whether you are a corporate or residential client, the team here at Bestco Surfacing are here to help you make the best choice for your surfacing needs. We are well known within the industry as the ‘tarmac specialist’ of choice.
Working with both commercial and residential clients on road surfacing, driveways and groundworks projects, our team are on hand and able to advise on the right type of application, budget and timescale to complete your project.
The Advantages Of Surface Dressing
To guarantee the very best road surfaces for vehicles, it’s vital that the road is surfaced correctly, but also maintained effectively. Various approaches can be carried out to ensure this, with one of the most effective being surface dressing.
What is surface dressing?
Surface dressing is considered as one of the very best methods to prolong the life of road surfaces, often because it’s very cost-effective and easy to perform. The process involves applying a new layer of bitumen across the road surface, at which point stone chippings are then scattered and eventually flattened by machinery to create a smooth and flat surface.
When is it carried out?
Despite how effective surface dressing is, it can’t be applied in all situations. Ideal conditions for this approach is when the road surface and paving is still in a relatively good condition, but cracks and wear & tear are starting to appear. It’s worth noting, that this is not a viable solution if the road surface has been subject to major damage, as that will require excavation work and new paving.
Advantages of surface dressing
- Improves skidding resistance
The more that roads are used, the less grip there is to use for vehicles. Fortunately, with a surface dressing, the road’s skidding resistance will significantly improve, decreasing the chances for vehicles to skid or lose grip.
- Helps to make the road waterproof
Especially with surfacing materials such as asphalt or tarmac, large cracks in the road can lead to significant water damage within the surface layer, causing further damage if left untreated. Through surface dressing, the whole surface will become waterproof due to the bitumen layer and stones that fill in any cracks, helping to maintain the waterproof nature of the roads.
- Stable and smooth roads
Especially for older roads, it’s likely that large potholes are apparent, which can be very dangerous for drivers. Additionally, they have likely become very chipped, creating an unstable and rough surface to drive on. However, as mentioned previously, the whole surface with the new layer will be flattened with machinery, creating a stable and smooth surface for drivers.
- Quick to surface
As surface dressing simply involves applying a new layer over the existing infrastructure, surface contractors can complete sections of road in a matter of hours, which is a massive timesaver compared to a complete resurfacing project.
- Pro-long maintenance
If surfacing dressing is completed to the very best level by the surfacing contractors, it’s estimated the final finish will prolong the life of the road by up to 15 years, whereas different solutions last around half as long. This is as well as not needing additional maintenance treatment, further reducing material and labouring costs.
- Cost-effective
Finally, surface dressing is also very cost-effective compared to alternative solutions, most notably complete excavation and surfacing of a new road surface. Due to the process involved, very little money is required for materials and labouring, which compared against how long-lasting the surface dressing is, creates a very cost-effective solution.
Contact the experts today
If you feel that a local road, driveway or private residence need help from experienced surfacing dressing contractors, look no further than Bestco Surfacing. Having been in operation since 1978, we have gained a glowing reputation thanks to our world-class surfacing skills and exceptional customer service.
By contacting our team today, you can obtain a free no-obligation quotation for your specific project – simply head over to our contact page to obtain yours. However, if you have any questions in the meantime, we suggest calling 01992 652 477 where one of our friendly consultants will be happy to have a chat about your requirements.
The Benefits of Having a Driveway
Unfortunately, not all properties in the UK have a driveway and this can be a make or break factor when deciding on your next home. Even if the property doesn’t currently have a usable driveway if there is space outside the front of the property and a drop-down curb, then there is definitely potential. Here at Bestco Surfacing, we completely understand that installing a driveway can seem very daunting but there are so many benefits of having one, so let us talk you through a few of them.
Ease of access
With the majority of households having more than one car, it can be incredibly difficult to park on the road outside of your home and it can be so frustrating to have to drive back and forth looking for a parking space at the end of a working day. Knowing that you can simply pull straight onto your drive will take away all of the stress of parking every time you leave the house.
A driveway also makes everyday activities much easier, such as bringing in the shopping or removing car seats. Many people underestimate the beauty of having their own driveway and we can assure you that once you have had one, there is no going back.
Safety
If you live on a busy road and have young children getting everyone into the car safely can be a serious mission, especially if you are parked on the road. Worrying about oncoming cars and having to open the doors wide enough to get children into car seats doesn’t need to be a daily occurrence. Knowing that your children are safe on your driveway and that you have all of the room you require to ensure they are safely in the car will be such a big relief.
Parking on the road doesn’t just put yours and your families lives in danger but it also isn’t safe for your car. Any passing vehicle can easily hit your car and cause detrimental damage. It is also more common for cars to be stolen or broken into when they are parked on the road. A driveway is a real deterrent to any thieves. You will find that parking on a driveway has an impact on the cost of your car insurance, as many companies know how much safer it is to park on a driveway.
Adding value to your property
It is no secret that the exterior of your property is just as important as the interior when you’re getting your property valued. All valuers take into account areas such as gardens, driveways and patios when providing you with your valuation. We can guarantee you that the lack of a driveway or even unkempt grass verges, cracked paving stones and mismatched paving slabs will not only affect the price of your property but be a turn off any potential buyer.
Not only will a high-quality driveway add value to your property, but it will also make it much easier to sell your property. A driveway is often a must-have for those looking to move home and it isn’t uncommon for people to turn down a viewing due to the property not having a driveway. If you want to give yourselves the best chance of making money on your property and a quick sale, then a driveway is definitely something to be considered.
Aesthetically pleasing
Your property is usually one of your biggest investments and of course, you will want it to look good. We are all happy to regularly redecorate the interior of our properties and spend a lot of money on furnishings to ensure your rooms look good but what about the exterior of your property? You will be surprised how different your property will look when you lay a driveway. Your driveway and the exterior of your property is the first thing that any guests will see and in order to make a good first impression, you should ensure that these areas aren’t just practical but they are also aesthetically pleasing.
Summary
Overall, laying a driveway may require a little investment and time initially but you can then reap its benefits for many years. With lots of different options to choose from such as asphalt driveways, tarmac driveways and block paving driveways, you can find the perfect solution for you. Simply contact driveway contractors like our team here at Bestco Surfacing and we can go over these options with you in further detail.
Choosing the Right Car Park Material for Your Business
There are a number of car park surfaces to choose from — what car park materials best suit the needs of your business?
Just as every business is individual and unique, each and every parking facility is different in terms of design, usage and locale. When it comes to choosing the right car park material for your business, you will have to take into account your preferences and requirements — there is no one-size-fits-all material to suit all business car parks. What we do know, however, is that your car park should be carefully designed to withstand seasonal weather conditions and large volumes of traffic. A hasty decision can result in more money spent in the long run due to maintenance costs.
Here at Bestco Surfacing, we have put together a guide to help you decide what car park surfaces are best for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Loose Gravel — A Cheap and Quick Option
Loose gravel is a popular option due to the fact that it is cheap while also being easy to lay down. It can lend a lot of character to a car park, and as it is loose, it is quite forgiving when laid on land with slight imperfections. There’s a range of choice in terms of size, colour and texture, and there is also something quite satisfying about the crunching sound of gravel under your car’s wheels.
On the other hand, gravel driveways eventually “bed down”, which makes them susceptible to invasions of dirt and weeds. Maintenance will be required in the form of clearing weeds and spraying weed killer. On top of this, you’ll need to occasionally sweep gravel that has escaped the car park. Eventually, despite your constant efforts at maintenance, you’ll need to get the loose gravel relayed, especially if you have a particularly busy car park, as the gravel will break down and compact.
Tarmacadam Car Parks — A Resistant and Colourful Car Park Material
At Bestco Surfacing, our tarmacadam driveways are made using layers of crushed stones coated in tar. This creates a solid and durable base ideal for car parks. We also layer a top coat onto the tarmacadam to provide colour and water resistance.
There are also personalisation options where tarmac is concerned. You are no longer just restricted to one colour. Instead of black, you can go for a brighter colour, perhaps selecting a hue that best matches your company branding. We offer tarmac in a variety of colours, including green, blue and red, giving you an eye-catching way of welcoming your clients.
When tarmac is laid properly, it is durable, reliable and smooth, while also being quite easy to repair. On the downside, bitumen can dissolve or melt when oils such as diesel come into contact with the surface. Weed growth through tarmac can also be difficult to avoid. To play it safe, be sure to hire a surfacing company that is highly experienced in this area.
Asphalt — A Tough and Long-Lasting Surface
Asphalt is a tough and durable waterproof membrane known for its longevity. It is a popular material choice for car parks and bridges as it is high quality, low maintenance and long-lasting — unlike concrete, asphalt is not normally affected by freezing temperatures or extended salt use.
Asphalt car parks offer a lot of benefits over car parks made from other materials. Asphalt offers a smooth and sleek look that demonstrates how much you care about the appearance of your property and, therefore, your business. Furthermore, asphalt is strong and virtually waterproof, which means it will resist erosion typically caused by rainfall. If time is a factor, this road surfacing option might appeal, too, given that asphalt is usually ready for use after a 48-hour drying and setting time.
Once asphalt is dry, it is relatively low maintenance — your car park will look fresh and new for a good stretch of time. What’s more, it is relatively easy to repair and resurface if damaged.
On the downside, if laid in larger areas, asphalt is susceptible to cracking — so take into account the size of your car park before deciding your preferred material. Furthermore, though asphalt isn’t affected by freezing temperatures, it is negatively affected by heat — higher temperatures can cause the surface to shrink and produce an oily sheen.
Concrete — A Great Choice for Busy Businesses
Concrete is well known for its longevity. Even with regular vehicle use, a concrete car park can last up to fifty years and require very little maintenance. Concrete car parks also allow for easy line marking. Concrete commercial car parks tend to be better suited to hot weather — they don’t become soft or expand during the summer months — and, like tarmacadam, there are a number of customisation options for you to choose from. Concrete can be made in a variety of textures and colours, and it’s also an environmentally friendly option, as concrete is 100% recyclable.
On the downside, concrete car parks tend to be a pricey option for larger car parks, such as for office blocks, warehouses and shopping centres. It is also more expensive to install (when compared to asphalt) and requires a long curing time. Concrete can take up to seven days to properly cure. If you’re considering this material for your business’s car park, you should also know that concrete is subject to frost heaves and requires water runoff management as, unlike asphalt, it is not permeable.
Resin-Bound Car Parks — An Attractive Alternative to a Traditional Car Park
More and more people and businesses are moving away from grey and dull traditional car parks in favour of something more attractive and with a natural look. This is where resin-bound car parks step in — they create an aesthetically pleasing car park while also being strong and durable.
Resin-bound surfacing (also known as trowelled paving) is composed of a blend of aggregates coated in a clear UV-stable polyurethane resin. You can create your own desired look using a range of colours to personalise your business car park, giving it a beautiful stony appearance that won’t scatter underfoot. It’s a great choice for a family-run SME — resin-bound surfacing will make your clients and customers instantly feel at home.
Resin-bound surfacing has a quick setting time and requires only a quick pressure wash periodically to maintain its appearance and keep it looking immaculate.
Why Choose Bestco Surfacing?
Bestco Surfacing has been in operation since 1978, making us one of the most experienced firms available for commercial surfacing projects.
Bestco Surfacing has worked with businesses large and small, including BT, NHS and Network Rail. We have a reputation for delivering exceptional levels of service and we’ll work closely with you to ensure the right choice for your business car park.
Bestco Surfacing has been providing asphalting and commercial road surfacing to enterprises for over 40 years. With us, you can rest assured you’ll receive an exceptional level of service. If you’re a business in Hertfordshire or the Home Counties, get in touch today on 07992 652 477 and we’ll provide you with a free no-obligation quote.
Driveway Maintenance and Repair: The Ultimate Guide
Investing in the repair and maintenance of your driveway is crucial in order to create the best first impression for guests when they enter your home. This is especially vital if you are planning to sell your home, as prospective buyers will assume a poorly maintained driveway is an indication that the rest of the house will be in a similar condition.
Just by having a driveway, you can already expect to see a 10% markup on your home’s value, as having a private parking space is seen as a premium feature. If you want to maximise this benefit, read our short guide on the cost to repair and maintain one of your home’s best assets.
How Do You Maintain a Driveway?
In this blog post, we will talk about the two major residential driveway services that we offer in order to effectively maintain your driveway. These are:
- Driveway Resurfacing
- Sealing Your Driveway
Maintaining and repairing your driveway is about being vigilant and proactive with the care of your driveway. Noticing slight changes like cracks, potholes or stains and reacting to them will leave you with a driveway that has a solid foundation and looks brand new. It’s also good to be able to recognise when you might need some professional assistance.
As a general rule, it is better to get a helping hand when your driveway is beginning to deteriorate, rather than reach out for help down the line when the foundation may be compromised. Resurfacing and resealing your driveway is a much more straightforward and cost-effective process than laying down a fresh one.
It’s worth noting that other independent actions like intensive cleaning and avoiding heavy vehicle use will dramatically extend the lifetime of your driveway. On another note, repairing your driveway is about targeting damage, while maintaining your driveway can involve installing upgrades. We offer design services for real home enthusiasts, including coloured tarmac driveways. This is a great option if you want to switch up the look of your entrance. You can even finish your designer driveway off with decorative paving. Check out our recent portfolio case studies to see some of our favourite work.
What Is the Cost to Resurface a Driveway?
Resurfacing your existing driveway is an easy option that will add a polished feel to the exterior of your home. We offer resurfacing projects as part of our varied range of residential driveway services.
The cost of resurfacing projects varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of driveway, the size of your driveway and the current condition of the driveway. For example, we cater to different types of driveways, including concrete, asphalt and gravel. Each material is dealt with slightly differently and an entire resurfacing project is not always necessary. If you’re looking to repair concrete driveway cracks, you may get away with fixing the targeted area if the rest of the driveway is in good condition.
As you can imagine, the larger a driveway is, the more expensive the cost of a resurfacing project will be. This means that, in most cases, you should expect to receive a quote based on the measurements of your driveway. To get an accurate idea of how much your driveway resurfacing will cost, we recommend that you request a free quote.
How Often Should Your Driveway Be Sealed?
If you have an asphalt driveway, you should consider resealing it regularly for the best results. Unfortunately, the turbulent weather and changing climate in the UK makes it advisable to reseal your asphalt driveway more frequently than if you lived elsewhere. The combination of dry, warm weather and wet seasons makes driveways in the UK more vulnerable to these surfacing issues. Sealing your driveway every three to four years is a good rule of thumb, however, some of our clients prefer to seal their driveway every year to properly protect their initial investment.
Resealing your driveway is the best method to retain the quality of your driveway’s surface and prevent permeation issues. As a bonus, maintaining your driveway in this manner could save you money in the long-run, as it should never need any major repairs. Sealing your driveway can prevent larger issues in the future by keeping concrete cracks at bay.
Looking to reseal or resurface your driveway? Discover the true cost of driveway maintenance and repair by requesting a free quote tailored to your individual needs.
Coloured Tarmac Driveways Are No Longer Restricted To One Colour
Are you thinking of installing a new driveway, but want something different? Well, the good news is you can choose any colour or finish you desire. Adding that splash of colour and distinctive surface finish can help give your driveway a new lease of life.
Eye-Catching Coloured Driveways
A coloured driveway is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd, instantly adding character to your home, while transforming the exterior of your property.
The most popular coloured driveways are red, green or blue, but you are welcome to choose whichever colour you think benefits your property the most. Driveways finished in red tarmacadam often have a border of contrasting grey block paving.
The colour is determined by the type of stone used, often adding an extra pigment. Though the binder surface will weather during the first year, the stone aggregate will keep its colour for decades to come. The surface offers excellent skid resistance and is hard wearing, so you can be assured of value for money in return for your investment.
There Are Many Different Driveway Finishes Available
With many colours and finishes available to choose from, you can be truly creative. Ranging from blue, for a restrained, yet distinctive appearance, to a more natural look. Buff coloured, or clear tarmac, for example, is a great way to resurface the driveway of a more traditional build.
Alternatively, if you want to create a more modern finish for your home’s driveway, then why not choose a light grey colour or pale blue?
Get A Durable and Colourful New Driveway
Colourful tarmac driveways not only look fantastic, but they are incredibly durable. Tarmac is such a resilient material, it can cope with heavy traffic for decades. Also, coloured tarmac doesn’t fade, so it will appear just as good a decade later.
You Can’t Get Better Than Bestco
Trusted by many large clients such as BT, The NHS and Network Rail, Bestco surfacing has provided professional asphalting and road surfacing for over 30 years. Working within Hertfordshire and the Home Counties, our friendly, professional and hard-working team are always happy to help and will always aim to work within your budget. We’d welcome the opportunity to give you an in-home consultation and free, no obligation, quote. Call us today: 01992 652 477