Resurfacing Driveway

Tarot Barnes

Tarot Barnes

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21 May 2016
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Hi,

Please forgive the naive question, but how difficult is it to resurface a tarmac driveway with bricks?

The reason I ask is because my drive, which is just about big enough for one car, has seen better days but the quotes I've been given for getting a professional to resurface it are well beyond my budget.

The tarmac itself is relatively easy to remove, and I have laid brick paths before but I know that there's a lot more weight on a drive; ordinarily I'd never consider it but the alternative is to wait at least a year while saving.

So... is it possible, or should I bite the bullet and wait?

Thank you
 
Are there any tyre tracks in your drive where the weight of the car has caused it to sink, if not then I would say your sub-base is probably sound enough just to remove the tarmac surface put down some laying sand or other suitable medium, give it a good wacking down & lay your brick sets. A drive is just a large path at the end of the day.
 
Hi,

So far as I can see, the only damage is where the tarmac itself has started to erode due to age. This is what gave me hope that, as you've said, the sub-base is strong, but I know little about drives and didn't want to risk anything without at least a more informed opinion.

Thank you.
 
You can only get an informed opinion if we know whats beneath the tarmac.

Suggest you do a couple of small test holes at least 150mm deep to see whats actually under there, one in the middle and one at the edge to establish exactly whats under the full width.

You can find a lot of info at this specialist site http://www.pavingexpert.com/blocks.htm
 
Hi,
Ok, I've dug a foot long trench in the side of the drive. It appears to be about an inch of tarmac atop three inches of crushed and compacted chalk. I was expecting to run into some kind of iron gridword, but couldn't find it before i hit soil (which is mostly sand).
I have to say though that in the four years I've lived here, I've never seen any sign of tracks or sinkage.

Thank you
 
Once you have lifted the tarmac I would wack the sub base down well & then the same with your laying medium, You know to use a couple of scaffold poles to screed your sand & set up the levels with don't you.
 
Hi,
I haven't encountered the term screed before, but I know what you mean.

Thanks for your help!
 
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