Driveway problem

mikehn · 30-11-2013 5:42pm #1

Hi
The (small)driveway at my parents house has seen better days, the area is only 22sq m. I was considering removing the old cold rolled tar which is down about 25 years with a view to relaying a new surface myself. It is for foot traffic mainly, I might put the car in two or three times a year if I was doing a bit of maintenance. Would anyone have any opinion on what "road" to go regarding a surface. The neighbour put concrete on hers years ago but money is scarce so i'm looking for the most cost effective way. There is a tarmac production facility about 20mins drive away that do sell to the public but i would imagine that it would be difficult to lay for a novice without a roller.

red sean · 01-12-2013 5:13pm

We'll do it for ya boss

You could give the measurement and thickness to the tarmac supplier who'll calculate how much you want and hire a roller from a tool hire co.
You'll also need a strong metal rake for levelling it before rolling. Ideally a two man job to spread, level and roll while the tarmac is still hot.
I've done it with a neighbour years ago and turned out fine.

philog · 02-12-2013 9:04am

22 sq metres of concrete at 4 inches thick (which is more than enough for your job ) is equal to slightly over 2 cubic metres of concrete ...couple of lads for 3 hours and its job done...cheaper and far better job than any tarmacadam .. my opinion anyway

reilig · 02-12-2013 1:04pm

What about some type of restorer for the existing tar?

http://www.smartseal.ie/products/36/54/Tarmac-Restorer-Tarmac-Sealer-20-litres.html

mikehn · 03-12-2013 1:48am

Thanks guys
3 options so far, the existing surface is down foe ages and has been patched(badly) many times, its just not good enough to treat unfortunatley.
I have never done anything in the tarmac line and I would def be more comfortable with concrete but I thought that the tarmac would be more forgiving to work with, if i hired a roller then then job could be done in one straight run and I would have access in a couple of hours. Still undecided, I need to cost the tarmac, I only have an open trailer and the trip back would take 20 mins, add the spread time so I am not sure about the time frame, would the load have cooled too much on the way back. I would hope to do it towards the end of next week as I would have the son around to give me a hand. I know bad time of the year as well to be doing something like this as well.

Safehands · 03-12-2013 11:21am

mikehn wrote: »

Thanks guys
3 options so far, the existing surface is down foe ages and has been patched(badly) many times, its just not good enough to treat unfortunatley.
I have never done anything in the tarmac line and I would def be more comfortable with concrete but I thought that the tarmac would be more forgiving to work with, if i hired a roller then then job could be done in one straight run and I would have access in a couple of hours. Still undecided, I need to cost the tarmac, I only have an open trailer and the trip back would take 20 mins, add the spread time so I am not sure about the time frame, would the load have cooled too much on the way back. I would hope to do it towards the end of next week as I would have the son around to give me a hand. I know bad time of the year as well to be doing something like this as well.

Bad, bad idea. Go the concrete route. A couple of hundred Euro gets you a job for life. Loads of finishes you can go for, trowelled, tamped, brushed or floated. Get 30N, don't add water, do it on a dry day with no rain or frost forecast. The last 3 weeks would have been a dream time to do it. Prepare a good solid base
before you lay and have about three men to help you. Job done!

Driveway problem

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